CriticalThreats.org was established by AEI to provide objective analysis of existing and emerging threats to worldwide security.

LEARN MORE

More CTP Analysis

Recent in-depth pieces on frontline issues from the CriticalThreats team

  1. Al Shabaab's First "News" Video: An Effort to Recruit Westerners and Expel Peacekeepers

    An increasing number of Americans have recently attempted to travel to Somalia to fight with the terrorist group al Shabaab. The group's most recent propaganda video reveals much about its efforts to expel peacekeepers and welcome foreign fighters - including Americans.

  2. The al Qaeda Threat from West Africa and the Maghreb: French Hostage Execution and Beyond

    On July 24, AQIM announced that it had killed the French hostage Michel Germaneau. The killing, details revealed by a joint French-Mauritanian raid on July 22, and other developments (including an AQIM expansion into Niger), reveal an increased AQIM threat. The West must reassess security policy in the region.

  3. A Democratic Beacon of Hope in a Dangerous Part of the World

    Just north of Somalia - a country largely controlled by terrorists - the self-declared state of Somaliland has conducted a peaceful transfer of power between opposing political parties one month after free and fair elections. CTP takes a look at this beacon of hope in a dangerous part of the world.

  4. Al Shabaab's First International Strike: Analysis of the July 11 Uganda Bombings

    The al Qaeda-linked Somali terror group al Shabaab has claimed credit for Sunday’s bombings in Uganda. The attack demonstrates al Shabaab’s capability to follow up on its threats to strike internationally and contributes to its goal of receiving recognition from al Qaeda. Click here for full analysis.

  5. Expanding the Campaign of Violence: Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula's English-Language Magazine

    Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula’s published an English-language magazine, Inspire, the first of its kind from an al Qaeda franchise’s media arm. The magazine includes justifications for smaller, more frequent attacks on common targets and provides the knowledge to execute such attacks.

  6. How al Qaeda Prepares Attacks Against the West

    Details brought to light by the July 7-8 rollup in the U.S., U.K., Norway, and Germany and other events reveal the outlines of a terror attack assembly line that manages would-be terrorists from the time they are recruited until days before they execute an attack. Read more here.

  7. The Partitioning of Somalia: Islamists Strengthened Against Western-Backed Government

    Internal developments in Somalia have increased the threat to the UN-supported Transitional Federal Government. De facto, geographic partitioning of Somalia between al Shabaab and Hizb al Islam has enabled both groups to refocus their energies against the TFG.

  8. Does al Qaeda Threaten the World Cup?

    On June 11, the World Cup will begin in South Africa. Al Shabaab, tied to two New Jersey men arrested in the U.S. on June 6, was linked to a plot to target Western interests in South Africa in September 2009. See here for analysis of these and other potential security concerns

all recent analysis

CTP News Briefs

Daily data on security, political, and economic trends in Critical Threats' focus areas.

  1. Pakistan Security Brief

    Pakistan Security Brief - September 2, 2010

    Death toll rises in Lahore triple suicide attack; State Department designates TTP as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, issues rewards for Hakimullah Mehsud and Wali-ur-Rehman; Justice Department unveils charges against Hakimullah Mehsud.

  2. Gulf of Aden Security Review

    Gulf of Aden Security Review - September 2, 2010

    Yemen: U.S. Central Command seeks $1.2 billion funding boost for Yemeni forces over five years; weapons, ammunition seized in Amran governorate; Khawlan tribesmen release brother of Supreme Judicial Council's head; AQAP leader in Ma’rib governorate renounces agreement with government; Yemeni foreign minister reiterates denial of foreign forces in Yemen. Horn of Africa: Reprieve in violence in Mogadishu after ten consecutive days of fighting; al Shabaab official predicts air raids on Mogadishu; senior Somaliland security official killed in Las Anod; Radio Daljir journalist stabbed to death in Puntland; Minnesota Somalis meet with FBI, denounce al Shabaab; Uganda deploys additional 750 peacekeepers to Somalia; Somali officials and pirates reach agreement in fight against al Shabaab, pirates work with both sides; EU announces additional €47 million in aid to support peacekeeping efforts in Somalia.

  3. Pakistan Security Brief

    Pakistan Security Brief - September 1, 2010

    Triple suicide blast in Lahore; airstrikes target Lashkar-e-Islam hideouts in Khyber Agency; Pakistani military officers depart U.S. in protest of “unwarranted” treatment after being pulled off of a United Airlines flight for additional security screening; Prime Minister Gilani says that floods will lead to decline in economic growth, rise in inflation in the coming year.

  4. Gulf of Aden Security Review

    Gulf of Aden Security Review - September 1, 2010

    Yemen: Yemeni government and al Houthi rebels agree to timetable extension for implementing 2007 Qatari-brokered peace deal; three Yemeni troops kidnapped, security checkpoint attacked in Amran governorate; assassination attempt made against military commander in southern Yemen; Khawlan tribesmen kidnap Supreme Judicial Council head’s brother in Sana’a. Horn of Africa: Hizb al Islam leader calls on AMISOM forces to leave Somalia, tells Somali president to step down; heavy fighting enters ninth consecutive day, killing four civilians; roadside bomb kills at least eight civilians, injures 25 others; TFG denies presence of Ethiopian troops in Somalia.

  5. Iran News Roundup

    Iran News Roundup August 31, 2010

    Ahmadinejad’s office rejects reports on Mashaei’s meeting with former U.S. envoy; Rafsanjani calls for massive participation of Muslims at Quds Day rallies; Iranian foreign ministry criticizes local media calling French first lady ‘prostitute’; Supreme Leader calls on Muslims to help flood-hit Pakistanis; Rafsanjani accuses West of nurturing terrorism; Iranian intelligence minister accuses opposition leaders of receiving foreign aid; IRGC says Zionist regime to face annihilation; Iran to produce Tehran’s nuclear reactor fuel within year; Iran to resume export of natural gas to Turkey within week

more