West Africa

After the 9/11 attacks, The United States of America (USA) destroyed al Qaeda's established training bases and removed the Taliban from power in Afghanistan. Thus, al Qaeda is forced to find new havens to continue operating safely as well as new sources of recruits. Unfortunately, if the conditions in the ground do not change, West Africa will be the next recruiting front for Osama bin Laden's terrorist movement. This paper examines what al Qaeda wants in the region and what the terrorist organization is presently doing there to meet its goals. Lastly, the document will address the means and ways to thwart al Qaeda's efforts in West Africa.