Center for American Progress Center for American Progress
Issues National Security Global Terrorism

Global Terrorism

Top Features

The Terrorism Index

A survey of foreign policy experts on U.S. security, foreign affairs, and America's place in the world.

Other Global Terrorism Features

November 13, 2009

New York's 9/11 Trial Justice

Putting the 9/11 suspects on trial in New York is the right move, but seeking the death penalty would be a strategic error, writes Ken Gude. By Ken Gude
July 22, 2009

Interactive Map: Leaders of Pakistan's Militant Groups

Interactive map shows the locations of Pakistan's militant leaders, gives information about their motivations and tactics, and shows where the Pakistani military is fighting them. By Caroline Wadhams, Colin Cookman
July 22, 2009

Faces of Pakistan's Militant Leaders

Militant commanders in Pakistan are often collectively referred to as “Taliban,” but they groups possess varied origins, motivations, tactics, and leadership. These profiles offer insight. By Caroline Wadhams, Colin Cookman
July 13, 2009

Yemen Threatens Regional Stability

Yemen is caught in a trap of instability that marginalizes the country and brings further instability; neighboring countries and the international community can no longer afford to ignore it. By Jeff Reger
June 9, 2009

An Important First Step in Actually Closing Guantánamo

The trial of a top Al Qaeda official in a U.S. court is a major step toward closing the prison camp at Guantánamo Bay, writes Ken Gude. By Ken Gude
May 28, 2009

Timeline: Militants Zero in on the Government

Interactive timeline shows that yesterday’s attack on Pakistan’s Inter-Service Intelligence agency is another in a string of attacks by militants against the Pakistani government. By Peter Juul
May 27, 2009

Video: Pakistan: Experts in the Field

Lawrence Korb, Brian Katulis, and Colin Cookman recently returned from a research trip to Pakistan, and this video chronicles what they found.
May 22, 2009

Back on Track to Close Guantánamo

President Barack Obama and former Vice President Dick Cheney outlined two very different approaches to Guantánamo yesterday, writes Ken Gude. By Ken Gude
April 22, 2009

We Have Become Our Enemies

The more we learn about the Bush administration’s torture regime, the more outrageous and inexcusable it becomes, writes Ken Gude. By Ken Gude
April 17, 2009

Opening up Bush's tortured logic

New memos reveal how the Bush administration approved torture. The world needs to know that America condemns it By Ken Gude
March 26, 2009

Seven Reasons Why We Need to Engage in Afghanistan

A sustained effort in Afghanistan is crucial to keeping the United States and its allies safe and to restoring stability to the entire region.
March 6, 2009

Weekly Round Up: March 2 - 6, 2009

CAP provided analysis of equal rights events this week, produced an interactive map of air strikes in Pakistan, and continued its analysis of the recession.
March 5, 2009

Threats, Options, and Risks in Pakistan

U.S. Predator missile strikes in Pakistan have risen in the past year, writes Colin Cookman. But the question remains, how effective are they? By Colin Cookman
March 5, 2009

Interactive Map: U.S. Airstrikes in Pakistan on the Rise

Interactive map shows an increase in U.S. airstrikes in Pakistan, many of which have been targeted at key members of Al Qaeda.
January 13, 2009

The First Step Toward Closing Guantánamo

Announcing the closure of Guantánamo and establishing a process to empty the prison is just a first step, but it's the right first step, writes Ken Gude. By Ken Gude
November 17, 2008

Partnership for Progress

Report from Caroline Wadhams, Brian Katulis, Lawrence J. Korb, and Colin Cookman offers a new strategy for prosperity and stability in Pakistan and the region. By Caroline Wadhams, Brian Katulis, Lawrence J. Korb, Colin Cookman
September 12, 2008

Public Opinion Snapshot: What the Public Thinks on the Anniversary of 9/11

The public has lost hope that we’ll ever catch Bin Laden, and the majority now think that Iraq was a mistake, writes Ruy Teixeira. By Ruy Teixeira
September 11, 2008

Seven Years After 9/11

Caroline Wadhams discusses how global terrorism has changed since 9/11, the biggest threats facing the United States right now, and how to make America safer. By Caroline Wadhams
July 30, 2008

Crisis in Waiting

The warning signs are growing that Pakistan is probably the crisis that will test the leadership of the next administration, writes Brian Katulis. By Brian Katulis
May 5, 2008

What to Do About the Terrorist Safe Haven in Pakistan

What are the Federally Administered Tribal Areas? Why should we be concerned about them? And what can we do about them? By Caroline Wadhams
May 2, 2008

Another Clear Warning: State Department Report Shows Alarming Trend

Caroline Wadhams and Colin Cookman offer analysis of new State Department report that reiterates Al Qaeda and its affiliates are strengthening and expanding. By Caroline Wadhams, Colin Cookman
April 23, 2008

We Need a Plan for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas

Caroline Wadhams and Colin Cookman outline six strategic guideposts for addressing the Federally Administered Tribal Areas in Pakistan. By Caroline Wadhams, Colin Cookman
January 30, 2008

Shutter This Death Trap

By Spencer P. Boyer
December 27, 2007

Pakistan Front and Center: Bhutto Assassination Adds to Crisis

The political crisis was palpable when I left the country last week, writes Brian Katulis, but Bhutto's murder will require greater U.S. resolve. By Brian Katulis
December 10, 2007

40 Reasons to Reengage in Afghanistan

The mission in Afghanistan is in jeopardy, and we cannot afford to lose. The good news is that we can succeed if we reengage.
December 5, 2007

Return to a Proven Path: Established Systems Can Handle Terrorists

Hoffman and Gude argue that the criminal justice system can be used to try terrorists without undermining liberties or efforts to combat terrorism. By Michael Hoffman, Ken Gude
November 1, 2007

Cassandra’s Conundrum

By Joseph Cirincione
October 22, 2007

Crib Sheet: "Islamofascism"

By Annika Carlson, Sarah Dreier
September 20, 2007

Insuring Against Terrorism

As long as the U.S. faces a significant threat from terrorist networks, we must ensure the economy is properly protected, says P.J. Crowley. By P.J. Crowley
September 10, 2007

The Abandoned Front in the War on Terrorism

While conservatives have been focusing on Iraq, Al Qaeda and the Taliban have been rebuilding their capabilities in Afghanistan and Pakistan. By Caroline Wadhams, Leah Greenberg
September 7, 2007

Key Questions on the White House Report and Petraeus-Crocker Testimony

Making sure the American public gets the full facts on Iraq when Gen. Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker present their case to Congress. By John Podesta, Lawrence J. Korb, Brian Katulis
September 6, 2007

Interactive Map: Al Qaeda Attacks Around the World

The war in Iraq has distracted attention and diverted resources away from the fight against terrorism worldwide.
September 5, 2007

CAP Interviews John Feal, 9/11 First Responder and Founder of the FealGood Foundation

John Feal was a 9/11 first responder who has made it his mission to help other heroes in need of medical care and financial assistance.
August 20, 2007

The Terrorism Index

CAP and FOREIGN POLICY find that top security experts believe the world is becoming more dangerous for the U.S. and the American people.
August 7, 2007

Europe Confronts Islam

Reluctance to embrace the Muslim community in Western Europe threatens to alienate people who are key to curbing future terrorist attacks. By Andrew Tillman
July 13, 2007

Public Opinion Snapshot: Public Understands the “War on Terror” Isn’t Working

The public understands what the CIA knows and the president won’t admit: we’re not winning the war against our terrorist enemies. By Ruy Teixeira
June 26, 2007

Habeas Corpus Extends to Gitmo

Bush may or may not close Gitmo, but Congress still needs to ensure anyone can challenge their confinement in court, says Ken Gude. By Ken Gude
June 12, 2007

A Path to a Stable North Africa: Preventing Another Terror Haven

To prevent the region from becoming a breeding ground for terrorism, the U.S. should urge a resolution of the Western Sahara dispute.
June 7, 2007

One Small Step for Biosecurity: CAP Reform Proposal Bears Fruit

The Bush administration’s troubled BioShield program finds its feet thanks to change in financing terms promoted by CAP experts.
June 6, 2007

Toward A Stable Afghanistan: Economic Aid Long Overdue

A stable Afghanistan, inhospitable to terrorists as a safe haven, is within reach if Congress approves aid, says Caroline Wadhams. By Caroline Wadhams
April 30, 2007

How to Resolve the Iranian Nukes Crisis, In Just Three Steps

Confused about the Iranian nukes crisis? Here's an explanation of the situation and how CAP's experts think we should handle it.
March 21, 2007

Rethinking Our Strategy on Terrorism

Experts surveyed in the recent Terrorism Index overwhelmingly agree that the U.S. must shift its focus in the war on global terrorist networks.
March 20, 2007

The Energy Warp

Peter Ogden outlines a strategy for boosting our national security by reducing dependence on oil from unstable and hostile regimes. By Peter Ogden
March 19, 2007

Iraq By the Numbers

The U.S.-led invasion of Iraq began four years ago. Here's an assessment of what the war has cost us in lives, funds, and lost opportunities.
March 5, 2007

Lessons from the Somalia Bombing

By Lawrence J. Korb, Max Bergmann
February 27, 2007

Getting on the Security Train

P.J. Crowley says new legislation is a good first step, but better rail and chemical security must anticipate vulnerabilities and fix them now. By P.J. Crowley
February 14, 2007

Assessing Our National Security

Reps. Reyes and Shays highlight findings of the new, nonpartisan survey of top foreign policy experts from CAP and FOREIGN POLICY.
February 13, 2007

The Terrorism Index

CAP and FOREIGN POLICY find that top security experts believe the world is becoming more dangerous for the U.S. and the American people.
January 18, 2007

Harboring Terrorists

Senior Policy Analyst Caroline Wadhams outlines an action plan for eliminating al-Qaeda’s power in the Middle East. By Caroline Wadhams
January 11, 2007

After Iraq: The Next Steps in the "War on Terror"

Richard Clark says: escalation is not the answer, and continued military involvement is a distraction, a magnet for terrorism, and a waste of lives.

» More

Where We Stand on National Security

CAP’s national security approach embodies progressive traditions that have protected our nation and nurtured our democratic ideals and freedom at home and abroad. Our policy priorities secure our country from attack and protect our national security interests abroad by ensuring our military forces are capable and ready, and our democratic alliances are strong and enduring. We understand that integrated military, diplomatic, and economic power guided by progressive ideals makes us safer and more prosperous.