Terrorism

Guns Are Fueling the Rise in Domestic Extremist Violence Across the Country

The rise in domestic extremism across the country is being fueled by easy access to guns and dangerous right-wing propaganda.

In the Aftermath of the White Supremacist Buffalo Terror Attack, These Policies Could Help Prevent Future Hate-Fueled Crimes

It is vital that policymakers take immediate action to address the scourge of guns and hate.

Personal Reflections on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11

Staff and fellows at the Center for American Progress share how 9/11 changed their lives.

The Lessons Learned for U.S. National Security Policy in the 20 Years Since 9/11

There were important gains coming out of America’s post-9/11 foreign policy, but some important successes came at great strategic, material, and human costs.

4 First Steps for Congress To Address White Supremacist Terrorism

As tensions rise ahead of the upcoming election, the 116th Congress can and should act now to confront the surge in violent white supremacy across the country.

The Future of U.S.-Jordanian Counterterrorism Cooperation

As the United States and Jordan enter the next phase of bilateral counterterrorism cooperation, they should work together to continue to strengthen Jordan’s security services.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Guantanamo

Trump’s momentary flirtation with Guantanamo only served to expose its failures and the hypocrisy of Republicans’ fight to keep it open.

Losing the War of Ideas

Battlefield victories will prove short-lived without a more focused strategy to tackle terrorist ideology.

Trump Needs to Understand and Respect These 6 Basic Rules of Counterterrorism

President Trump is ignoring cardinal rules of effective counterterrorism to the detriment of American security and the benefit of the nation’s enemies.

After Liberation

If the U.S. investment in military operations in Iraq is to pay lasting dividends and set the scene for long-term success in the region, it must be accompanied by stabilization efforts in areas liberated from the Islamic State.

Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction

The Role of the U.S.-Japan Alliance

Anti-Muslim Sentiment Is a Serious Threat to American Security

ISIS is following a clear and determined strategy to provoke an anti-Muslim backlash and ignite a clash of civilizations.

The Terror Gap

With the ever-present threat of lone-wolf and homegrown terrorists perpetrating attacks on American soil, it is important to close the terror gap in order to prevent known terror suspects from easily purchasing guns.

Blood, Oil, and Cash: Confronting Terror Finance in Today’s Middle East

Confronting the Terror Finance Challenge in Today’s Middle East

The United States must update its terror finance policy framework to meet new challenges and enduring threats from state actors and nonstate groups.

Understanding ISIS

An Ounce of Prevention

To save lives and blunt the impact of the terror tactics used by ISIS and other militant groups, the United States and other countries must cooperate to stem the flow of improvised explosive device, or IED, components and reinforce global partnership.

It’s the USA Freedom Act or Nothing

Sen. Mitch McConnell has a simple choice: reform government surveillance or see it expire.

Security in Afghanistan: 5 Key Areas for U.S. Action

Any adjustment to the withdrawal timeline of U.S. troops from Afghanistan must consider the critical needs of the Afghan National Security Forces.

To Stem the Flow of Illicit Drugs from Afghanistan, Follow the Money

Afghanistan is the world’s largest producer of opium. Curbing the drug trade will require enhanced efforts to monitor the flow of illicit financial funds, as well as Afghan political will to enforce action.

Building Foreign Security Forces as a Counterterrorism Strategy Is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Approach

Before embarking on a new $5 billion fund to support foreign counterterrorism efforts, the United States should closely examine its record in helping to build security-force capacity in the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia.

On the Brink: Managing the ISIS Threat in Iraq

The Obama administration needs to launch a comprehensive strategy for the region and prepare for the possible targeted use of force in Iraq to halt the rise of a new terrorist group that could threaten America.

U.S. Middle East Policy at a Time of Regional Fragmentation and Competition

A new era of extremism, sectarianism, and competition between regional powers requires the United States to update its regional strategy.

Jordan in the Eye of the Storm

As Jordan wrestles with the effects of the Arab uprisings and the Syrian civil war, the United States should support the country’s political and economic reform.

Looking Ahead to Egypt’s Uncertain Summer of Trials and Tribulations

There is no doubt about who will win Egypt’s upcoming presidential election, but what the next president will do—and whether Egypt will stabilize—remains unclear.

What Has to Happen to Close Guantanamo Bay This Year

A closer look reveals achievable steps to close the prison in 11 months.

Moving Beyond 9/11: The United States Needs a Broader-Based and Sustainable Counterterrorism Policy

The eventual demise of Al Qaeda will require the United States to formulate a broader-based and sustainable counterterrorism strategy that shifts from a “war on terror” approach to embrace a range of tools to combat new foreign threats.

‘Zero Dark Thirty’ Is Right: Torture Was Useless in Finding Bin Laden

The critically acclaimed movie highlights the folly of and the moral cost associated with the use of enhanced interrogation techniques.

Right-Wing Extremists Aren’t the Lone Wolves They Seem to Be

The rise in right-wing extremist and white-supremacist attacks suggests that these radicals are part of larger movements that are gaining support, a trend that we must pay attention to as our country becomes more diverse.

Interactive Map: Al Qaeda After Osama bin Laden By the Numbers

Ken Sofer shows that the terrorist organization is significantly weaker a year after its leader’s death.

The Unaddressed Threat of Female Suicide Bombers

Ken Sofer and Jennifer Addison discuss why we need to acknowledge the growing number of female attacks in our counterterrorism strategy.

Iranian Terror Operations on American Soil

CAP Senior Fellow Lawrence Korb testifies before the House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence and Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Management.

A Victory for the United States but Not the Defeat of Al Qaeda in Yemen

Anwar al-Awlaki’s lawful killing removes a genuine threat to the United States, but it brings Yemen no closer to peace and stability, writes Ken Gude.

The Evolution of Terrorism Since 9/11

We’ve been successful in dismantling transnational terrorist networks such as Al Qaeda in the last 10 years, writes Ken Sofer. But we need to prepare for smaller, domestic threats.

What Have We Learned in the 10 Years Since 9/11?

Bishop Gene Robinson asks us to reflect on what we've learned since the 9/11 events.

Conservatives Once Again Play Politics with U.S. Counterterrorism Policy

An op-ed by Sens. Joe Lieberman and Kelly Ayotte gets it wrong again on the best way to prosecute terrorists, writes Ken Gude.

More Efficient Counterterrorism

The Obama administration unveiled a promising new strategy to fight terrorism this week that will use smaller, more targeted operations, write Ken Gude, Ken Sofer, and Aaron Gurley.

A New Chapter

Lawrence Korb explains how bin Laden's death can help us put the struggle against terrorist groups with a global reach into proper perspective.

Understanding bin Laden’s Appeal

Osama bin Laden’s propaganda was based on real resentments against U.S. policy in the Middle East that we need to come to terms with, says Matthew Duss.

Osama’s Death Unites Americans that Came of Age After 9/11

Sam Fulwood III explores the complicated celebrations of American youth this past Sunday.

Another Way to Fight Terrorism

Bin Laden’s death and the Middle East uprisings present the Obama administration with an opportunity to shift to a more comprehensive counterterrorism strategy that recognizes a changing landscape, writes Sarah Margon.

Statement on Osama bin Laden’s Death

Center for American Progress President and Chief Executive Officer John Podesta joins America in celebration.

Upholding Our American Values

The biggest threat to bin Laden is precisely the kind of Islam embodied in the Cordoba Initiative mosque and community center, writes Ken Gude.

A Tale of Two Terrorists

Kevin Gude discusses broken ground in two terrorism cases in NYC and at Guantanamo Bay.

Tackling the Terrorist Threat at Home and Abroad

The Obama administration took the right approach with the recent Times Square bomb suspect—and it’s taking the right approach against terrorists abroad, too, write Ken Gude and Brian Katulis.

Terrorism in Yemen Rediscovered

Recent events serve as a reminder that there is no single central front in the war against Al Qaeda and that America needs to remain vigilant on multiple fronts, writes Brian Katulis.

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.

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.