Blaming Al Qaeda

Everything May Be True

Blaming Al Qaeda for terrorist attacks perpetrated in Iraq may well be absolutely correct. Al Qaeda is trying to boost it's influence in Iraq and such an increase in influence is exactly what the U.S fears might happen in Iraq. In successfully carrying out terrorist strikes against people viewed as "infidels" Al Qaeda stands to gain more local Sunni support. It is quite possible that this terrorist strike was organised and carried out by terrorist representing Al Qaeda. On the other hand, another alternative also presents itself. Perhaps blaming Al Qaeda is really not such a good idea.

Legitimising Al Qaeda

If Al Qaeda tries to operate in Iraq, it must do so with local Iraqis. In order for this to be feasible the local Iraqis need to believe that Al Qaeda is a successful organisation that knows what it is doing and is feared by the West. Terrorist organisations live off being publicised. Publicising the suspicion that the strikes were perpetrated by Al Qaeda gives the organisation of Al Qaeda exactly what they want. Al Qaeda wants to be seen as a powerful world wide terrorist organisation. Only if it is viewed as such will it be able to recruit insurgents world wide. Therefore, the result of recognising terrorist acts as perpetrated by Al Qaeda is an immediate expansion of the ranks of Al Qaeda in Iraq - something that is probably very undesirable now or ever! When you look at things in this light, it would seem that the U.S is creating an Al Qaeda problem in Iraq.