Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency Initiative

Confronting the threat from Islamist extremism is one of the most important national security challenges facing America in the 21st century. While terrorist groups like al Qaeda and some of its affiliates overseas are intent on carrying out acts of massive violence against the United States and Western interests both domestically and overseas, their capabilities are limited and the internal strategic weaknesses of these groups ensure their eventual collapse.

What is lacking, however, is a comprehensive, sustainable, and effective strategy for dealing with the present danger from extremist groups. The Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency Initiative at the New America Foundation seeks to fill that gap by first expanding the stream of open-source threat and policy analysis and second, based on that analysis, developing a new strategic concept to replace the counter-productive "Global War on Terror" framework. Through innovative data-rich analysis, the Initiative will develop effective policy alternatives and contribute to understanding the nature of the current threat from Islamist terrorism and how best to defeat it.

The Initiative will test four core concepts that are emerging as macro-level best practices in confronting the threat from Islamist extremism.

• Do No Harm. Ensure that actions of the United States do not contribute to strengthening the al Qaeda movement; for example, the Iraq War generated the lowest ever approval ratings for the United States around the world.
• Disaggregate the Enemy. Recognize that there is not a monolithic Islamist extremist threat, but many unique terrorist organizations with different motivations and tactics, and tailor counterterrorism and counterinsurgency strategies to suit these local situations.
• Lower the Temperature. Put forth good faith efforts to solve conflicts like Kashmir and Palestine, which serve as flashpoint grievances for potential militants. Seek solutions to visible sources of global aggravations as the prison camp at Guantanamo and the extraordinary rendition program.
• Use all the Tools. Use counterinsurgency tactics, which emphasize political and economic approaches over military force, as well as counterterrorism approaches, reviving failed states and rebuilding after conflict.

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