Operational Combat Analysis of the Al Qaeda Network

This essay is divided into sections focusing on network organizational

structures, an overview of Al Qaeda, a discussion of the analytical approach

used to conduct an operational combat analysis of the Al Qaeda network, the

actual analysis of the Al Qaeda network, and the future potentials of this

research. The work draws upon netwar and related concepts, fourth epoch war

theory, and lessons learned from various counter-insurgency and counter-

terrorism network operations and exercises. The insights gained should be

considered informative rather than authoritative, given the experimental

nature of networks and our own limited knowledge of their form, functions

and capabilities.