Somalia

Posted: Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Authors: Dan Lawner and Sarah Catanzaro

The Somali Islamist militant group Al Shabab announced on Monday that intended to adopt Al Qa'ida's global jihadist agenda. According to the Wall Street Journal, Al Shabab’s statement, issued in Somali and Arabic, is the group’s first official proclamation of their alignment with Al Qa’ida, expressed their intention to “connect the horn of Africa jihad to the one led by Al Qa'ida and its leader Sheikh Osama Bin Laden." This development is an indication of a troubling trend whereby Al Qa’ida is acting more and more like a multi-national corporation—with an attractive brand image and capable subsidiaries.