Abstract
Abstract : This paper postulates that Al Qaeda's center of gravity is Osama Bin Laden and his brand of Islamist extremism. Looking at Al Qaeda as a system the following characteristics emerge as COG candidates at the strategic level: its fighting force financial capacity external support leadership and extremist Muslim ideology. Each of these candidates is analyzed to include discussion of capabilities requirements and vulnerabilities. Clausewitz indicated that a center of gravity in a popular uprising is the personalities of the leaders and public opinion. Bin Laden fits the Clausewitzian definition of a personality leading a popular uprising. Only today this uprising is on a global scale with the objective of overthrowing the world order. Bin Laden rallies Muslim extremists. His charisma vision wealth and leadership abilities are the reasons Al Qaeda is an effective terrorist organization striking fear across the globe while winning admiration among many in the Muslim world.
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