Critical Terrorism Narrative

Abstract

The critical terrorism narrative manifested more at a micro level and with little influence on Al Qaeda or the US. For the research its function was to extract additional perspectives on the securitization efforts identified in the two macro narratives, with a focus on framing, processes of (self) identification, power relations, and social roles. This basic analytic narrative was rooted in the reporting of British Middle East correspondent for The Independent Robert Fisk and some others, such as American CNN reporter Peter Bergen. The critical reflections on US and Al Qaeda securitization efforts in this narrative highlighted discrepancies, paradoxes, and illogicalities. Internal dissent among Bin Laden followers, and shifts in his definition of the referent subject were discussed. The narrative further highlighted the (in)accuracy of framing Bin Laden as the most wanted public enemy by the US as well as its effect on Bin Laden’s position among divided Salafists. A number of US actions, mostly in response to the perceived threat, had a counterproductive effect by both intensifying the Al Qaeda narrative and increasing susceptibility to the narrative among Al Qaeda audiences and potential audiences. The critique regarding the effectiveness of US actions brings the term ‘securitization blowback’ to mind.