Terrorism Financing: Al-Qaeda and ISIS

Abstract

Terrorism financing is providing and distributing funds for terrorist operations. Although the cost of an individual terrorist attack may be small, terrorist organizations rely on a steady flow of funds to support their operational costs. These funds can be raised through various sources. Funds can be raised through legitimate sources, such as donations and charitable organizations. Funds can also be raised through criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, smuggling, kidnapping, and extortion. This paper will demonstrate that terrorist organizations, specifically Al-Qaeda and ISIS, are able to adapt and continuously finance themselves regardless of the United States counter-terrorism efforts. First, this paper will first collect information on how Al-Qaeda and ISIS funds themselves. Second, collect information on how the United States combatted funding for Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Third, conduct an analysis and discussion of how Al-Qaeda and ISIS kept adapting to the United States combatting efforts.