Al Qaeda AND ISIS

Michael Quinones
ENG 111
Mr. Branson
September 13, 2015
Al Qaeda and ISIS

September 11, 2001 is a day that most Americans will never forget. 19 terrorist boarded a total of four different passenger airliners with the goal of causing havoc in the United States of America. Al-Qaeda was quickly deemed the culprit, and in 2004 after years of denying any involvement; Osama Bin Laden the leader of al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for the attacks. President George W. Bush correlated with other countries to fight what would be known as the The Global war on Terrorism. This campaign was America’s response to the attacks, and its purpose was to lead a coalition in an attempt to destroy al-Qaeda and other militant Islamist organizations. It is now 2015
The approach is where both of these organizations differentiate. ISIS follows the Koran word for word and are very traditional, and believe that “denying the holiness of the Koran or the prophecies of Muhammad is straightforward apostasy” (Wood). In contrast al-Qaeda has somewhat of an acceptance and believe in the difference between apostasy and sin. ISIS are following the Koran in such detail unlike any other Muslims that they are reviving traditions that have been dormant for hundreds of years. This hasn’t been a supported decision by other Muslims or even al-Qaeda, nonetheless, ISIS continues to carry out executions and embrace slavery causing conflict between the two terrorist organizations. On the other hand these terrorist can find common interest in their opposition for the West. When al-Qaeda was under the leadership of Osama Bin Laden he would urge his affiliates such as ISIS to keep focus on bringing the fight to America and the western allies rather than to other Muslims. Though ISIS does oppose the western culture they are primarily keeping their fight closer to home and spreading their power across the Middle East. Like a business, terrorist organizations need financial support in order to stay relevant and continue their
In the Koran and in narrations of the Prophet, Muslims believe he has shared a glimpse of what’s to happen. The Islamic State believes that God has written about their movement in his scriptures. “It is in this casting that the Islamic State is most boldly distinctive from its predecessors, and clearest in the religious nature of its mission.” (Wood) Al-Qaeda usually acts with worldly goals in sight at all times yet they keep their intentions quiet and let their actions do the talking. Though ISIS shares some of the same interest with al-Qaeda “the End of Days is a leitmotif of its propaganda” (Wood), and unlike al-Qaeda ISIS speaks openly about their plans. Understanding the difference between these two terrorist organizations will not only keep us better informed, but also aide us in defeating the rise of terrorism. In order to do this we have to begin by dissecting and understanding these group’s beliefs, funding, and goals which were discussed above. Not letting history repeat itself is the goal, and with the knowledge and a well equipped military America can prevent any future attacks on our