The rise of AQAP dissected

[davidbfpo]

Excellent analysis by Clint Watts on FPRI:http://www.fpri.org/geopoliticus/201...sm-competition

Curious that he concludes an internal power struggle is partly responsible:

In conclusion, Zawahiri’s plotting of a spectacular attack and nomination of Wuyashi may be the result of internal forces--competition with AQ in Iraq-–more than external forces. Zawahiri needs a big attack to reassert his authority and curb the growth of a rival. AQ in Iraq’s growth and Baghdadi’s rebuttal may have pushed Zawahiri to rush an attack and in the process led to its detection. I'm guessing that only time will tell. Overall, Zawahiri and “Old Guard” al-Qaeda may be returning their focus to global attacks or attacks on Westerners, say in Egypt, to regain momentum and increase their appeal to a new generation of recruits and donors. If Zawahiri doesn’t act soon, the global jihad will pass him by.

From a different perspective RUSI's Raffaello Pantucci adds:http://www.rusi.org/analysis/comment.../#.UgCcUdLvvfI