The Killing of Anwar al Awlaki: How the United States Lost a Crucial Battle in the War of Ideas

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: AD1031332 | Open PDF

Abstract:

By killing Anwar al-Awlaki, a highly influential radical cleric, in 2011 the United States hoped to deal a blow to weaken terrorist forces by decapitating al-Qaedas inspirational recruitment influence. However, a thorough assessment of al-Awlakis activities, reputation, and the archive of his messages and US messages in this battle reveals the negative strategic consequences of the decision to kill him. Since the United States did nothing to discredit him, or his messages, killing him only made him a martyr in his audiences eyes, which validated and strengthened his narrative. Additionally, systemic US confusion about who al-Awlaki was and when he radicalized led to strategic blunders in dealing with him and his message. The United States must learn from this case study to more effectively fight this strategic war of ideas and to better delineate friend from foe in the future.

Author(s):
Mcniel, Charles M.
Author Organization(s):
Air Command and Staff College, Air University Maxwell Air Force Base United States
Descriptive Note:
Technical Report
Pagination:
0024

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release;

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
AU/ACSC/MCNIEL, C/AY16
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_8.1_Communicate; JCA_8.2.3_Build the Capabilities and Capacities of Partners and Institutions; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_8.1.3_Influence Adversary and Competitor Audiences; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_6.1_Information Transport; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_1.3_Human Capital Management; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_8.1.1_Inform Domestic and Foreign Audiences; JCA_5.2.2_Develop Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_1.3.1_Personnel and Family Support; JCA_1.3.2_Personnel Management; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_8.1.2_Persuade Partner Audiences; JCA_1.2.1_Training; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance
Modernization Areas:
Autonomy
Communities of Interest:
Air Platforms
Descriptor(s):
terrorists, homeland security, terrorism, strategic communications, governments, societies
Field(s)/Group(s):
Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics
Report Date:
2016 Mar 01
Creation Date:
2017 Jul 11