Does Al Shabab Pose a Threat on American Soil? Not If, but When and Where

[Valin]

NY Times:

Omar Jamal

10/13/13

 

It is not a matter of whether Al Shabab is a terrorist threat to the United States, but rather when and where it will attack. The group has already declared an allegiance to Al Qaeda and vowed repeatedly to harm American citizens.

 

Al Shabab controls a large area mostly in the southern parts of Somalia, and has imposed a strict interpretation of Shariah law in those areas. Although it started as a militia court to settle disputes among Somali citizens, Al Shabab has become a commanding voice with highly trained leaders in Afghanistan, according the National Counterterrorism Center and capable of carrying out large scale acts of violence that have targeted the U.S. and its allies in East Africa and the region. What's more, Al Shabab now has a web of followers and informants imbedded in Afghanistan, East Africa and even in the U.S. where it has sought financial support from the Somali diaspora.

 

 

Omar Jamal is the first secretary to the Friends of Somalia U.N.

 

NYT: Room For Debate

 

H/T Hot Air