JI's Long-term Growth Strategy

By Zachary Abuza

It's bombing season in Indonesia. This month marks not only the fourth anniversary of the first Bali bombing, it also marks one year since the most recent Bali bombing. And although progress has been made against al-Qa'ida's terrorist affiliates in the region, it would be naive to write off Jemaah Islamiah's capacity to strike again.

For more please click here to read my op-ed in "The Australian" newspaper. An excerpt:

The unwillingness to take on the terrorist infrastructure is regrettable and negligent. JI has a very long-term timetable. By pursuing overt strategies, JI is able to forge closer ties with Islamists who might otherwise eschew their violence. JI is thus no longer seen as a radical fringe, though its agenda has not changed.

There is scant evidence that JI can be weaned off terrorism. Anyone who doubts this should ask themselves whether Hamas has been tempered because it has social welfare organisations and a leading role in politics. The answer is no. It remains a terrorist organisation, precisely because of its vast social networks. No wonder Hamas is a model that JI seeks to emulate.

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