An Economic Analysis of the Financial Records of al-Qa'ida in Iraq
Abstract
Terrorist and insurgent groups, both of which may be termed "militant groups," are economic actors: They have a fundamental need to mobilize resources. However, there has been relatively little research about the economic and financial decisionmaking of such groups based on actual financial records. With U.S., North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and other allied troops and governments engaged in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations, such research could help mitigate the threats posed by these groups by improving our understanding of their financial decisionmaking. This monograph analyzes the finances of the militant group al-Qa'ida in Iraq (AQI) in Anbar province during 2005 and 2006, at the peak of the group's power and influence. We draw on captured financial records that recorded the daily financial transactions of both one specific sector within Anbar province and the AQI provincial administration. To our knowledge, this monograph offers one of the most comprehensive assessments of the financial operations of AQI or any other contemporary Islamic militant group.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA534744
Entities
People
- Barbara Sude
- Benjamin Bahney
- Carroll Ganier
- Ghassan Schbley
- Howard J. Shatz
- Renny Mcpherson
- Sara B. Elson
Organizations
- RAND Corporation