Mexican Drug Cartels and al Qaeda: Credible Link or Impracticable Alliance?
Abstract
Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, a pressing question has arisen: Why has there not been an al Qaeda attack or attempted attack within the United States homeland originating from the southern border? Another question that arises is this: Would the Mexican drug cartels collaborate with al Qaeda? After examining the strategic objectives, operational objectives, methods, and organizational transformations of al Qaeda and the Mexican drug cartels, this paper concludes that cooperation between the two entities is highly unlikely. It is true that the two entities share some methods, however, their organizational goals are antithetical and divergent. This paper explains the complexities that have prevented a partnership from ever emerging between the Mexican drug cartels and al Qaeda.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 28, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA555399
Entities
People
- John F. Nolden
Organizations
- Naval War College