Targeting terrorist leaders a case study
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Authors
Varden, James D.
Subjects
Advisors
Freeman, Michael
Date of Issue
2011-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Targeting terrorist leadership is a common strategy used by governments. The appeal of a quick strike with minimal casualties, combined with the possible swift defeat of the terrorist organization, makes it a very attractive approach. It is important to understand the circumstances under which targeting terrorist leaders will be effective, and the circumstances where such an attack will increase support for the terrorists. This thesis utilizes the Freeman Terrorist Leadership Targeting Model to analyze the effectiveness of Israel's campaign to target Hamas leaders from 1987--- 2007. Israel's campaign to target Hamas leaders produced mixed results. Hamas' political influence increased in spite of (and possibly in some degree because of) Israeli operations. However, targeting leadership deprived Hamas of key leaders and contributed to a declining frequency and effectiveness of Hamas suicide attacks.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
x, 57 p. : ill. ;
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.