Al-Qaeda versus ISIS: Competing Jihadist Brands in the Middle East By Charles Lister
Key Findings
A number of al-Qaeda affiliates have re-named and re-branded in order to better embed themselves in local conflicts.
In addition to territorial losses, ISIS has lost credibility with the local population due to its brutal style of governance.
While al-Qaeda is better situated locally, ISIS remains more popular with the younger generation of jihadists.
The underlying causes of both movements are regional instability, the secular nature of regional conflict, and increasing globalization specifically with regards to weakened borders and increased internet use.
Competition between both groups for “Jihadist supremacy” has divided international attention and prevented either from being eliminated.
https://www.mei.edu/sites/default/files/publications/PP3_Lister_CTQaeda_0.pdf