Al-Qaida, the tribes, and the government : lessons and prospects for Iraq's unstable triangle / Norman Cigar.

"September 2011."

Dealing with tribal systems has posed a continuing challenge to Al-Qaida as it operates in the Middle East and Africa, where a tribal environment is still an integral part of society in many of the countries. How Al-Qaida views and manages the tribal system within its individual areas of operation in many cases can mean the difference between success and failure, and the jihadist movement cannot ignore this issue, which has been a major factor affecting its prospects, especially in Iraq. This study examines Al-Qaida's experience dealing with the tribes in Iraq in terms of a triangular relationship involving the Sunni tribes, Al-Qaida, and the government (or the United States as the governing authority in the initial stages), with the latter two entities often competing for the allegiance of the tribes.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 131-206).

Introduction -- The human terrain : the tribal factor in Iraqi society -- Al-Qaida tackles the tribes -- Al-Qaida alienates the tribes -- Mobilizing the tribes against Al-Qaida -- The U.S. strategy matures and the awakening develops -- The Shayks' positions assured -- The tribal war against Al-Qaida -- Al-Qaida responds -- Al-Qaida adapts -- The tribes and the Iraqi government : a rocky relationship -- The evolving tribal environment -- Al-Qaida's own carrot-and-stick approach -- Conclusion and prospects.