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Al-Qaida Gaining Strength as World's Focus Remains on IS

Rikar Hussein

   Despite major setbacks in recent years, the al-Qaida terror group seems
   to remain resilient and is slowly rebuilding its capabilities in many
   conflict-ridden countries around the world, while the world's focus is
   on the Islamic State (IS), experts warn.

   Experts say the once-powerful jihadist group has been seeking to
   establish more ties with local extremist groups, particularly in some
   parts of Africa and the Middle East.

   "For some time, al-Qaida has been working quietly in many places,
   forging new alliances, and re-establishing links with former
   affiliates," said Radwan Badini, a professor of political science at
   Salahaddin University in Irbil, Iraq.

   The ongoing political and security instability in countries such as
   Syria, Libya and Yemen has offered yet a new opportunity for al-Qaida
   to strengthen its presence.

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