The Times Square Attack and the Pakistani Taliban: What do you need to know?
On May 1, the first attempted terror attack within the U.S. since Christmas Day occurred in New York City's Times Square. Over the last few days, and since the apprehension of bombing suspect Faisal Shahzad, an operational link between the attack and Pakistan has become clear (militant videos released on Sunday already established a rhetorical link). Among the many militant groups in Pakistan, the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has become the leading candidate for responsibility for the attack.
In a webcast at www.criticalthreats.org/ctplive on Friday, May 7 at 1:00 p.m., Frederick W. Kagan, AEI resident scholar and director of the Critical Threats Project, and the Critical Threats Project team will discuss the following questions:
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Who are the TTP? Background? Leadership? Operational competence and interest?
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Why would the TTP execute such an attack, or, at the least, claim responsibility if not operationally tied to the attack?
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How does the Times Square attack fit into the global Islamist movement led by al Qaeda?
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The criminal complaint against Shahzad reveals a link to the Pakistani region of Waziristan: What is the militant landscape in North Waziristan? What occurred during the Pakistani military's incursion into South Waziristan in October and November 2009?
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