BIG STORY: Middle Class Kingdom

ABOUT:

In a five-part series, VICE founder Suroosh Alvi travels the world to investigate the origins and impact of the world's deadliest terrorist organizations: al Qaeda, al Shabaab, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, Boko Haram and the Islamic State.

Starting with the organization that in many ways reshaped post-9/11 global terrorism, Suroosh takes us to Yemen – the birthplace of al Qaeda – to investigate the organization’s deadly history. Risking his own life, Suroosh meets with al Qaeda leaders and fighters, clerics, government officials, civilians and victims to investigate the organization’s origins, impact and plans for the future.

Exploring the binary universe of the war on terror – good versus evil, us versus them – he takes us behind the curtain to show us the cycle of violence al Qaeda’s left behind, while helping answer a fundamental question: is there an end in sight?

WATCH:

CHASING TERROR | PHOTOS:

After 18 hours of travel, Suroosh arrives in al Qaeda territory in Yemen.

After 18 hours of travel, Suroosh arrives in al Qaeda territory in Yemen.

Aden, Yemen, once a pristine port town, now ravaged by terrorism.

Aden, Yemen, once a pristine port town, now ravaged by terrorism.

In the kitchen, the essentials for cooking. And for protection.

In the kitchen, the essentials for cooking - and for protection.

Abu Qatada, a Salafi Cleric with ties to al Qaeda, sits with Suroosh to explain his views.

Abu Qatada, a Salafi Cleric with ties to al Qaeda, sits with Suroosh to explain his views.

Suroosh and crew anxiously await a call confirming access to an al Qaeda leader.

Suroosh and crew anxiously await a call confirming access to an al Qaeda leader.

A prominent al Qaeda leader grants an interview on the condition his identity is concealed.

A prominent al Qaeda leader grants an interview on the condition his identity is concealed.

WEB EXTRAS:

VICE founder Suroosh Alvi speaks on the making of the five-part documentary "Terror"

Part 1

Making TERROR pt.1

MAKING TERROR pt.1: VICE founder Suroosh Alvi speaks on the making of the five-part documentary series ”Terror.”

Part 2

Making TERROR pt.2

VICE founder Suroosh Alvi speaks on the making of the five-part documentary series ”Terror.”

AL QAEDA: ATTACKS AROUND THE WORLD

Blue markers denote al Qaeda attacks before 9/11, yellow after 9/11, and red after the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Source: MIPT/RAND Terrorism Knowledge Base, American Progress.org

U.S. ANALYSIS ON AL QAEDA’S 9/11 ATTACK:

In 2002, the United States Congress, along with President George W. Bush, created the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, or the 9/11 Commission.

Chartered to prepare a full and complete account of the circumstances surrounding the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, it was also mandated to provide recommendations designed to guard the U.S. against future attacks.

In 2004, the Commission released the final report of its findings, available here.

Source: The 9/11 Commission

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