The threat of terrorism "remains as high as ever" and is "set to get worse," according to a new report out by International Institute for Strategic Studies , one of the world's leading think thanks.
The warning is stark and grim. Al-Qaeda has revived with more influence and the capacity to execute a spectacular 9/11- style attack on the West, possibly here in the U.S.
WASHINGTON - The threat of terrorism "remains as high as ever" and is "set to get worse," according to a new report out by International Institute for Strategic Studies , one of the world's leading think thanks.
A Dire Warning
The warning is stark and grim. Al-Qaeda has revived with more influence and the capacity to execute a spectacular 9/11- style attack on the West, possibly here in the U.S.
Although in the past U.S. officials have repeatedly said the war on terror dealt al-Qaeda a significant blow, there's evidence to the contrary according the IISS.
warns: "Al-Qaeda -- now regrouped in the mountains of northwest Pakistan-- is proving adaptable and resilient, and has retained an ability to plan and coordinate large-scale attacks."
The survey goes on to say "al-Qaeda's ideology appears to have taken root to such a degree that it will require decades to eradicate."
The sober assessment follows similar warnings from U.S. intelligence officials who testified on Capitol Hill this week.
The Enemy Is Adaptable, Dangerous and Persistent
"We are in a long war and we face an enemy that is adaptable, dangerous, and persistent," said John Redd, director of the National Counterterrorism Center.
It is also an enemy that is well-funded. The top U.S. official in charge of following the terror money trail told ABC News the biggest culprit of wealthy financiers giving millions to al-Qaeda is also the largest nation in the Middle East.
"If I could somehow snap my fingers and cut off funding from one country, it would be Saudi Arabia," U.S. Treasury Department Undersecretary Stuart Levey said.
The assessment was made all the more real this week when the nation's intelligence chief warned that al-Qaeda is planning to attack the homeland and is likely to continue to focus on attacks on prominent political, economic, and infrastructure targets - including mass casualties.
