Al Qaeda launches 'magazine war' with Islamic State in effort to attract new recruits

Al Qaeda is attempting to make a comeback in the public eye following the stunning rise of the competing Islamic State. In an online publication, aimed at a global audience, the terror group is encouraging attacks at economic infrastructure.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - In the first edition of their own glossy, online publication known as "Resurgence," al Qaeda is encouraging readers to attach the "Achilles heel" of western economies by staging attacks against western economic interests.

The article, "On Targeting the Achilles Heel of Western Economies," tells readers that they should support jihad in India, Afghanistan, Syria and Africa and should specifically target the United States as the "arch enemy of Islam."

The threat remains, help protect Christians from genocide.

The magazine's publication is an attempt by the organization to revive support from Muslims around the world who have flocked to the Islamic State.  Al Qaeda has not staged any spectacularly successful attacks in years and many have written off the organization as largely defunct since even before the killing of Osama bin Laden. The organization was severely constricted by U.S. military efforts which pursued their fighters around the globe. Those efforts continue today.

Instead of making direct attacks, Al Qaeda has been forced to content itself with encouraging affiliates in nations like Somalia, Yemen, and Nigeria. Meanwhile, groups like the Islamic State have captured public attention and literally stolen the spotlight from al Qaeda.

In an effort to revive interest, the terror organization is launching a PR campaign and encouraging attacks. They have also announced the formation of a new chapter, Al Qaeda on the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).

The organization also pointed out in their article that Muslims are within reach of several strategic points on the globe including straits where ships must pass. Attacks against the U.S. Navy were also specifically encouraged.

Last month, according to the group, they attempted to take over a Pakistani warship to use its weapons against U.S. Navy ships in the India Ocean. The takeover attempt was repulsed, but shows how desperate and brazen al Qaeda can be, despite years of punishment at the hands of the United States.

This is not the first or only high-quality internet-based publication to be produced by al Qaeda or the Islamic State. Both organizations target western youth with these publications. Al Qaeda produced the magazine "Inspire" since 2010 and the Islamic State has produced four issues of "Dabiq" since July.

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