What is al-Qaeda's long-term strategy?

• A. To weaken the U.S. through sustained attacks.
• B. To overthrow regional governments.
• C. To gain immediate territorial control.
• D. To promote humanitarian aid.

Answer: (A)

The central idea is that al-Qaeda pursues a long-term impact by using ongoing, high-profile attacks to erode the United States’ political will and stretch its resources. This asymmetric approach aims to create fear, provoke broad countermeasures, and undermine public support for foreign engagement, which in turn helps recruit and spread the group’s message. They focus on disruption and psychological effect rather than quickly taking land or building a government. That’s why the option about weakening the U.S. through sustained attacks best fits their pattern. The other possibilities—overthrowing regional governments, gaining immediate territorial control, or promoting humanitarian aid—do not align with how they pursue influence and impact over time.