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The Peters Township Public Library in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh will host ISIS and al-Qaeda: Degraded, But Still Deadly with featured speaker Thomas M. Sanderson on Wednesday, October 19 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at the library. Register to attend by emailing programs@ptlibrary.org or call 724.941.9430 ext. 1.

Thomas Sanderson

Defeating ISIS has become a key election issue. However, just over two years ago, this terrorist organization, which originated from al-Qaeda, was virtually unknown. In June 2014, ISIS announced the establishment of a new caliphate stretching across much of Iraq and Syria. Since then, ISIS has shocked the world with its brutality, discipline, and organization as it has killed civilians in the Middle East and has claimed responsibility for terrorist attacks in 20 countries, including lone wolf attacks in the United States.

Meanwhile, al-Qaeda was weakened following the deaths of key leaders, including Osama bin Laden. However, the group has reestablished its significance and lethality with attacks in Syria, West Africa, Yemen and beyond. While ISIS and al-Qaeda both suffered serious setbacks in 2016, they remain exceptionally lethal. What is their strategy? How should they be defeated?

Thomas Sanderson directs the CSIS Transnational Threats Project, where he investigates terrorism, transnational crime, global trends, and intelligence issues. He has conducted field research in more than 60 countries, engaging a variety of sources, including journalists, terrorists, traffickers, foreign intelligence officials, business leaders, nongovernmental organizations, clergy, and academia.

McMurray Veterans of Foreign Wars POST 764 is generously providing support for the 2016-2017 International Program Series.

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