U.S.: The National Intelligence Estimate of al Qaeda

The National Intelligence Estimate released July 17 states that al Qaeda is "likely to continue to focus on prominent political, economic and infrastructure targets with the goal of producing mass casualties, visually dramatic destruction, significant economic aftershocks and/or fear among the U.S. population." This shows that the U.S. intelligence community believes that al Qaeda's core leadership is continuing to think big in terms of target selection. The report also states that al Qaeda has been able to reconstitute itself since 2001 and remains an adaptive, capable enemy. However, any strength al Qaeda has regained is reflected in its regional capabilities in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border area and does not mean it is able to stage a significant attack in the United States.