9/11-Era Terrorist Leaders
Research reports
Key Leadership Roles in the 9/11 Terrorist Attack
Personality assessment of three al-Qaida leaders in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the United States – Osama bin Laden, Ayman al-Zawahiri, and Mohamed Atta – provides evidence for a rudimentary model of the leadership roles required for a global-reach terrorist operation: (1) a narcissistic, charismatic leader devoid of core values beyond personal self-interest, adept at exploiting others in pursuit of his grandiose ambitions (e.g., bin Laden); (2) a strategic-thinking “true believer” without constraints of conscience regarding the level of violence he is willing to employ in his single-minded pursuit of mission (e.g., al-Zawahiri); and (3) unobtrusive, disciplined operatives willing to sacrifice themselves for a higher cause (e.g., Atta). The presence of three such radically different, distinctive personality types occupying key roles in a terrorist organization has important practical implications for combating terror.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/psychology_pubs/134/
The Personality Profile of al-Qaida Leader Osama bin Laden » https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/psychology_pubs/69/
“Bin Laden’s Brain”: The Abrasively Negativistic Personality of Dr. Ayman al-Zawahiri » https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/psychology_pubs/31/
The Personality Profile of September 11 Hijack Ringleader Mohamed Atta » https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/psychology_pubs/32/
Humam Khalil Abu-Mulal al-Balawi Fit Suicide Bomber Profile » http://www.immelman.us/news/balawi-fit-suicide-bomber-profile/
9/11 – 25th anniversary update
The Psychology of Terrorism: Osama bin Laden & Al-Qaeda | Interview
In this interview, Jesus Barrera of The Legacy Times sits down with Professor Aubrey Immelman to explore the psychology of terrorism and the personalities of some of the most notorious figures in modern history, including Mohamed Atta, Osama bin Laden, and Ayman al-Zawahiri. They discuss personality, ideology, radicalization, and why understanding the psychology of terrorism is far more complex than simply labeling individuals as “evil” or “crazy.” (1:15:33)
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