In "The Lions of Lucerne" by Brad Thor, the author critiques the tactics employed by Middle Eastern extremist groups, including Abu Nidal's organization. He emphasizes that these groups rely on indiscriminate violence and terror rather than strategic, face-to-face confrontations. Their methods include attacks in public spaces, such as markets and nightclubs, which he characterizes as cowardly and ineffective in terms of true courage or savvy.

Thor's perspective suggests that these groups tend to resort to brutal, mass-casualty attacks rather than engaging in direct combat. He implies a lack of tactical intelligence among these groups, arguing that their reliance on surprise and destruction indicates a fundamental weakness. Overall, the portrayal raises questions about the nature of their operational strategies and the psychological profiles of their members.