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Combating Terrorism Center at West Point CTC Sentinel Objective . Relevant . Rigorous

Contents The Danger of Prison FEATURE ARTICLE Radicalization in the West 1 The Danger of Prison Radicalization in By James Brandon the West By James Brandon

Reports 5 LIFG Revisions Posing Critical Challenge to Al-Qa`ida By Paul Cruickshank 8 Assessing the Progress of Pakistan’s South Waziristan Offensive By Rahimullah Yusufzai 12 The Internet and its Role in Terrorist Recruitment and Operational Planning By Sajjan M. Gohel 16 Prisons in Iraq: A New Generation of Jihadists? By Myriam Benraad 18 Developing Regional Counterterrorism Cooperation in South Asia By Alistair Millar 21 Singapore’s Approach to Counterterrorism By Gavin Chua Hearn Yuit ince sayyid qutb wrote Milestones consequently more terrorist convictions) 24 Recent Highlights in Terrorist Activity Along the Road in an Egyptian than any other Western country. 28 CTC Sentinel Staff & Contacts prison almost 50 years ago, Extremists whose paths toward terrorism

prisons have become widely began in European or U.S. prisons include Srecognized as important incubators of numerous high-profile terrorists. In the jihadist thought.1 In Muslim-majority United Kingdom, they include Richard countries, a number of prominent Reid, the 2001 “shoe-bomber,” and jihadists were radicalized, at least in Muktar Ibrahim, the leader of the July part, in prison, including Ayman al- 21, 2005 London bomb plot.2 In France, Zawahiri and Abu Mus`ab al-Zarqawi. Safe Bourada, an Algerian originally Islamist extremists in the Arab world convicted in 1998 for his involvement About the CTC Sentinel have repeatedly used prisons to recruit in the 1995 Paris metro bombings, was The Combating Terrorism Center is an new followers, reinforce the commitment convicted again in 2008 for planning independent educational and research of existing extremists and to network further terrorist attacks in France.3 institution based in the Department of Social and exchange ideas with like-minded Sciences at the United States Military Academy, individuals. West Point. The CTC Sentinel harnesses 2 Richard Reid converted to Islam while in prison in the the Center’s global network of scholars and There is increasing evidence that mid-1990s. Upon his release, he began attending a Salafist practitioners to understand and confront prisons in the West are now starting mosque where he became increasingly interested in radi- contemporary threats posed by terrorism and to play a similar role—particularly in cal ideas and involved in extremist circles. Muktar Ibrahim other forms of political violence. the United Kingdom, which has seen adopted extreme Islamism while in prison for gang-related more “homegrown” terrorist plots (and violence in the mid-1990s. Upon his release, he began at- tending Abu Hamza’s Finsbury Park Mosque where he The views expressed in this report are those of was further radicalized. the authors and not of the U.S. Military Academy, the Department of the Army, or any other agency 1 Milestones Along the Road is best described as Sayyid 3 Safe Bourada’s re-arrest occurred in 2005 two years af- of the U.S. Government. Qutb’s manifesto for revolutionary Islamism. It is a major ter he was released after serving half of his original 10-year source of jihadist literature today. sentence. See Pierre-Antoine Souchard, “Nine Convicted in

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Among those convicted with him were written that the day he arrived in prison such religious-based segregation. other former convicts who he had met he was approached by some terrorist British reluctance, meanwhile, stems in prison. In Spain, Mohamed Achraf detainees: from the United Kingdom’s disastrous (also known as Abderrahmane Tahiri), experience with interning Irish who was convicted in 2007 of being a some brothers approached me Republican Army (IRA) members in the member of a terrorist organization, and said that they had been 1970s (detained IRA men swiftly turned recruited others while imprisoned for expecting me. At first I was a a number of prisons into centers of credit card fraud in Salamanca prison. bit apprehensive as to whether radicalization and propaganda). Additionally, key leaders in the 2004 I should trust them or not…But Madrid bombing network had themselves afterwards I felt comfortable. One Such humble beginnings can provide been radicalized in Moroccan prisons.4 of the brothers, masha’Allah, he a potent platform for Islamists to In the United States, where domestic packed some fruit and a chocolate exert increasing influence over other radicalization has generally lagged in a bag and handed it to me before prisoners. Amar Makhlulif, an Algerian behind Europe, there is now growing I went back to my cell.7 also known as “Abu Doha” who is evidence of prison radicalization. In wanted in the United States for plotting 2009, for instance, Kevin James, who In the same prison, Omar Khyam, to bomb Los Angeles International founded the Jami`at al-Islam al-Sahih convicted of planning terrorist attacks terrorist group while in a California in the United Kingdom, described prison, was convicted after admitting how Rachid Ramda, a French Muslim “Prisons are places planning attacks on Jewish and Israeli who was imprisoned while fighting where disaffected, often targets in Los Angeles.5 extradition to France (where he was later convicted of organizing the 1995 violent individuals While few of these individuals adopted Paris metro bombings), proactively are concentrated to be extreme Islamist beliefs solely as the approached and befriended other result of their time in prison, their inmates: punished by the state. Such prison experiences significantly individuals are naturally accelerated their radicalization through The first thing that struck me isolating them from mainstream society most about Rachid was the way he receptive to an ideology while also exposing them to ideologies greeted me and the new Muslim to which they ultimately proved highly arrivals, three hugs and a huge that glorifies anti-social vulnerable. It is important, therefore, to smile. He made me feel as if I and anti-state violence and understand how radicalization in prison had known him for years, such a occurs. This article is largely based warm personality and character, that appears to offer clear, on accounts, letters and testimonies making everyone feel wanted and albeit intolerant, solutions smuggled out of British prisons by important, as if you are his best suspected and convicted extremists, friend.8 to complex problems of supported by official government identity and belonging.” reports and surveys.6 Prison radicalization is more likely to begin through such personal Proactive Recruitment relationships rather than through New convicts, Muslims and non- a ranting, wild-eyed extremist Airport (who presently lives in London Muslims alike, typically arrive in “brainwashing” an unwilling audience. having defeated attempts to extradite prison feeling insecure, uncertain and As stated by a Muslim inmate in him), has also written of how Ramda afraid. In the United Kingdom, some California’s Folsom prison who is head offered him advice while detained in imprisoned Islamists have adopted a of the jail’s Islamic Studies Program, Belmarsh: “When I need courage or I proactive strategy to capitalize on this a rehabilitation program based on feel sad and everything in my life seems uncertainty by offering food, friendship mainstream Sunni Islam: “The potential as though it has been turned upside and spiritual support to new arrivals for radicalization must be understood down, I think of Rachid and reflect in prison. For instance, one former on a one-to-one basis.”9 In many cases, upon his advice. Rachid is a symbol of prisoner in London’s Belmarsh prison, however, prisons are highly reluctant love, a brother in time of need.”10 It is the United Kingdom’s main prison for to separate extremists from ordinary easy to see how such advice and moral convicted and suspected terrorists, has prisoners—even though all evidence support from extremists can easily turn from the Middle East suggests that into a deeper relationship—particularly Paris Terror Trial,” Associated Press, October 24, 2008. this is an essential first step toward when charismatic, articulate extremists 4 “Joyas robadas en España financiaron asesinatos de Al containing radicalization. In France, for come into contact with ordinary Muslim Qaeda en Argelia,” El Pais, July 19, 2009. instance, official secularism prevents prisoners or new converts who have a 5 U.S. Department of Justice, press release, March 9, limited knowledge of Islam and who are 2009. 7 Ibid. often poorly educated. 6 Material on British prisons in this article comes from 8 Ibid. the author’s recent report: James Brandon, Unlocking 9 Mark S. Hamm, Terrorist Recruitment in American Cor- Al-Qaeda: Islamist Extremism in British Prisons (London: rectional Institutions (Washington, D.C.: National Insti- Quilliam Foundation, 2009). tute of Justice, 2007). 10 Brandon.

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Quest for Leadership Mus`ab al-Zarqawi, to run a campaign of In Australia, prison authorities even Islamists, including convicted intimidation and violence within Suwaya had to break-up and disperse a violent terrorists, frequently seek to become prison. Their control over inmates and Islamist gang that had developed leaders of Muslims in prison—just as guards at the prison progressively around a convicted murderer in the they do in wider society. In the United enabled them to recruit petty criminals country’s highest security prison.18 Kingdom, convicted terrorists such as and transform them into jihadists.15 Such problems are arguably more Abu Hamza al-Masri11 and Abdullah el- severe in France, where an estimated Faisal12 both overtly sought to become Similar violence also occurs in prisons 70% of prisoners are Muslim, and representatives of Muslim prisoners. To in the West, although at a lower level where a lack of Muslim chaplains in accomplish this, they led demonstrations and most often directed against white French prisons means that extremists and hunger strikes against prison food non-Muslim gangs and individuals. are often not effectively challenged.19 A or against perceived mistreatment by For instance, in the United Kingdom, confidential report by the French prison prison staff. El-Faisal later said that “if a number of convicted terrorists held service warned in 2008 that more than you’re a cleric you have to set an example in Frankland prison during 2007- 400 Islamist prisoners were displaying for other Muslim prisoners to follow, 2008 led other Muslim convicts in a “worrying behavior,” which included you’re not supposed to crack up under tit-for-tat battle against white gangs enforcing prayers on other Muslims or pressure.”13 Similar strategies have been and individuals, leading to a number displaying pictures of Usama bin Ladin followed in U.S. prisons, notably by the of serious attacks involving boiling in their cells.20 Jami`at al-Islam al-Sahih group, which oil being thrown over rival prisoners, organized “collective resistance” against Extremist Preaching prison authorities in Folsom prison. “Imprisoned extremists Once Islamists have established their authority over other Muslim prisoners, In other instances, extremist influence is are often highly motivated they begin to spread their ideology. This more subtle. In the United States, John by charismatic individuals most frequently occurs through small- Walker Lindh, the “American Taliban” scale prayer circles that might involve captured in Afghanistan in 2001, who regard radicalizing a combination of traditional teaching impressed other prisoners by living an others as a religious duty (such as memorizing the Qur’an) and ostensibly pious and “humble” life in ideological radicalization. Extremists prison, having reportedly “made a study and as a means to fight typically place a high priority on such of proper Islamic etiquette.”14 Exuding back against the West, in preaching; they see it not only as a confidence, serenity and certainty often religious duty, but also as a way to plays an important role in impressing effect to continue their spite non-Muslim prison authorities. other, less religiously observant Muslim jihad from within prison.” Abu Hamza al-Masri, for example, has prisoners. Extremists, however, also reportedly given sermons between his frequently benefit from aggressive cell and others’ in the United Kingdom’s macho prison cultures that typically Belmarsh prison using the pipes that respect violence and moral strength; stabbings and a riot during which Muslim connect separate prison cells. Similarly, this gives them an advantage over inmates sought to damage and destroy in 2007 Islamist radicals in Spain were other Muslims, whether staff or other prison facilities.16 In other instances, later found to have sent letters between prisoners, who seek to preach more more generic “Muslim” gangs based on a different prisons, including ones moderate, tolerant messages. loose sense of ethno-religious solidarity discussing martyrdom, Islamic theology (rather than specifically Islamist ones and the importance of violent jihad.21 Where Islamists fail to become the led by convicted terrorists) have been leaders of other Muslim prisoners, either involved in serious violence—often in In some British prisons, jihadists report through defending their “rights” or response to perceived mistreatment by near-continuous discussions with other through setting a moral example, there prison staff. prisoners. Prominent jihadist ideologue is another option: violence. Perhaps Abu Qatada, for instance, has written the most notable use of violence by In November 2009 in Belgium, for that extremist prisoners happened in Jordan example, Muslim gangs in Andenne where in the 1990s Abu Muhammad prison responded to perceived insults we remained with the brothers in al-Maqdisi, the prominent jihadist against Islam by rioting—while violence [Belmarsh] prison for three years ideologue, worked with his protégé, Abu between Muslims and non-Muslims has and regretfully, I did not complete also been reported in Italian prisons.17 11 Abu Hamza al-Masri is an Egyptian Islamist activist tober 4, 2005. known for his preaching against non-Muslims. He re- 15 Nibras Kazimi, “A Virulent Ideology in Mutation: 18 Michael Perry, “Australia Breaks up Muslim Prison mains incarcerated in the United Kingdom. Zarqawi Upstages Maqdisi,” Current Trends in Islamist Gang,” Reuters, April 23, 2007. 12 Abdullah el-Faisal is a Jamaican Muslim preacher Ideology 2 (2005). 19 Molly Moore, “In France, Prisons Filled With Mus- who was imprisoned in the United Kingdom in 2003 for 16 “Terrorists Moved to New Jail After Death Threats,” lims,” Washington Post, April 29, 2008. urging his audience to violence. In 2007, he was deport- Daily Telegraph, March 20, 2008. 20 “400 islamistes font du prosélytisme en prison,” Le ed back to Jamaica. 17 “Dégâts matériels limités à la prison d’Andenne,” Figaro, September 23, 2008. 13 Brandon. 7-Sur-7, November 18, 2009; Tracy Wilkinson, “In an 21 Sebastian Rotella, “From Behind Bars, Waging a Ver- 14 Tom Junod, “Innocent,” Esquire, July 1, 2006. Italian Prison, The Call to Islam,” Los Angeles Times, Oc- bal Jihad,” Los Angeles Times, December 24, 2007.

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very much [writing] in it, because albeit intolerant, solutions to complex in some cases attempted government the prison was communal with the problems of identity and belonging. In a interventions in the West have arguably [Muslim] brothers and discussions Western context, extremist recruitment made problems worse. In 2005, for with them were deep.22 is also made easier because many example, the UK Prison Service created Muslim prisoners (and, indeed, non- a special segregation unit in Britain’s Babar Ahmed, detained in the United Muslims who convert) have little or no Long Lartin prison in which it placed Abu Kingdom while appealing extradition knowledge of Islam and can easily be Qatada, the jihadist ideologue, Khalid to the United States on charges of persuaded that adopting rigid Islamist al-Fawwaz, Bin Ladin’s representative running pro-jihadist websites, has beliefs will help them turn away from in the West in the mid-1990s, Adel meanwhile described prison as a Abdel Bary, a senior Egyptian Islamic “university of Islamic knowledge” Jihad member, and assorted Libyan after mixing with convicted extremists “Extremist recruitment is and Algerian terrorist suspects. This such as Abu Qatada.23 Radicalization also made easier because policy, an attempt to isolate extremists is sometimes facilitated by mistakes from the mainstream prison population, from prison authorities. For example, many Muslim prisoners instead created a probably unparalleled Ahmed has written of reading Sayyid have little or no knowledge concentration of senior jihadists from Qutb’s Milestones while in prison, a different organizations. Abu Qatada, for book that is manifestly unsuitable for of Islam and can easily be one, seized the opportunity by seeking terrorist suspects. In the United States, persuaded that adopting to construct a hybrid super-jihadist meanwhile, it has been alleged that ideology, writing the book Limatha books by Abu al-A`la Mawdudi and rigid Islamist beliefs will Intasarna (Why We Were Victorious) to Sayyid Qutb are commonly found in help them turn away from analyze the successes and failures of prison libraries, along with more violent various jihadist organizations. The book, Saudi translations of the Qur’an.24 In crime, drugs and alcohol to which has the potential to reinvigorate 2007, the United States recognized this make a ‘new start.’” jihadist movements worldwide, appears problem and took steps to address it to have been smuggled out of prison through the controversial Standardized and is now possibly being prepared for Chapel Library Project, although few publication. Such are the complexities other Western countries have so far crime, drugs and alcohol to make a of prison radicalization: solving one followed suit.25 Books promoting either “new start.” In addition, imprisoned problem often only creates a new one. jihadist or hard-line Salafist/Wahhabist extremists are often highly motivated ideologies clearly help to buttress any by charismatic individuals who regard Such incidents also make it increasingly radical ideologies propagated in prison radicalizing others as a religious duty clear why Western governments, by extremist inmates. and as a means to fight back against the which presently either shy away West, in effect to continue their jihad from admitting the extent of prison Outlook from within prison. At the same time, radicalization or which hope to tackle Prison radicalization does not mean however, this problem should be kept it through minor interventions such that terrorist plots are being routinely in perspective; many of those who adopt as appointing more Muslim chaplains, hatched in prison (although this has radical ideologies in prison, whether instead need to develop comprehensive occasionally happened). More often, out of conviction or for more pragmatic and durable programs for deradicalizing however, it leads to inmates adopting reasons, often discard their extremist extremist inmates. As Middle Eastern Islamist ideologies that may ultimately beliefs on their return to mainstream countries such as Egypt and Libya have lead to terrorism after their release. society. learned during the last 40 years, prison Unfortunately, there is no easy solution radicalization cannot be adequately to prison radicalization. Prisons are There is little evidence that Western dealt with through ordinary prison places where disaffected, often violent governments are taking the decisive steps management techniques. A new, tailor- individuals are concentrated to be needed to combat prison radicalization made approach is needed. Failure punished by the state. Such individuals domestically—even though some to take such steps not only risks are naturally receptive to an ideology attempts have been made by Western allowing prisons to become hubs of that glorifies anti-social and anti-state forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.26 radicalization, but also squanders the violence and that appears to offer clear, Therefore, while resource-poor priceless opportunity to deradicalize countries in the Middle East and leading extremists so that they can be 22 Brandon. elsewhere have created sophisticated used to deconstruct jihadist ideology. 23 Babar Ahmed, “Three Years in Captivity,” www.cage- deradicalization programs, in order prisoners.com, August 17, 2007. to first isolate and then “de-program” James Brandon is a senior research fellow 24 Steven Emerson, “Radicals in Our Prisons,” New York imprisoned extremists, such centers at the Quilliam Foundation, a British Post, May 24, 2009; Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, “Prison have no parallels in the West. Indeed, counterextremism think-tank. His latest Jihad - How Radical Islamic Charities Exploit Their Ac- report, Unlocking Al-Qaeda: Islamist cess to the Prison System,” Weekly Standard, December 26 In Iraq, for example, General Douglas M. Stone cre- Extremism in British Prisons, was 10, 2006. ated a deradicalization program based on the Saudi and published by Quilliam in November 2009. 25 Laurie Goodstein, “Critics Right and Left Protest Book Singaporean models. See “Detainee Chief See Koran as Removals,” New York Times, September 21, 2007. Key Ally,” Financial Times, July 16, 2007.

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LIFG Revisions Posing in weakening al-Qa`ida and like-minded timers who are not fighting any more,” groups. explained Noman Benotman, a former Critical Challenge to commander in the LIFG and a key Al-Qa`ida A Receptive Audience? intermediary in the Libyan peace talks. Some analysts have argued that the “Sure they use emotional blackmail By Paul Cruickshank LIFG revisions will have little effect and say we are dying for you and you on the overall jihadist movement. say this? But what I’m trying to do is to in september 2009, the Libyan Islamic Alison Pargeter, for example, has start to make the young think.”8 Fighting Group (LIFG), a militant Libyan expressed doubt about the effectiveness jihadist group whose leaders have of the revisions, arguing that “the new Benotman’s point is important because deep personal ties to al-Qa`ida’s top generation of militants seems to be potential candidates for al-Qa`ida figures, published a 417-page revisions characterized by their low education suicide bombings are less likely to document. The treatise publicly levels, nihilism and desperation” and volunteer if they have doubts about repudiated al-Qa`ida’s ideology, ended are likely to either fail to take notice of the religious legitimacy of their actions the LIFG’s campaign to overthrow the document or dismiss it as the work and the likely rewards that await them. Libya’s leader Mu`ammar Qadhafi of long-defeated “older leaders” coerced “Jihad has ethics and morals because it from power, and offered a fundamental into revising their ideology in prison.4 is for God,” the revisions state. “That rethink of the group’s own attitude The LIFG revisions will be limited in its means it is forbidden to kill women, toward violence. The document was impact on al-Qa`ida and al-Qa`ida in the children, elderly people, priests, the culmination of nearly three years Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), she argued, messengers, traders and the like.”9 of peace talks between the imprisoned because the LIFG has kept its distance leadership of the LIFG and the Libyan from these groups and long opposed The Libyan revisions are all the more government.1 their ideology of global jihad. Although significant because they provide the LIFG revisions add to a growing theological cover for mainstream Some observers have dismissed the body of former militants criticizing Muslim voices to also criticize al- revisions as relatively insignificant.2 al-Qa`ida, Pargeter believes that such Qa`ida. That can only strengthen a This article, however, argues that revisions “are being undertaken by global backlash against the terrorist the Libyan document is the most failed movements and older leaders who network in Muslim communities significant critique of al-Qa`ida that in the eyes of the young are no longer worldwide. While an extremist fringe has yet emerged from jihadist circles, relevant to the cause.”5 may survive in the short-term, or even and adds considerable weight to a relish their separateness and draw growing “jihadist revolt” that threatens Yet although the Libyan revisions will sustenance from the echo chamber the very sustainability of al-Qa`ida’s doubtlessly be rejected by al-Qa`ida’s provided by pro-al-Qa`ida websites on global terrorist campaign.3 The article most die-hard supporters, not all the internet, the experience of Algeria identifies eight reasons why the LIFG potential recruits are so hard-line that in the 1990s and Iraq in the 2000s, in revisions should have a positive impact they are completely immune from the which militant ranks shrunk after the growing critique of al-Qa`ida coming general public turned against them, 1 Nic Robertson and Paul Cruickshank, “New Jihad from longstanding jihadist groups suggests extremists do not operate in a 10 Code Threatens Al Qaeda,” CNN, November 10, 2009. and historical leaders of the jihadist vacuum. 6 The peace talks were held between members of the se- movement. The LIFG revisions may curity services and six members of the LIFG’s shura not have been read by all militants, but While al-Qa`ida’s leaders in the council: `Abdullah Sadiq (the amir), Abu al-Mundhir they received large media coverage in tribal areas of Pakistan are genuinely al-Sa`idi (the religious guide), Abu Hazim (the deputy the Middle East and have already been removed from societal influences, the leader), Abu al-Zubayr (the military commander), `Abd the subject of much debate on jihadist same cannot be said of extremists living 7 al-Wahhab Qa’id (a founder of the group whose brother websites. Although the revisions have in the sprawling urbanized landscape of Abu Yahya al-Libi is a senior figure within al-Qa`ida), been criticized by some on these forums, the Middle East and North Africa where and Abdul Ghaffar (the group’s first amir). The meet- the fact that they are being debated at all satellite dishes are ubiquitous. While ings were also attended by Noman Benotman (a former is significant in itself. “Sure, some say commander in the LIFG) and Ali al-Sallabi (a prominent that this message is coming from old- 8 Ibid. Libyan Islamic thinker living in Qatar) who Saif Qadhafi 9 “Corrective Studies in Understanding Jihad, Account- asked to be intermediaries in the talks. 4 Pargeter. ability, and the Judgment of the People,” LIFG recanta- 2 Alison Pargeter, a senior research associate at Cam- 5 Ibid. tions document, September 2009, p. 203. bridge University, wrote in the October 2009 CTC Sen- 6 Al-Qa`ida’s barbaric violence in Iraq persuaded many 10 Public support for Islamist insurgents in Algeria dried tinel that “despite predictions in some quarters that this of these groups to publicly criticize the organization. See up after the Armed Islamic Group (GIA), the most vio- ideological shift will have major repercussions in jihadist Bergen and Cruickshank, “Unraveling: The Jihadist Re- lent militant group, began targeting Algerian civilians in circles and beyond…they are unlikely to have much effect volt against Bin Laden.” Several senior members of the attacks. Not only did this help the government isolate at all and may only spark relatively insignificant debate.” LIFG in Abu Salim prison and former members living in the group, but it also greatly affected the GIA’s recruit- See Alison Pargeter, “LIFG Revisions Unlikely to Reduce the West told the author that al-Qa`ida’s violent excesses ment efforts leading to its near total defeat. In Iraq, AQI’s Jihadist Violence,” CTC Sentinel 2:10 (2009). in Iraq were a key factor in the decision to review their oppression of the local population provoked a backlash 3 Peter Bergen and Paul Cruickshank, “Unraveling: The ideology. against it in the Sunni community that spread from An- Jihadist Revolt Against Bin Laden,” The New Republic, 7 Personal interview, Noman Benotman, November bar Province to the whole country, greatly reducing the June 11, 2008. 2009. number of Iraqis joining AQI’s ranks.

5 december 2009 . Vol 2 . Issue 12 the Iraq war arguably contributed to a Second, the top leaders of the LIFG, disagreement with al-Qa`ida’s decision surge in hardcore extremism in recent despite being imprisoned in the to start attacking the United States years, it is no longer generating anything international dragnet that followed at a meeting of jihadists in Kandahar like the same degree of anger.11 9/11, remain figures of continued in 2000, the revisions represent the consequence in the jihadist movement first time the group’s shura council A Credible Challenge to Al-Qa`ida with the credibility to make their has publicly broken with Bin Ladin’s There are eight reasons to be optimistic criticisms of al-Qa`ida effective.17 terrorist network.21 about the impact of the LIFG revisions. Many LIFG leaders fought alongside al- The first is the fact that they are Qa`ida fighters in the 1980s and 1990s Fourth, the top leadership of the LIFG being made by a jihadist group of high in Afghanistan. In the early 1990s, deliberately framed their critique of prominence and historical importance. LIFG leaders were closely aligned al-Qa`ida’s ideology from a jihadist “Our group is a reference point for ideologically to al-Qa`ida’s hard-line perspective, a move that will make its many Islamic groups; so its book will Egyptian faction in their desire to be of significance to many Islamic bring jihad back to Muslim lands.18 In groups,” Tarek Durman, a mid-level Taliban-run Afghanistan in the late “The LIFG revisions commander in the LIFG arrested in 1990s, Abu al-Mundhir al-Sa`idi, the represent arguably the Jordan in 2000, told CNN.12 The threat group’s religious leader and one of the the LIFG posed to the Libyan state in authors of the revisions, was in every most fundamental rethink the mid-1990s was much greater than respect an equal and a peer to Usama ever by a jihadist group has thus far been reported, a function bin Ladin in jihadist circles. Indeed, of the LIFG training more than 1,000 Mullah Omar bestowed on al-Sa`idi the and are far more explicit in fighters in Afghanistan that decade to title “Shaykh al-Arab” (the leader of the condemning violence than fight in Libya.13 “[The LIFG were] very Arabs).19 aggressive, extremely dangerous and to the revisions issued by al- be honest with you during the nineties it Third, despite the fact that the LIFG Qa`ida’s former Egyptian was like a civil war here in Libya, it was never joined al-Qa`ida nor shared a hidden one, but in fact it was a civil its ideology of global jihad, the close religious guide, Sayyid war,” Saif Qadhafi told CNN.14 While personal ties between its leaders meant Imam al-Sharif.” the LIFG capabilities were significantly that al-Qa`ida still considered the degraded inside Libya in the late 1990s, LIFG’s leaders brothers in arms. To his the LIFG until recently maintained an likely regret, Ayman al-Zawahiri in the extensive international network.15 At years after 9/11 regularly praised al- message resonate more with its target the time of 9/11, the LIFG’s international Sa`idi in online statements. The most audience. “The starting point is that network was even the envy of al-Qa`ida; recent warm words came in an August jihad is legitimate otherwise nobody will the LIFG had repeatedly resisted al- 2009 video in what may have been an listen to you,” said Benotman. “It was Qa`ida’s requests to take advantage attempt by al-Zawahiri to head-off based on Islamic values and concepts of its network of country stations and publication of the revisions, a statement and vocabularies and rules. That means distributive media capabilities.16 that may now complicate his ability to it’s very hard for the other party to respond to the revisions.20 While al- argue with the pages.”22 Accordingly, Sa`idi and Benotman voiced private while the LIFG revisions sharply repudiated al-Qa`ida’s campaign of 11 Personal interviews, Muslim community leaders, for- 17 Abu al-Mundhir al-Sa`idi, the group’s religious lead- violence, it ruled that armed resistance mer jihadists and counterterrorism officials, 2009. er, was arrested in Thailand in 2004. `Abdullah Sadiq, to foreign occupation was “allowed in 12 Nic Robertson and Paul Cruickshank, CNN interview the group’s leader, was arrested the same year in Hong Afghanistan, Iraq and Palestine.” The with Tarek Durman, Abu Salim prison, Tripoli, Libya, Kong. After being held by the Central Intelligence Agen- LIFG leaders also deliberately decided September 2009. cy for an unclear amount of time, they were transferred not to mention al-Qa`ida by name in 13 Personal interview, Noman Benotman, September to Libya. Personal interview, former member of the the document, judging that this might 2008. LIFG, August 2009. be counterproductive with their target 14 Nic Robertson and Paul Cruickshank, “Militant Deal 18 A fatwa issued by Abu al-Mundhir al-Sa`idi in the audience of radical-leaning young 23 Opens Door to New Libya,” CNN, November 27, 2009. early 1990s made clear the influence of hard-line Egyp- Muslims. 15 At its peak in the mid-1990s, the LIFG maintained 17 tian ideologue Sayyid Qutb on the group: “The current country stations around the world including four in Eu- regime in Libya is an ignorant and unbelieving one. It is Fifth, although the fact that the revisions rope and one in Canada that served as its North Ameri- incumbent upon every Muslim in Libya to participate were issued from prison has caused can base, according to Noman Benotman, a former com- in toppling and fighting it with all they can, be it actual some to speculate that coercion was mander of the LIFG. Benotman said that when the LIFG fighting or offering assistance to the fighters. Those who entered peace talks in 2007 it still had a significant num- will not join in fulfilling this Godly obligation without an 21 Personal interviews, Noman Benotman, London, No- ber of operatives at large in Libya, the Middle East and excuse other than illness, blindness, lameness or such vember 2007 and August 2009. the West that would have been able to reactivate opera- like, is committing a capital sin and as such is a infidel.” 22 Personal interview, Noman Benotman, London, tions if ordered to do so by the group. Personal interview, 19 Personal interview, former member of the LIFG, Lon- 2008; Nic Robertson and Paul Cruickshank, CNN inter- Noman Benotman, December 2009. don, August 2008. view with Noman Benotman, London, 2009. 16 Personal interview, Noman Benotman, September 20 ����������������������������������������������������Ayman al-Zawahiri, “The Facts of Jihad and the Lies 23 Personal interview, Noman Benotman, London, Sep- 2009. of Hypocrisy,” al-Sahab, August 3, 2009. tember 2009.

6 december 2009 . Vol 2 . Issue 12 involved, current and former members Egyptian Islamic Jihad, from a Cairo group’s leadership was in prison at the of the group, including individuals prison two years ago. “It’s an extremely time, the anger caused by the Iraq war living freely in the West, have insisted radical change you know,” Benotman would have provided the group a great in interviews that the revisions are told CNN. “You can’t say it’s just normal opportunity to launch a recruiting drive genuine.24 because violence it was like the heart of inside the country.33 the group.”28 According to Durman, “We Sixth, the revisions have received backing found no evidence in Qur’anic verses or The LIFG revisions may already from some of the Muslim world’s most the Prophet’s sayings that our way was be making an impact on terrorism prominent religious scholars, several right—that it was right to carry arms in North Africa. Counterterrorism of whom have significant legitimacy in and defy current laws.”29 officials believe that AQIM has been jihadist circles. They include the Saudi weakened in recent months because cleric Salman al-Awda, who endorsed Eighth, several top leaders of the LIFG of intensified operations by Algerian them on his popular website in the have agreed to continue to preach security services.34 According to late summer, and the Egyptian cleric out against al-Qa`ida after they are Benotman, however, the weakening of Yusuf al-Qaradawi, who endorsed the released from prison. For example, the group may also be linked to a high- revisions and the Libyan government’s al-Sa`idi, the group’s religious guide, profile initiative taken by the Algerian initiative in a Friday sermon screened plans to establish a center dedicated to government to distribute hundreds of on Qatari television in October.25 combating extremism after his release.30 copies of the LIFG revisions to radical According to Durman, “these scholars Once the leaders are freed from prison hotspots.35 will have impact because of their it will be more difficult for radicals to geographic diversity and their weight argue that they are being coerced into The fact that scores of Libyans have in the Islamic arena where their words repudiating al-Qa`ida. Al-Qa`ida will volunteered to fight with AQIM in are listened to.”26 The LIFG leaders not welcome preachers such as al-Sa`idi recent years means that it is in Algeria deliberately sought such endorsements taking to the airwaves. Still only in his that the revisions may have their because they realized that it would early 40s, al-Sa`idi will likely find ways greatest impact. While tensions with provide cover from critics pointing out to connect with younger generations. their Algerian counterparts in the 1990s that the revisions were authored from Durman explained, “We will play our mean that the LIFG has few ties or prison.27 part in developing our country and, influence over AQIM, the repudiation insh’Allah, be a force for good and a force of AQIM tactics by a group enjoying Seventh, the LIFG revisions represent against evil.”31 significant prestige inside Libya will arguably the most fundamental rethink likely reduce the flow of Libyan recruits ever by a jihadist group and are far Impact to its ranks. Moreover, Benotman claims more explicit in condemning violence It is still too early to measure the impact to have dashed al-Zawahiri’s hopes to than the revisions issued by al-Qa`ida’s of the Libyan revisions. Any true test recruit new Libyan militants and to former Egyptian religious guide, Sayyid will take account not just of whether have checked al-Qa`ida’s momentum in Imam al-Sharif, the spiritual leader of they reduce attack rates, but what the region.36 attack rates in the region would likely 24 For example, Hani al-Siba`i, a hard-line Egyptian have been if the LIFG had not embarked The revisions appear to have influenced militant living in London in July 2009, accused the revi- on a peace process. The fact that its jihadist prisoners in Morocco and sions of being processed in “the kitchens of tyrants.” The leadership started talks in January 2007 Mauritania as well. After the Libyan author, however, spoke to at least a dozen LIFG members at the height of the Iraq insurgency was document was circulated in Moroccan in Abu Salim prison in Tripoli in September 2009 about significant. “Just imagine what would prisons, Mohamed Abdel Wahhab Rafiki the revisions. One told him that while the fact they were have gone down in Libya if the LIFG (also known as Abu Hafs), the leader in prison obviously affected what they could say, their group had recruited and organized of a Moroccan Salafi-jihadi faction, commitment to the revisions was entirely genuine. Two youngsters in the wake of the Iraq war,” endorsed the revisions and called on 32 London-based individuals—Noman Benotman, a former said Benotman. While much of the commander in the LIFG who acted as intermediary in 33 The Iraq war had by 2007 contributed to a surge in the peace talks, and Abdul Ghani al-Amari, a mid-level 28 Nic Robertson and Paul Cruickshank, CNN interview radicalization inside Libya. Al-Qa`ida in Iraq’s recruit- LIFG member—also insisted the revisions were genuine with Noman Benotman, London, 2009. ment files, discovered by the U.S. military in a raid in in interviews the same month. 29 Nic Robertson and Paul Cruickshank, CNN interview Sinjar near the Syrian border, suggested that between 25 Other prominent scholars who endorsed the revi- with Tarek Durman, Abu Salim prison, Tripoli, Libya, August 2006 and August 2007 per capita Libyans made sions were Muhammad Hasan Ould Dado of Mauritania, September 2009. up the largest number of foreign-born suicide bombers Ahmed Raysouni of Morocco and a half dozen leading 30 According to Saif Qadhafi, Abu al-Mundhir al-Sa`idi in Iraq. For details, see Joseph Felter and Brian Fishman, Libyan clerics. For more, see “Salman al-Oudah State- said he wants to preach to young Muslims so that they Al-Qaida’s Foreign Fighters in Iraq: A First Look at the Sin- ment on Revisions,” IslamToday.com, August 2009; can learn from his mistakes. See Nic Robertson and Paul jar Records (West Point, NY: Combating Terrorism Cen- Yusuf al-Qaradawi, Friday Khutbah, al-Jazira Mubash- Cruickshank, CNN interview with Saif Qadhafi, Tripoli, ter, 2008). er, Qatar, October 16, 2009. Libya, September 2009. 34 “Al Qaeda Africa Wing Less a Threat to Europe, US,” 26 Nic Robertson and Paul Cruickshank, CNN interview 31 Nic Robertson and Paul Cruickshank, CNN interview Reuters, November 18, 2009. with Tarek Durman, Abu Salim prison, Tripoli, Libya, with Tarek Durman, Abu Salim prison, Tripoli, Libya, 35 Personal interview, Noman Benotman, December September 2009. September 2009. 2009. 27 Personal Interview, Noman Benotman, London, Au- 32 Personal interview, Noman Benotman, London, 36 Nic Robertson and Paul Cruickshank, CNN interview gust 2009. 2008. with Noman Benotman, London, 2009.

7 december 2009 . Vol 2 . Issue 12 the Moroccan government to initiate Al-Qa`ida has thus far not officially Assessing the Progress a similar process.37 In Mauritania, 23 commented on the LIFG revisions. imprisoned Islamist militants issued a According to Benotman, al-Zawahiri of Pakistan’s South statement in late November rejecting is maintaining a strategic silence Waziristan Offensive violence against the state.38 The because he does not want to draw more breakthroughs could further isolate al- attention to the document since he fears By Rahimullah Yusufzai Qa`ida in North Africa. the consequences.41 For al-Qa`ida, the revisions are even more problematic in october 2009, after approximately The LIFG peace process may also have because several of its top leaders four months of preparations, Pakistan’s had implications in the West. Despite operating out of the Afghanistan- armed forces launched a highly early opposition to the talks, the Pakistan border region are former anticipated ground offensive against approximately 30 LIFG members living members of the LIFG. For Abu Yahya Taliban militants in South Waziristan in the United Kingdom threw their al-Libi, currently al-Qa`ida’s chief Agency of the Federally Administered weight behind the shura council in July. propagandist, the rebuke from the LIFG Tribal Areas (FATA). The objectives of Their number included several senior was personal because his brother, `Abd the mission, called Rah-e-Nijat (Path members of the group and 12 individuals al-Wahhab Qa’id, is one of the authors. to Deliverance), are to clear the area of once subject to UK government “control Mid-level LIFG commander Tarek terrorists and militants and stabilize orders” because of their threat to Durman said that he expects Abu Yahya the region.1 The current offensive in national security. As a result of the to “not react to this event,” something South Waziristan marks the largest Libyan peace process, all but one of the which may weaken al-Qa`ida’s ability military operation to date in both FATA “control orders” were dropped.39 The to counter the LIFG’s arguments.42 and the North-West Frontier Province support for the peace process by UK- (NWFP). based leaders signals that al-Qa`ida Benotman predicts that al-Qa`ida will be has lost the battle to win the hearts and finished as a force in the Middle East and Pakistan’s government considers South minds of LIFG members worldwide.40 North Africa within the next half decade, Waziristan the primary source of in no small part because an increasingly recent terrorist violence targeting the critical mass of jihadists agrees with state. It alleges that 80% of terrorist the initiative taken by the LIFG: “We attacks in Pakistan have been organized are starting to see statements from the by militants from Tehrik-i-Taliban Islamic fighting groups themselves. Pakistan (TTP), a conglomeration of 37 “Jihadist Salafi Prisoners Value Reviews of Libyan They are supporting the idea. A couple Pakistani Taliban groups headquartered Islamic Group,” statement by Mohamed Abdel Wahhab years ago they were completely against in South Waziristan.2 Government Rafiki, September 30, 2009; Personal interview, Noman that…Now I hope we will start to see a officials finally came to the conclusion Benotman, December 2009. Not all Moroccan jihad- new era.”43 The Libyan revisions, said that it was essential to destroy the TTP ist prisoners have endorsed the revisions. On October Benotman, will “challenge terrorists for network, which is currently led by 20, 2009, the London-based Egyptian militant Hani al- a generation.”44 Hakimullah Mehsud.3 Siba`i posted a statement claiming that another Moroc- can prison faction opposed the revisions. Paul Cruickshank is a Fellow at the This article will offer an account of the 38 The Mauritanian prisoners appear to have been in- NYU Center on Law & Security and the offensive thus far, identify its successes fluenced by the Mauritanian cleric Muhammad Hasan Producer of “The Jihadi Code,” a recently and failures, and finally look at the Ould Dado, a key supporter of the LIFG revisions. See aired CNN documentary on the Libyan government’s strategy moving forward. “Imprisoned Mauritanian Salafis Reject Anti-State Vio- revisions. During the last two years, Mr. lence,” Middle East Media Research Institute, November Cruickshank and CNN Senior International The Offensive Begins 26, 2009. Correspondent Nic Robertson gained South Waziristan, spread over 2,419 39 Control orders are a British administrative measure exclusive access to the main players in the square kilometers of vast and rugged placing severe restrictions on the movement and com- peace process and this past summer filmed terrain, has been under the effective munications of individuals judged to pose a potential interviews with leading figures of the LIFG control of Pakistani Taliban militants threat to national security. Around a dozen individuals inside Abu Salim prison in Tripoli. since 2003-2004. As a result, Pakistan’s continue to be subject to them. Seven UK-based mem- government does not have credible bers of the LIFG had their control orders dropped after intelligence about the strength of local peace talks were initiated in Tripoli and four had orders and foreign militants based in the area. dropped against them after the revisions were published. British security services distributed copies of the revi- sions to these latter individuals because of their lack of 1 Amir Wasim, “Zardari Writes to NWFP Governor,” access to the internet. Personal interview, Libyan source, Dawn, December 1, 2009. November 2009; Duncan Gardham, “Terrorism Sus- 41 Personal interview, Noman Benotman, Washington, 2 Sajjad Shaukat, “Rationale Behind Waziristan Opera- pects Released from House Arrests after Peace Deal,” D.C., October 2009. tion,” Pakistan Observer, October 21, 2009; Khalid Qayum Daily Telegraph, November 13, 2009. 42 Personal interview, Tarek Durman, Abu Salim pris- and Farhan Sharif, “Bombing Kills 19 in Peshawar as 40 On November 3, 2007, al-Qa`ida released a video- on, Tripoli, Libya, September 2009. Pakistan Captures Taliban Bases,” Bloomberg, Novem- tape in which Ayman al-Zawahiri and Abu Laith al-Libi, 43 Nic Robertson and Paul Cruickshank, CNN interview ber 19, 2009. a senior figure in the LIFG, announced that the LIFG had with Noman Benotman, 2009. 3 For a profile of Hakimullah Mehsud, see Mukhtar A. formally joined forces with al-Qa`ida, a clear play for the 44 Personal interview, Noman Benotman, December Khan, “A Profile of the TTP’s New Leader: Hakimullah hearts and minds of the group’s rank-and-file members. 2009. Mehsud,” CTC Sentinel 2:10 (2009).

8 december 2009 . Vol 2 . Issue 12

Pakistan Army chief, General Ashfaq ground offensive followed three routes fighting in Pakistan were entrenched Parvez Kayani, once described the tribal into Mehsud territory. One route in Kaniguram, in particular Uzbek agency as an intelligence “black hole.”4 traveled northwest from the military militants affiliated with the Islamic At the start of the offensive, however, fort of Jandola to the TTP stronghold Movement of Uzbekistan. Although the one government official estimated that of Srarogha via Spinkai Raghzai and military insisted that Uzbek fighters approximately 1,500 foreign militants Kotkai.8 A second route traveled and other foreign militants resisted were hiding in South Waziristan, mixed northeast from Wana and Shakai toward the advancing soldiers, no arrests in with an estimated total of 10,000 Sarwekai onward to Kaniguram and were reported and no bodies were Taliban fighters.5 Ladha.9 The third route left the garrison displayed to members of the media who town of Razmak in North Waziristan were regularly flown in on military For weeks before the start of the ground Agency and headed south to one of the helicopters to survey the offensive. On offensive on October 17, the military major militant strongholds at Makeen.10 a few occasions, however, media teams softened the militants’ positions did report that rockets were fired at the through airstrikes from fighter jets and The November 3 fall of Srarogha, where troops, forcing the military to evacuate helicopter gunships, in addition to long- Baitullah Mehsud, the former head of television crews to safer locations. the TTP, signed his first peace accord with the government in February Overall, there is little evidence that “Overall, there is little 2005 marked a major setback for the heavy fighting occurred during the evidence that heavy TTP. It was in Srarogha that Baitullah entire operation because it appears spent most of his time plotting attacks, that most militants fled in the face of fighting occurred during convening meetings and speaking the government advance. Nevertheless, the entire operation to the media.11 Zangara, the village it was impossible for the media to where Baitullah was killed by a U.S. independently confirm both the military because it appears that aerial drone in August 2009, is also in and Taliban claims of casualties due to most militants fled in the the Srarogha area, as is his ancestral the lack of access to the conflict zone, village. Prior to Srarogha’s fall, the TTP disrupted lines of communication and face of the government also lost Kotkai, the village of current the dislocation of almost all of the advance.” TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud and civilian population from the area. his cousin, Qari Hussain, the latter of whom regularly trains suicide bombers Successes and Failures for TTP operations. On December 9, the Pakistan Army’s range artillery cannons. The airstrikes Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) played a crucial role in destroying the On November 4, the military announced released up-to-date figures on the militants’ resolve. Military officials that they had entered Ladha town, offensive’s successes. It claimed that 589 later admitted that they had exhausted considered the TTP’s most important Taliban militants and 79 soldiers had their target list as all known militant stronghold. Shortly after, Makeen was died in action so far.13 The ISPR also said hideouts had been bombed.6 taken. By mid-November, the militants that Pakistan’s security forces seized had lost almost all their strongholds. a number of weapons, including RPG- Early on October 17, regular troops from Srarogha, Kaniguram, Kotkai, Spinkay 7 rockets, anti-aircraft machineguns the Pakistan Army and paramilitary Raghzai, Nano, Sherwangai, Shelwestai, and SPG-9 rounds.14 The military said soldiers from the Frontier Corps Nawazkot, Ladha and Makeen have it discovered 22 interlinked tunnels dug mobilized from their bases under the all been secured by the military. The into the mountainside and stocked with cover of darkness and began the ground military then announced that the first arms and ammunition.15 Moreover, the offensive. Military authorities claimed phase of operations was complete, as military had taken control of all the that 30,000 troops were part of the troops had reached all three previously important towns in South Waziristan assault. Some reports, however, said a designated targets: Makeen, Srarogha where the TTP previously held power. total of 60,000 soldiers were involved, and Ladha.12 including 45,000 combat troops and At some locations, the TTP’s retreat 15,000 supporting troops.7 Also important was the fall of did not appear to be well organized Kaniguram. Military authorities believe considering that militants left behind The military initially targeted Makeen, that most of the foreign militants heavy weapons and even cooked food. Spin Kamar and Ladha, all located Separately, security forces said that within the Mehsud tribal areas. The 8 Ibid. they found passports of two foreigners 9 Ibid. in Shelwestai and Sherwangai villages. 4 Ismail Khan, “Battle for Waziristan Looms,” Dawn, 10 Ibid. One passport belonged to Said Bahaji, October 2, 2009. 11 Iqbal Khattak, “Taliban Good at Posturing, Poor at a German national of Moroccan descent 5 Zahid Hussain, “Laddah, Sararogha Cleared; Street Resisting,” Daily Times, October 28, 2009; Iftikhar A. Fighting in Makin,” Dawn, November 18, 2009. Khan, “Troops Enter Militants’ Srarogha Base,” Dawn, 13 “589 Terrorists Killed So Far in Operation Rah-e-Ni- 6 Ismail Khan, “Army Close to Winding Up First Phase November 4, 2009. jat,” Frontier Post, December 10, 2009. of Operation,” Dawn, November 5, 2009. 12 Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, “First Phase of SWA Op- 14 Ibid. 7 Maleeha Lodhi, “South Waziristan: Risks and Oppor- eration Complete,” The News International, November 27, 15 “22 Tunnels, 15 Bunkers in SWA Destroyed,” The Na- tunity,” The News International, November 3, 2009. 2009. tion, December 4, 2009.

9 december 2009 . Vol 2 . Issue 12 who is considered a member of the It is not the first time that leading only places Waliur Rahman, the TTP Hamburg Cell that was involved in the militants have escaped major military commander for South Waziristan, and 9/11 attacks on the United States. The operations and months of aerial his fighters in the Mehsud area, where second passport belonged to Raquel bombardment. The security forces’ he is organizing attacks against security Burgos Garcia, a woman from Spain, inability to obtain timely intelligence forces. who converted to Islam and married a and capture or kill militant commanders Moroccan, Amer Azizi; Azizi was part of has a pattern in all of their military It is possible that Hakimullah and his Spain’s Abu Dahdah al-Qa`ida cell and operations. Furthermore, the current commanders could be seeking shelter was active in sending Spanish militants offensive did not benefit from the in North Waziristan, where another to training camps in Afghanistan.16 element of surprise, as it was clear that Pakistani Taliban commander, Hafiz The discovery of the passports raised the military would launch the operation Gul Bahadur, maintains control.23 prospects that Said Bahaji and other before the winter so that gains could be Hakimullah and his commanders are members of al-Qa`ida could be hiding made by the time of the first snowfall. in South Waziristan or the adjacent As a result, the militants were able tribal areas. to flee from South Waziristan before “The struggle, however, the start of the offensive. The snow is far from over. The TTP The TTP, however, rejected the began to fall on December 9, making government’s claims. In addition to the movement of troops toward the has proved through its disputing government casualty reports, militants’ mountain redoubt difficult. unrelenting campaign TTP spokesman Azam Tariq insisted Outnumbered and outgunned, the that the militant group executed a militants retreated by replicating the of terrorist attacks in “tactical retreat” from their strongholds tactics used by the Afghan Taliban, Pakistani cities that its in South Waziristan and assured that deciding to employ guerrilla tactics to the group’s strength was largely intact.17 harass the advancing troops and attack capabilities have not been Tariq said that the TTP was prepared them at remote outposts. fully degraded.” for a long war and contended that the Hakimullah Mehsud has threatened retaliation against the military “Hakimullah Mehsud has once heavy snows begin in South unlikely to be in South Waziristan’s threatened retaliation Waziristan in January.19 The military, Wana area, where Maulvi Nazir and however, appears to be prepared for militants from the Ahmadzai Wazir against the military once the changing weather conditions. The tribe operate; these non-TTP militants heavy snows begin in South troops deployed to the combat zone are likely hesitant to allow TTP fighters have already been replaced by fresh into their area due to fears that it would Waziristan in January.” contingents.20 More helicopters, heavy destabilize their own towns by drawing weapons, night-vision goggles and in the Pakistan Army.24 Hakimullah other equipment, some of it provided by could also have found refuge in the United States, have been sent to the Orakzai Agency, an agency he used to Pakistan Army was only occupying the troops. The soldiers are also benefiting command for the TTP until the death major roads, while the militants were from jamming devices that have been of Baitullah Mehsud. Orakzai remains entrenched in the surrounding forests installed to protect military convoys a TTP stronghold where militants from and mountains.18 Lending credence from improvised explosive devices. Waziristan, Khyber and Dara Adam to the TTP’s claims about a tactical Khel also operate and which serves retreat, the government has so far failed It is clear that Hakimullah, Qari as a base for planning attacks against to kill or arrest any senior TTP leaders. Hussain, Waliur Rahman and Azam Pakistan’s urban centers. Some TTP Furthermore, even by accepting the Tariq are still alive, as they have spoken commanders and fighters are reported military’s claims of 589 Taliban fighters to reporters in recent weeks.21 This also to have entered Kurram Agency, and the killed, it is clear that the majority of shows that they have access to telephone fighters—numbering in the thousands— lines and are therefore unlikely to still service is not available there. Militants normally avoid were able to escape and will likely be in the Mehsud tribal territory in using satellite phones as their signals are easily tracked continue to pose a threat. South Waziristan, considering that the and have led to repeated captures. phone lines are no longer operational 23 Hafiz Gul Bahadar, however, is not part of the TTP. in the area.22 Current speculation 16 Zahid Hussain, “Passport of 9/11 Conspirator Found 24 South Waziristan is inhabited by two Pashtun tribes, in Waziristan,” Dawn, October 30, 2009. For details on Mehsud and Ahmadzai Wazir. The latter are not in- Amer Azizi, see Fernando Reinares, “Jihadist Radical- 19 “We Will Give Effective Answer to Military Action volved in the current fighting. The two tribes have tra- ization and the 2004 Madrid Bombing Network,” CTC in January – Hakimullah Mehsud,” Daily Jang, December ditionally been rivals and the government exploited this Sentinel 2:11 (2009). 10, 2009. rivalry by renewing its peace deal with Taliban militants 17 Ivan Watson and Samson Desta, “Taliban Claim ‘Tac- 20 Zaafir. belonging to the Ahmadzai Wazir tribe living in the tical Retreat’ in Pakistan,” CNN, November 4, 2009. 21 Personal interview, Qari Hussain, TTP leader, De- Wana and Shakai areas. The Mehsud-populated areas 18 Irfan Burki and Daud Khattak, “9 More Militants cember 5, 2009. were targeted by the Pakistani military because the TTP Killed in South Waziristan,” The News International, No- 22 Cell phones do not work in most tribal areas includ- had its headquarters there and drew most of its cadre vember 10, 2009. ing North and South Waziristan because mobile phone from the Mehsud.

10 december 2009 . Vol 2 . Issue 12 decision by Pakistan’s military to send now in charge of the affairs in all tribal The third phase will include corrective fighter jets and helicopter gunships to regions. There are plans to complete political steps. Efforts will be made to central Kurram was apparently taken damage assessments so that tribal win the support of the Mehsud tribe following intelligence reports about the households affected by the fighting can against the militant groups. The military concentration of militants in the area.25 be compensated. South Waziristan’s has said that it recognizes this cannot be political administrator, Syed Shahab Ali accomplished until it demonstrates its The TTP has retaliated by carrying out Shah, promised that reconstruction and commitment to overcoming militancy suicide bombings and other attacks in development work would begin once in the region. There is also a proposal Pakistan’s urban centers, and tasking peace was restored. He also said that to relocate the Mehsud tribe’s regional its affiliates in Bajaur, Mohmand, unemployed men would be recruited headquarters from Ladha to Makeen, Hangu, Kurram and elsewhere to launch into the civil armed forces known which is located in the plains and can fresh attacks on the security forces to as Khasadar and Levies to maintain be better defended due to its proximity put pressure on the government and security in the area.27 to the army garrison in Razmak. The influence public opinion.26 They are fort in Ladha, which was destroyed by also launching sporadic hit-and-run Repair work on the Shakai-Kaniguram the militants, would also be rebuilt and attacks against Pakistan’s military in road and reconstruction of the Jandola- used to station troops for their quick South Waziristan. Srarogha road has reportedly started. deployment to problem areas. Reconstruction of the roadways will The Offensive Going Forward facilitate the movement of troops and The government also plans on creating The Pakistan government’s overall supplies, and enable the military to more administrative units to increase strategy in South Waziristan is not clear. mobilize quickly in case the militants the state’s official presence and make the Initially, it was to eliminate the TTP decide to launch a counteroffensive. Mehsud territory governable. Another leadership and capture the militants’ Work on restoring the power important and still divisive issue is the strongholds in South Waziristan. Yet bifurcation of South Waziristan into the military now plans on holding the “Public support for the two separate administrative divisions: areas it clears until the threat from the the Mehsud and the Ahmadzai Wazir TTP is diminished. In fact, the mission army’s actions in the tribal regions. The Mehsud tribe opposes has now become a counterinsurgency areas, currently at 51%, this plan, and warns that it would operation since the government plans create acrimony at a time when efforts on reviving the civil administration in could also be jeopardized are needed to bring the tribe into the the tribal agency. The military will also if the military bows to the mainstream. have to oversee the repatriation and screening of displaced tribal civilians to pressure of the United Conclusion their villages, and manage rehabilitation States and its NATO The TTP retreated from its strongholds and reconstruction work. As in Swat, in South Waziristan in the face of where the government has been slow allies and takes action the Pakistan military’s offensive. Its to revive the civil administration and against the hideouts of birthplace and headquarters are no reconstruction work has yet to begin longer under its control. The group in earnest, the situation is even more predominately Afghan is under pressure to launch the long difficult in South Waziristan. Taliban militants, such as guerrilla war that its commanders have threatened. Although the group still The second phase of military operations in North Waziristan and has armed units operating in Bajaur, in South Waziristan is being presented Baluchistan.” Mohmand, Dara Adam Khel, Khyber, as a clear and consolidation effort. The Orakzai, Kurram and other locations in troops will be clearing militants from all the northwest, the government appears captured territory, detaining suspects, determined to weaken the militants’ searching for weapons, removing transmission lines is also moving overall network. The airstrikes and mines and demolishing the homes of forward. Officials in the FATA political ground attacks by the military in lower Taliban members. The government is administration are planning to complete and central Kurram and in Orakzai and also planning on bringing the political major repair work, restore civic services Khyber are designed to destroy the TTP’s administration back to the area, where and revive the political administrative logistics and supply lines, in addition it has been absent for years. It will take system in South Waziristan by April to killing relocated cadres who fled time for civil officials to take control 2010, in time for the displaced Mehsud military action in South Waziristan. from the military authorities, who are tribespeople to return to their villages from the neighboring districts of Tank The struggle, however, is far from 25 Khattak. and Dera Ismail Khan. over. The TTP has proved through its 26 It is the TTP’s standard policy to claim responsibil- unrelenting campaign of terrorist attacks ity for attacks on security forces and police, but to remain in Pakistani cities that its capabilities silent when public places and civilians are attacked. Al- have not been fully degraded. Its success though Hakimullah denied TTP involvement in bomb- 27 “Mehsuds Who Suffered Losses in Military Opera- in hitting high-security military targets ing marketplaces, there have been attacks claimed by his tions Will Be Compensated,” Radio Razmak, December through complex suicide assaults proves organization in the past against these types of targets. 10, 2009. that it can continue to launch operations

11 december 2009 . Vol 2 . Issue 12 despite losing its South Waziristan The Internet and its Role South Asia. The trial resulted in eight base. Moreover, the hardest part of the terrorism cases involving several mission for Pakistan’s military has only in Terrorist Recruitment dozen defendants and years of complex just begun. Routing guerrilla forces and Operational Planning international cooperation.1 with a modern army is not difficult; it is the “hold” phase of counterinsurgency By Sajjan M. Gohel Born in Virginia with parents from that will prove the most challenging. Bangladesh, Sadequee exhibited radical The militants can now begin to practice the virtual world is fast becoming sentiments in his teens. Soon after the the form of warfare at which they are the most important meeting place for September 11 attacks, he sent an e-mail best: sporadic guerrilla attacks against terrorists, and a major venue where to an extremist website expressing his troops. extremists can make contact with desire to join the Taliban.2 Sadequee’s like-minded individuals. Through extremist activity intensified when he Moreover, for Pakistan’s government these relatively anonymous contacts, met Syed Haris Ahmed, a Pakistani- to be successful, it will need to move an extremist can be brought into the American student at Georgia Tech, at against TTP leaders and cadre in other terrorist fold and become physically a mosque in Atlanta. The two made tribal areas—where they are seeking involved in terrorist plots. Today, contact in a password-protected chat shelter—which will stretch the military’s there are a growing number of cases room.3 Transcripts of their internet operations and make it more vulnerable in which terrorist groups, or jihadist conversations reveal that they fed off to guerrilla attacks. Public support radicalizers, have used the internet each other’s outrage at the U.S. wars in for military operations could fall if to recruit individuals in the West, Iraq and Afghanistan.4 civilians feel increasingly insecure in providing them a starting point to their own homes, workplaces and cities. engage in terrorist activity. By ignoring It was in the virtual space, through Public support for the army’s actions in this developing issue, there is the risk of murky web forums and radical chat the tribal areas, currently at 51%, could becoming complacent about an emerging rooms such as “Clearguidance,” that also be jeopardized if the military bows threat that appears to be growing more an extremist network of like-minded to the pressure of the United States and significant with time. individuals, together with Sadequee its NATO allies and takes action against and Ahmed, was established and the hideouts of predominately Afghan This article will explore a now defunct where ideas for terrorist training and Taliban militants, such as in North network of terrorist cells that were plotting attacks were discussed.5 The Waziristan and Baluchistan.28 It is clear located across the world and which network included a group of radicals that Pakistan’s security forces are still became connected through the internet. from Canada, known as the “Toronto in the early stages of their perennial By studying this network of cells, which 18” led in part by Zakaria Amara, a fight against Islamist militants intent the author identifies as the Digital Jihad gas station attendant;6 a Bosnian-born on weakening the state. Network, it becomes evident that the Swede named Mirsad Bektasevic who internet has become a key platform in was planning attacks against Western Rahimullah Yusufzai is a senior Pakistani cell formation and terrorist activity. interests in Sarajevo; and Aabid Khan journalist and political and security analyst Moreover, the article will also show from Manchester, England, who acted presently working as Resident Editor of the how the internet is increasingly being as a facilitator for various Pakistan- English daily The News International used to recruit Westerners for jihadist based terrorist organizations.7 The final in Peshawar. He has been reporting on operations at home and abroad. Finally, actor in the network was Younis Tsouli, Afghanistan and Pakistan’s North-West the article will identify the threat posed a former Moroccan diplomat’s son living Frontier Province, Federally Administered by “lone wolf” terrorism, which is made in London whose computer expertise Tribal Areas, and Baluchistan since the possible as a result of jihadist literature, made him the network’s hub.8 Tsouli early 1980s. online radicalizers and military training had also used the internet to build links materials available on the web. to al-Qa`ida operatives in Iraq.9

The Internet as a Staging Platform: 1 “Atlanta Defendant Found Guilty Of Supporting Ter- A Case Study of the Digital Jihad Network rorists,” U.S. Department of Justice, August 12, 2009. The internet is increasingly playing a 2 Ibid. critical role in linking together disparate 3 Bill Gillespie, “The Case Against Canada’s Plotters,” terrorist cells around the world. An Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, October 14, 2009. examination of one major global jihadist 4 Ibid. network reveals the sheer number of 5 Ibid. links and connections forged through 6 “Toronto 18 Video Evidence Released,” Canadian the internet. The case involved Ehsanul Broadcasting Corporation, October 20, 2009. Sadequee, who an Atlanta court found 7 “Atlanta Defendant Found Guilty Of Supporting Ter- guilty of conspiracy to materially rorists.” support terrorists in August 2009. His 8 Tsouli infamously was able to hack an FTP server trial explored a nexus of extremists who operated by the Arkansas Highway and Transportation were connected through the internet to Department and turn it into an al-Qa`ida message board, 28 This poll is available at Gallop Pakistan, the findings plan attacks and form a global network providing detailed information on the art of hacking. of which were published on November 3, 2009. linking North America, Europe and 9 “Terrorist Use Of The Internet,” Combating Terrorism

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In early 2005, Ahmed and Sadequee base from where they and others part of his plot was imminent.20 Tsouli’s traveled to a Toronto mosque to meet their internet chat group could gather encrypted hard drive provided a wealth with some members of the Toronto 18 to before traveling to Pakistan.14 of information that led investigators to discuss possible attacks on the Centers pursue other militant links across the for Disease Control and Prevention After their planned paramilitary training world. Both Tsouli and Bektasevic are in Atlanta and oil refineries.10 Aabid trip in Pakistan, the network intended serving lengthy prison sentences after Khan also flew in from London for the to return to Toronto and choose targets being convicted on terrorism-related gathering.11 None of the individuals had to attack in Canada, the United States, charges. In March 2006, Ahmed was formal terrorist training, so they agreed the United Kingdom and continental arrested in Atlanta by the FBI and as a first step to travel to Pakistan Europe. They anticipated the attacks Sadequee was detained in April 2006 and spend three months in a training to be possibly the most coordinated in Bangladesh. Ahmed was convicted camp run by Lashkar-i-Tayyiba terrorist assault ever seen. A few weeks in June 2009 for conspiracy to provide (LT), a Pakistani terrorist group that after their trip to Toronto, Ahmed and material support to terrorism in the Sadequee visited Washington, D.C. United States and abroad.21 “Through its relatively where they made more than 62 video clips of potential targets, including In Britain, once the evidence had secure anonymity, the the Pentagon, the Capitol, and the been gathered from the other plots, internet has become a key World Bank headquarters.15 Sadequee authorities quickly moved to apprehend e-mailed the scouting videos to Tsouli the remaining members of the network. medium for Westerners to and Khan.16 In April 2006, Scottish police arrested identify and connect with a student, Mohammed Atif Siddique, as Sadequee eventually traveled to he was in the process of boarding a flight jihadist radicalizers and Bangladesh to get married, and he to Pakistan to meet Aabid Khan who had recruiters.” continued his participation in the been indoctrinating and radicalizing global network. Although Ahmed Siddique through the internet.22 was able to travel to Pakistan, he and Khan were not able to arrange training In June 2006, Toronto witnessed the orchestrated the Mumbai terror siege for the global plotters because of dramatic arrests of several men also in November 2008.12 Khan would make the logistical difficulties in bringing connected to the network. The Toronto the necessary arrangements with the them all together. In October 2005, 18 cell had been infiltrated by two police LT so that the network’s members could Sadequee communicated via e-mail from informants and was accused of planning travel to Pakistan and begin training. Bangladesh with Tsouli in London and attacks on two Toronto buildings and an Khan was also in contact with Jaysh- Bektasevic in Sarajevo, as the latter was Ontario military base. The cell members i-Muhammad (JM), another terrorist obtaining explosives and weapons for had in their possession large quantities group in Pakistan that was partly a plot.17 They discussed a propaganda of what they thought was ammonium involved in the abduction and murder of video that Bektasevic was preparing nitrate.23 In October 2009, Zakaria U.S. journalist Daniel Pearl in Karachi.13 that would announce the formation Amara pleaded guilty to knowingly The network’s members rented two of a group they called “Al-Qa`ida in participating in a terrorist group basement apartments in Toronto as a Northern Europe.”18 and intending to cause an explosion for the benefit of a terrorist group.24 Working Group (CTWG), George C. Marshall European By this time, however, law enforcement Investigations revealed that members of Center for Security Studies, June 16-17, 2009. and intelligence agencies had finally the Toronto cell, including Amara, were 10 Gillespie. traced their internet communications influenced by the internet sermons of 11 Ibid. and were monitoring their activities on U.S.-born Islamist ideologue Anwar al- 12 Aryn Baker and Jyoti Thottam, “The Making of a the web, in addition to keeping them Awlaki, who is believed to be based in 25 Mumbai Terrorist,” Time Magazine, March 8, 2009. In- under close physical surveillance. Yemen. terestingly, the anonymous nature of the internet also Within days, in October 2005, served as a tool to aid and mask the LT’s Mumbai attack. Bektasevic was apprehended in Sarajevo 20 Ibid. One of the handlers for the group sent an e-mail to an In- and British police arrested Tsouli in 21 “Atlanta Defendant Found Guilty Of Supporting Ter- 19 dian TV channel claiming that the “Deccan Mujahidin” London. Bektasevic’s arrest revealed rorists.” was responsible for the plot. Deccan, being an area in that he had already assembled a suicide 22 HMA v. Mohammed Atif Siddique, October 23, 2007; southern India, implied the plot was indigenous. Inves- vest attached to a detonator, suggesting Swann. tigations subsequently found that the e-mail message 23 “Toronto 18 Video Evidence Released.” originated in Lahore in Pakistan, before being routed to 24 Ibid. different locations through an anonymous “re-mailer” 14 Ibid. 25 Unlike other radicals, Anwar al-Awlaki understands service. This is a system that acts as a mail intermediary 15 Sebastian Rotella, “Georgia Man Convicted of Aiding Western culture and has used the internet to tailor his and allows users to send e-mails to a destination anony- Terrorism Groups,” Los Angeles Times, August 13, 2009. messages to directly influence young impressionable peo- mously. The ploy successfully misled many as to the ori- 16 Ibid. ple. During his time in the United States, he served as an gins of the group and could serve to act as a template for 17 Ibid. imam at San Diego’s Rabat mosque, where he met future future attacks. 18 “Terrorist Use Of The Internet.” 9/11 hijackers Khalid al-Midhar and Nawaf al-Hazmi and 13 Nick Fielding, “Omar Saeed Sheikh: The British Jack- 19 Gordon Corera, “Al-Qaeda’s 007,” TimesOnline, Janu- developed a close relationship with them. Al-Awlaki was al,” Sunday Times, April 21, 2002. ary 16, 2008. also in communication through the internet with Nidal

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Four days after the Toronto plotters attacks. In the case of this network, it It is unlikely that he will be the last were arrested, Aabid Khan was allowed members to come into contact Somali-American recruited by al-Shabab detained at London’s Heathrow Airport with individuals with actual physical handlers to fight in Somalia. His case is as he disembarked from a flight from ties to terrorist groups, such as to the a mere example of the problem.37 Islamabad in June 2006.26 When police LT in Pakistan. The dismantling of the searched his luggage they found two network led to dozens of arrests around More recently, in December 2009 computer hard drives, 16 CDs and a the world. Worryingly, this template five men from northern Virginia were quantity of documents.27 The contents has also been used subsequently in arrested in Sargodha in Pakistan’s of the material showed Khan inciting the United States to recruit people for Punjab Province on suspicion that others to participate in terrorist activity terrorist activity abroad. they were plotting terrorist attacks through the internet, and evidence also and planned to fight in Afghanistan.38 showed that he had facilitated trips Al-Shabab Recruits in the United States and The Pakistani police interrogation to Pakistan.28 In August 2008, Khan the Pakistan-Virginia Case report identified one of the suspects as was convicted of being a terrorist In November 2009, federal authorities Ahmed Abdullah Minni, who it claims propagandist.29 unsealed terrorism-related charges regularly went on YouTube to watch against men they say were key actors Taliban attacks on the U.S. military in Hammaad Munshi, a 16-year-old British in a recruitment drive that led young Afghanistan and left comments praising schoolboy, was also caught in the Somali-Americans to join al-Shabab, the actions.39 His comments attracted network, becoming Britain’s youngest a Somali insurgent group and an al- the attention of extremists, and he convicted terrorist.30 Munshi was a Qa`ida affiliate. In total, authorities was eventually contacted through the friend and recruit of Aabid Khan, and have implicated 14 people in the case. internet by a mysterious individual was convicted in September 2008 of Perhaps the most notorious is Zakaria using the alias “Saifullah.”40 A Yahoo! possessing materials that were likely to Maruf, an American-Somali who had left e-mail account was set up so the accused be used in acts of terrorism.31 Munshi Minnesota for southern Somalia to link and Saifullah could communicate.41 collected instructions for making napalm, up with al-Shabab and subsequently explosives and suicide vests from the recruited men from the United States The suspects planned to travel to internet.32 A quantity of propaganda through a variety of means, including Pakistan, and then to Afghanistan. Once videos and audio recordings, stored on the internet.33 they arrived in Pakistan’s port city of the family computer, were also found Karachi, the men left for Hyderabad.42 during a search. This was the case of Mohamoud Pakistani authorities claim that they Hassan, a student at the Carlson School tried to connect with JM and Jama`at- This case study of the Digital Jihad of Management, whose path toward ud-Da`wa (JuD), the parent wing of Network reveals how the internet is extremism began through the internet LT.43 According to Pakistani authorities, being used as a platform to facilitate with searches for jihadist videos and neither JuD nor JM expressed any contact among like-minded aspiring jihadist chat rooms. Like the Toronto interest in recruiting the men.44 During jihadists. Moreover, it also plays a 18, Hassan listened to the audio lectures the past 10 years, however, both groups role in the preparation and plotting of of Anwar al-Awlaki.34 Hassan then have actively recruited foreigners. It is began to communicate frequently with likely that the two groups are reluctant Malik Hasan, the U.S. Army officer who is charged with Maruf who established contact through to induct Americans at this time in light killing 13 people and wounding 30 at Fort Hood, Texas in listservs, an antiquated form of sending of the recent case of David Headley, a November 2009. See Michelle Shephard, “The Powerful e-mails, and conference calls arranged Online Voice of Jihad,” Toronto Star, October 18, 2009; by an associate who distributed several 37 Laura Yuen, “Fifth Minnesota Man Dies in Somalia,” The 9/11 Commission Report (New York: W.W. Norton & hundred numbers and passwords Minnesota Public Radio, September 5, 2009. In Decem- Co., 2004), p. 221; Theo Emery, “The FBI Probe: What so people could establish contact ber 2008, al-Awlaki addressed al-Shabab followers in 35 Went Wrong at Fort Hood?” Time Magazine, December securely. one of his blog entries stating, “We are following your 10, 2009. Al-Awlaki was characterized in court testimo- recent news and it fills our hearts with immense joy.” ny as an inspiration by two of the six people convicted on In November 2008, Hassan turned his 38 “Interrogation Report, ‘Profiles of the Foreigners conspiracy and other charges in a plot to kill U.S. military back on a university education and with Held,’” Punjab Police, Sargodha, Punjab Province, De- personnel at Fort Dix. A Facebook page devoted to the two other students left for Somalia to cember 11, 2009. ideologue once had thousands of supporters. Following join an al-Shabab training camp where 39 Ibid. the Ft. Hood shooting, the page was removed by the web- he linked up with his internet recruiter 40 Ibid. 36 site administrators. Maruf. In September 2009, Hassan’s 41 Ibid. Interestingly, to avoid interception by law en- 26 Swann. grandmother received news from forcement and intelligence agencies, e-mails were never 27 “Cases Concluded in 2008,” The Counter-Terrorism Somalia that her grandson was killed. sent from the account, but messages were left in the draft Division of the Crown Prosecution Service, undated. folder and deleted after reading, the online version of a 28 Ibid. 33 Amy Forliti, “Details Emerge About Somali Terror- “dead letter drop.” 29 Ibid. ists’ Recruiting Methods,” Associated Press, August 42 “Mosque of Americans Arrested in Pakistan Plans 30 Swann. 25, 2009; Andrea Elliott, “A Call to Jihad, Answered in Investigation,” CNN, December 11, 2009. 31 Ibid. America,” New York Times, July 12, 2009. 43 Jama`at-ud-Da`wa was proscribed by the United Na- 32 Jenny Percival, “Yorkshire Teenager Becomes Brit- 34 Elliott. tions following the Mumbai terror siege attacks. ain’s Youngest Convicted Terrorist,” Guardian, August 35 Ibid. 44 “Interrogation Report, ‘Profiles of the Foreigners 18, 2008. 36 Ibid. Held.’”

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Chicago resident accused of conducting components, as well as to investigate of the process connecting aspiring reconnaissance on behalf of LT during potential targets.46 Importantly, he terrorists with like-minded individuals the preparation for the 2008 Mumbai was in frequent contact via the internet or actual terrorists operating out of attacks, as well as conspiring to attack with two unidentified men from countries such as Pakistan and Somalia. the offices of the Danish newspaper, Pakistan, with whom he discussed his After consolidating relationships over Jyllands-Posten. Other reports state that intentions and from whom he received the internet, the recruits can then plot the two terrorist groups thought that encouragement and information.47 The and plan mass casualty attacks while the men were working on behalf of unidentified individuals answered his remaining in contact with their handlers Western intelligence agencies. questions and directed him to bomb- through the world wide web. making websites. U.S. officials are exploring possible These factors raise serious challenges criminal charges against the northern Reilly’s case is concerning because he for Western governments, whose Virginia men. The mystery man, never traveled to a foreign country for citizens are being lured into the Saifullah, has yet to be identified. The training, which is one reason why he terrorist fold over the internet. The recent case is concerning because it was not discovered by authorities until internet has become a starting point shows how Westerners, in this case he executed his plot. His case presents a for those seeking persuasive jihadist Americans, can be induced to partake information, ideological guidance, in jihad through contacts made over practical military instructions and the internet and travel to Pakistan for “Cases of ‘lone wolf’ connections with jihadist handlers. To direct training. In many ways, the case terrorism show how the combat this threat, counterterrorism is similar to the global network tied to efforts will need to increasingly factor Ehsanul Sadequee. internet has the ability to in the virtual battlefield in addition to at least somewhat become the physical battlefield. The Internet and its Role in “Lone Wolf” Terrorism a substitute for physical Dr. Sajjan Gohel is Director for International Another growing concern is the issue military training, although Security at the Asia-Pacific Foundation, an of “lone wolf” terrorism. This refers independent intelligence and security think- to an individual not connected to any the pattern so far implies thank. He received his Ph.D. in International particular cell or network, but who that internet training History from the London School of Economics becomes radicalized as a result of & Political Science (LSE). His doctoral thesis, jihadist literature online. Moreover, the alone reduces operational entitled, “The Evolution of Egyptian Radical individual can also become trained in effectiveness.” Ideological Thought from Hasan al-Banna explosives and other weapons through to Ayman al-Zawahiri,” is in the process of military training manuals available being published. Dr. Gohel’s primary research on the internet. The emergence of interests include: the security challenges in these self-generated violent extremists worrying scenario because it was almost South Asia, the Middle East and the Horn presents a significant challenge to law completely domestic, other than the of Africa and the connection with the West; enforcement because they have few, if virtual contacts forged over the internet. radical ideological thought both present and any, physical organizational links to Furthermore, his two unidentified historical; and the role that New Media plays other collaborators. This means that contacts were not apprehended, which in transnational terrorism. warning signs may only be seen in means they can continue their attempts hindsight, after a plot has already been to foment jihad in Western countries executed. through contacts made on the internet. Cases of “lone wolf” terrorism, of which One of the most disturbing cases of Reilly is only one, show how the internet “lone wolf” terrorism is Nicky Reilly, has the ability to at least somewhat who attempted to carry out a suicide become a substitute for physical military bomb attack in May 2008 in Exeter training, although the pattern so far in the United Kingdom. Reilly, who implies that internet training alone has Asperger’s syndrome, made an reduces operational effectiveness. improvised explosive device (IED) out of soft drink bottles filled with paraffin, Conclusion caustic soda and nails. He tried to Through its relatively secure detonate the IED in a café, yet the bombs anonymity, the internet has become a exploded prematurely and Reilly was key medium for Westerners to identify the only person injured.45 and connect with jihadist radicalizers and recruiters. The internet is part Reilly, a Muslim convert, researched how to make IEDs on the internet. He 46 Adam Fresco, “Bomber Nicky Reilly was Brain- also used the internet to obtain the IED’s washed Online by Pakistani Extremists,” The Times, Oc- tober 16, 2008. 45 HMA v. Nicky Reilly, January 30, 2009. 47 Ibid.

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Prisons in Iraq: A New prisons and their implications in recent was tasked with carefully reviewing terrorist operations. Of the 73 men detainee criminal records before their Generation of Jihadists? arrested by Iraqi police in November and release to ensure that they had not accused of involvement in the August committed serious crimes not covered By Myriam Benraad suicide attacks in Baghdad, several by the amnesty—such as terrorism and acknowledged established ties with AQI sectarian manslaughter.7 Article 6 of the over the last two years, thousands of and other radical groups during their Iraqi detainees have been released from incarceration.3 In a context of economic “AQI’s radical message prisons in compliance with Iraq’s 2008 uncertainty and widespread corruption general amnesty law and the U.S.-Iraq and bribery that provide fertile ground to retains resonance in the Security Agreement that was enforced insurgents, prisons now appear to have prisons, and influences in January 2009. Following the become the primary crucible of jihadist withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from ideology and Islamist radicalization in illiterate and disenchanted Iraqi cities in June, and the upsurge in Iraq, raising new security concerns and prisoners in particular.” violence in several provinces—mainly casting doubts on the Iraqi government’s Baghdad, Ninawa and Diyala—the Iraqi ability to maintain security ahead of government has repeatedly blamed the upcoming elections scheduled for prisoner releases for providing al-Qa`ida March 7, 2010. law added that Iraqi police and judicial in Iraq (AQI) with new opportunities to forces had to take appropriate measures stage high-profile attacks. Sensitive Prisoner Releases prior to a detainee transfer or release by Iraq’s general amnesty law came into Multinational Force-Iraq (MNF-I). On December 8, 2009, for example, effect in February 2008. At the time of 127 people were killed in a series its adoption, the law was part of Prime While MNF-I argues that recidivism of coordinated attacks that struck Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s national rates among released detainees have government sites in Baghdad; the reconciliation effort aimed at drawing been low, so far most releases have attacks were endorsed by AQI’s Islamic the alienated Sunni Arab community occurred in a context of Iraqi police and State of Iraq (ISI).1 AQI also claimed back into the political process and military forces not yet able to maintain responsibility for several other deadly convincing former jihadists to renounce security, weak rule of law and judicial operations, including the October violence.4 Throughout 2008, more than authorities not equipped with the tools 25 suicide attacks that targeted the half of the total detainee population to properly monitor former prisoners. Iraqi capital’s Ministry of Justice and was released, which consisted of 17,800 For instance, the 2008 amnesty law provincial council, the execution of 13 inmates out of a total of 33,600.5 does not make provisions for the post- Sunni tribal members in Abu Ghurayb Since January 2009, the first steps in detention surveillance of inmates by in November, and the suicide attacks 8 the implementation of the U.S.-Iraq Iraq’s judiciary and is therefore being against the ministries of Foreign Security Agreement have witnessed the reviewed by Iraqi lawmakers; it must Affairs and Finance in Baghdad that transfer of thousands of new prisoners be amended in 2010 so that the amnesty killed more than 100 people in August.2 from U.S.-run facilities to the Iraqi strictly excludes prisoners held on Rising tensions in cities such as Mosul authorities, including the release of terrorism charges. Yet, existing legal gaps, and in Anbar Province, where violence more than 5,000 inmates.6 concrete negligence in the application had declined drastically since the U.S. of the law and other shortcomings have “surge” in 2007, indicate a return of Originally, as provided by Article 5 of already allowed a number of radicals to armed jihad in Iraq and raise doubts the Iraqi amnesty law, detainee releases be pardoned and freed, several rejoining over the sustainability and durability of had to be conducted “in a safe and the armed insurgency. its stabilization process. orderly manner” by judicial committees designated in each Iraqi province by the Endemic corruption and bribery also This article explores the connection Supreme Judicial Council, composed play an important role. Iraqi officials between the numerous prisoner releases of first-class prosecutors. The law from the Ministry of Interior have in Iraq since 2008 and AQI’s resurgence. only pertained to inmates facing less reported that approximately $10,000 in Emphasis will be laid on the pervasive significant charges, and each committee bribes were given to various accomplices effects that the amnesty law and U.S.- to facilitate the movement of AQI suicide Iraq Security Agreement have had on bombers—some of whom allegedly the release of radical inmates from 3 “Iraq US Jail was Qaeda Breeding Ground,” Agence France-Presse, November 15, 2009. 4 The amnesty law was supported by the Sunni Tawa- 1 Salam Faraj, “Iraq Says 13 Held for Blasts as Security fuq Front, and was considered a step toward its return 7 Article 2 of the 2008 amnesty law excludes crimes sen- Chiefs Grilled,” Agence France-Presse, December 13, to government. tenced to death under the Iraqi Penal Code of 1969 and 2009. 5 See the statement by Deputy Prime Minister Barham the following criminal convictions: murder, kidnapping, 2 Jane Arraf, “Abu Ghraib Attack Raises Fears of Re- Saleh and figures reported by the Iraqi Supreme- Judi sexual abuse, embezzlement of public funds, counterfeit- surgent Al Qaeda in Iraq,” Christian Science Monitor, cial Council’s spokesman, Abd al-Sattar al-Bayrkdar, ing of Iraqi currency or foreign currency, forgery of of- November 17, 2009. For the Islamic State of Iraq’s state- in “Iraq Courts Order 20,000 Freed Under Amnesty,” ficial crimes, drug offenses, smuggling of antiquities, and ment of responsibility for the August attack, see www. Reuters, June 22, 2008. the crimes set forth in the Military Penal Code of 2007. nefafoundation.org/miscellaneous/nefa_ISIMartyrdom- 6 This estimate is based on publicly released MNF-I 8 “Iraq PM Blames US Prisoner Releases for Violence,” Operations.pdf. data. Agence France-Presse, May 13, 2009.

16 december 2009 . Vol 2 . Issue 12 former Ba`ath Party members9— Interior reported in October 2009 al-Hikma, was opened at Camp Victory through security checkpoints during that some of the suicide bombers and in September 2007 to provide younger the August 2009 bombings.10 Again, accomplices of the August 19 and Iraqi detainees—who are often the according to the Ministry of Interior, October 25 attacks likely had been most radical—with educational and AQI-related prisoners frequently bribe former detainees exposed to the AQI employment opportunities, with the prison guards to acquire cell phones narrative during their incarceration.14 goal being to thwart their recruitment used to contact outside insurgents. In Also, according to the Iraqi police the into AQI once released.18 other instances, prison guards directly majority had been detained at former help radical inmates escape. As reported U.S. military bases such as Camp Bucca, Following the transfer of U.S.-run by provincial officials from Salah al-Din closed down in September and which prison facilities to the Iraqi government Province, in September 2009 16 AQI had become a breeding ground for AQI’s this year, deradicalization programs members, including Muammar Abd al- ideology.15 have been maintained. They continue Salam Mahdi, who was detained for the to focus on the rehabilitation of Iraqi murder of Iraqi police officers, managed The current situation raises questions inmates before they are freed, especially to escape from a prison facility in Tikrit about Iraq’s prison system as the new those most disposed to AQI’s ideology. due to the complicity of their guards.11 cradle of jihadist propaganda and its While a number of prisoners have been consequences on security if additional successfully deradicalized, signing an AQI and radical insurgent factions also detainees are released under similar oath not to take up arms once released benefit from corrupt members within conditions. Prisons have always been and reintegrated into civilian life, the the Iraqi judiciary—interrogators, an incubator for radical ideology. The efforts to shape attitudes among the lawyers, prosecutors and judges—who mentor of contemporary Islamism, detainee population (especially former are bribed to release AQI affiliates Sayyid Qutb, wrote his manifesto insurgents) have met evident limits, through the issuance of illegal warrants, Milestones Along the Road in an Egyptian as illustrated through AQI’s recent identity falsification and expunged prison, and Jordanian jihadist Abu resurgence. criminal records.12 In October 2009, Mus`ab al-Zarqawi recruited his a lawyer from Mosul was arrested by main followers while detained.16 The Several factors explain why Iraqi security forces for bribing guards radicalization of hearts and minds deradicalization programs in Iraq have to release members of AQI.13 Such and recruitment by Islamists within had mixed results. First, the prison collusion has apparently become so the prison setting is all the easier as setting makes it difficult for imams common that Iraq’s Supreme Judiciary facilities are often overburdened and ministering in correctional facilities to Council ordered an investigation this daily conditions precarious. identify radical detainees who cannot June and made a formal request for the be moderated and therefore should be international community’s assistance. Despite these problems, U.S. forces segregated from other inmates. This did make an undeniable effort to limit uncertainty has likely led to the release A Factor of AQI’s Resurgence radicalization within Iraqi prisons of radical elements. Second, while The causal link between significant and even pursued deradicalization abhorred outside by most Iraqis, AQI’s releases of Iraqi detainees and programs. Referred to as “religious radical message retains resonance in the AQI’s recent resurgence in Iraq has enlightenment,” a first initiative was prisons, and influences illiterate and been emphasized by many official introduced by the commander of disenchanted prisoners in particular. Iraqi sources. Several high-ranking detention operations in Iraq, General AQI uses the “occupation narrative” as a representatives from the Ministry of Douglas M. Stone, in 2007.17 It was means of recruiting new partisans. The intended to “reform” Iraqi detainees who jihadist organization depicts prisons 9 The Nuri al-Maliki government has repeatedly blamed had been held for more than a year, by as the symbol of “infidel” oppression, Ba`athists and their supporters in countries such as Syr- offering them education and counseling and identifies the “occupiers” as both ia for being behind the recent terrorist attacks in Iraq. It with Muslim clerics and psychiatrists U.S. and Iraqi forces. For example, in is worth noting, in this regard, that former members of to instill in them a moderate approach September 2009, a riot occurred in the the Ba`ath Party are known to have joined the ranks of to Islam and avoid the spread of newly reopened Abu Ghurayb facility, 19 AQI and other radical armed groups in 2003, especially jihadist ideology. A juvenile facility, renamed the Baghdad Central Prison, the indigenous Salafist trend that gained significant -in known as the House of Wisdom or Dar when several AQI-affiliated detainees fluence among Sunni Arabs during the 1990s. attempted to overpower security 20 10 Sinan Salaheddin, “Iraqi Suspect: It Cost $10,000 to guards. Pass Checkpoints,” Huffington Post, August 23, 2009. 14 Marc Santora and Riyadh Mohammed, “Pervasive 11 Steven Lee Myers, “Qaeda Members Escape Prison in Corruption Rattles Iraq’s Fragile State,” New York Times, Iraq,” New York Times, September 24, 2009; “Fugitives October 28, 2009. Assisted by Prison System: 16 Qaeda Prisoners Escape 15 “Al Qaeda Recruited Bombers from US Prison in from Iraqi Jail,” Agence France-Presse, September 24, Iraq,” Daily Times, November 16, 2009; Jason Keyser, 18 “Juvenile Detainees Gain Second Chance Through 2009. “Camp Bucca: Military Closes Largest Detention Camp Dar al-Hikmah,” Multinational Force-Iraq, August 17, 12 Ned Parker, “Corruption Plays Key Role in Iraqi Jus- in Iraq,” Huffington Post, September 16, 2009. 2007. tice,” Los Angeles Times, June 29, 2009. 16 Mary Anne Weaver, “The Short, Violent Life of Abu 19 Kim Gamel, “Renamed Abu Ghraib to Reopen,” Wash- 13 “Lawyer Suspected of Bribery Arrested in Mosul,” Musab al-Zarqawi,” Atlantic Monthly, June 8, 2006. ington Times, January 25, 2009. Multinational Force-Iraq, press release, October 14, 17 Walter Pincus, “U.S. Working to Reshape Iraqi De- 20 Sameer N. Yacoub, “Abu Ghraib Inmates Attack 2009. tainees,” Washington Post, September 19, 2007. Guards,” Huffington Post, November 24, 2009.

17 december 2009 . Vol 2 . Issue 12

Conclusion Developing Regional Asian Association for Regional Although many different factors Cooperation (SAARC). It concludes by account for AQI’s resurgence in Iraq, Counterterrorism examining the prospects for developing the release of thousands of Iraqi Cooperation in South Asia a broad-based regional response to the detainees since 2008 could be one of threat of transnational terrorism by the most significant. The withdrawal of By Alistair Millar enhancing law enforcement cooperation U.S. combat troops from Iraqi cities last on the subcontinent. summer has also offered AQI partisans u.s. president barack obama has set a new space to operate. After being new tone in the fight against terrorism, Many Agreements, Not Much Action temporarily defeated through the U.S. moving away from his predecessor’s There has been no shortage of surge and its positive effects on security, “global war on terrorism” into “a new era declarations explaining the need for AQI seems to have reconstituted itself of engagement.”1 This shift in rhetoric greater collaboration among states in within prisons. A number of released is evident in the administration’s the region on issues related to border detainees are acknowledged to have re- approach to Afghanistan and Pakistan security, law enforcement, and mutual radicalized during their detention, made in a region where the United States legal assistance. The primary regional contact with AQI, and been involved in and its NATO allies are embroiled in organization in South Asia where several suicide attacks. an extensive military campaign. When peace and security issues are raised, the administration’s new “AFPAK” SAARC, includes India, Pakistan, and Consolidating the security improvements strategy was unveiled in March 2009, Afghanistan in its membership5 and has achieved in Iraq since 2007 and National Security Adviser General had the issue of terrorism on its agenda keeping AQI on the margin should be James Jones proclaimed that “the since well before the 9/11 attacks. More a priority for both the U.S. and Iraqi cornerstone of this strategy…is that it’s than 20 years ago, SAARC adopted a governments. In this regard, a number a regional approach,” adding that the Regional Convention on the Suppression of concrete steps need to be taken. administration “will pursue intensive of Terrorism that called for cooperation The legal framework that has allowed regional diplomacy involving all key among its member states on extradition, the release of dangerous jihadists, the players in South Asia.”2 evidence sharing, and other information amnesty law in particular, must be exchanges to address “terrorist acts.” In comprehensively assessed and amended Experts in the region agree that “there 1995, SAARC also established a Terrorist so that no more protection is granted is a growing realization throughout Offences Monitoring Desk (STOMD) to them. Strengthening the rule of law the world that trans-border terrorism to support the implementation of the and fighting against corruption are also and organized crime cannot be convention by collecting, assessing, fundamental to rebuilding functional controlled without bilateral or regional and disseminating information on institutions in Iraq. Eventually, within cooperation.”3 The 2008 attacks in terrorist offenses, tactics, strategies, a prison system that offers an ideal Mumbai, where gunmen traveled by boat and methods. Cooperation on combating environment for the dissemination of from Pakistan’s port of Karachi to India, terrorist financing was then included in radical jihadist ideology, the monitoring clearly highlighted the transnational an additional protocol to the convention of detainees must be reinforced and dimension of the threat and the in 2002, and a SAARC Convention on “irredentist” Islamists rigorously essential need for a regional approach Mutual Legal Assistance was approved separated from moderate inmates to intelligence sharing, law enforcement at the 15th SAARC summit in August who are more likely to be successfully and other forms of counterterrorism 2008.6 The objective of the agreement rehabilitated. cooperation.4 Yet pursuing a regional is to overcome the need for separate approach involving “all key players bilateral agreements by harmonizing Myriam Benraad is a research scholar at The in South Asia” on any security related the domestic legal systems of member Washington Institute for Near East Policy issue, let alone the extremely sensitive countries.7 SAARC countries will and a research associate at the Center for matter of fighting terrorism, is fraught hopefully find it easier to cooperate on International Studies and Research in Paris- with challenges. counterterrorism investigations and the Sciences Po. Previously, she was a consultant prosecution or extradition of terrorist for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs This article will highlight some of suspects when the Convention enters and a policy analyst at the Organization these challenges by looking at the into force. If past is prologue, however, for Economic Cooperation and Development counterterrorism efforts of the South (OECD), Middle East & North Africa 5 Since it was founded in 1985, SAARC’s membership Initiative, where she provided expertise and 1 “Obama’s Speech to the UN General Assembly,” New has included Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Ne- recommendations to the Iraqi government York Times, September 23, 2009. pal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with Afghanistan joining on economic reforms and corruption. She is 2 General James Jones, “President Obama’s Afghani- in 2005. China, Japan, the European Union, Republic of currently completing her Ph.D. in political stan-Pakistan (AFPAK) Strategy,” briefing to the For- Korea, the United States, and Iran have observer status science, addressing Iraq’s post-2003 Sunni eign Press Center, Washington, D.C., March 27, 2009. with SAARC. Arab identity phenomenon. 3 V. Balachandran, “Insurgency, Terrorism and Trans- 6 Muralidhar Reddy and Sandeep Dikshithttp, “Legal national Crime in South Asia,” in Amit Pandya and Ellen Assistance Treaty Gets SAARC Approval,” Hindu, Au- Laipson eds., Transnational Trends: Middle East and Asia gust 3, 2008. (Washington, D.C.: Stimson Center, 2008). 7 “SAARC Convention to Help in Combating Terror- 4 Somini Sengupta “Dossier Gives Details of Mumbai ism,” Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN, press Attacks,” New York Times, January 6, 2009. release, August 27, 2008.

18 december 2009 . Vol 2 . Issue 12 the chances of member states agreeing and judicial officials to prevent terrorist term foreign policy objectives vis-à-vis on which individuals and groups should attacks and successfully prosecute those their rivals at the expense of promoting be the target of such cooperation are responsible. deeper regional cooperation.16 Finally, likely to be limited. technical limitations and a lack of Turning Talk into Action capacity at the regional and national In April 2008, counterterrorism experts The need for greater cooperation levels on the subcontinent are also from SAARC countries decided to share against terrorism continues to figure impediments to action. A combination of intelligence for curbing terrorism and prominently on the agenda of SAARC a lack of confidence among its members other transnational crimes.8 Sharing summit meetings, but the rhetoric has and concerns about ceding individual intelligence on the subcontinent, resulted in little concrete action.13 This state sovereignty has meant that SAARC however, has been complicated by is not surprising given the tensions and members have been reluctant to create a concerns that connections between mistrust that exist between many of its strong secretariat for the organization or state intelligence services and member states, particularly between to provide it with the needed expertise, terrorist organizations could allow the governments of Afghanistan and mandate, and resources to promote the sensitive information to be misused. Pakistan, and India and Pakistan, where implementation of SAARC policies and Nonetheless, India and Pakistan did concerns that Pakistan’s intelligence commitments.17 reach an agreement in April 2008 to service is stoking rather than exchange intelligence regarding recent Although SAARC’s political role should attacks and to discuss the prospects “One option would be not be underestimated, given the for strengthening cooperation against to create a new regional obstacles above it may not be possible terrorism.9 In an exchange facilitated in the short-term for it to move beyond by the U.S. Central Intelligence counterterrorism forum rhetorical statements and norm setting Agency, India and Pakistan shared an to encourage practical counterterrorism unprecedented amount of intelligence for cooperation, which cooperation in the region. With information on Lashkar-i-Tayyiba/ would have the necessary suspicions about the connections Jama`at-ud-Da`wa in the aftermath between security services and terrorist of the Mumbai terrorist attacks in expertise and mandate groups and the unwillingness of states November 2008.10 The U.S. Federal to provide training to empower SAARC to play a more Bureau of Investigation also assisted active role in implementing measures the Indian government with its and implement related to prevent and combat terrorism, investigation after the attacks, including counterterrorism capacity more emphasis needs to be placed on by deploying personnel to conduct promoting cooperation on technical interviews and use advanced forensic building efforts in South measures that are less likely to be investigation techniques.11 Yet, a trial Asia.” derailed by political disputes. for key suspects has been postponed twice by the Lahore High Court in Therefore, it would be advisable to Pakistan and formal charges have yet establish closer working relationships to be filed against the accused.12 Using preventing insurgencies in neighboring among “technical” counterterrorism foreign intelligence services as a bridge states is deepening suspicions among experts through a forum other than between India and Pakistan is useful and its neighbors and Western allies.14 SAARC. One option would be to create certainly better than the previous lack Furthermore, India and Pakistan have a new regional counterterrorism forum of cooperation between the two states, been locked in a deadly dispute over for cooperation, which would have but it is not an adequate substitute for Kashmir for decades. the necessary expertise and mandate joint, multilateral information sharing to provide training and implement at the regional level. Moreover, progress These and other deeply rooted differences related counterterrorism capacity on intelligence sharing will be of have crippled interstate cooperation. building efforts in South Asia. It could limited utility without enhancing active As V. Balachandran has noted, “unless also help to build trust among officials cooperation among law enforcement states within the region can overcome from different countries in the region their historical distrust, there can be by providing a medium for sharing 8 “SAARC States Team Up to Curb Trans-national no progress in eliminating terrorism Crimes,” The Post [Islamabad], April 17, 2008. and insurgency that cross national 15 9 “India, Pakistan to Share Info on Terror Cases,” Eco- borders.” Some countries have also 16 For example, Smruti S. Pattanaik has noted that “a nomic Times, April 16, 2008. used SAARC to cynically pursue short- major hurdle before the organisation has been the failure 10 Joby Warrick and Karen DeYoung, “CIA Helped In- of some of the member countries—especially Pakistan dia, Pakistan Share Secrets in Probe of Mumbai Siege,” 13 A record of SAARC Summit Declarations is available and Bangladesh—to overcome their proclivity to pursue Washington Post, February 16, 2009. online at www.saarc-sec.org/main.php?t=4.1. political goals and limited national agendas within the 11 Donald Van Duyn, chief intelligence officer, Federal 14 Shaun Gregory, “ISI and the War on Terrorism,” Stud- regional framework.” See Smruti S. Pattanaik, “Making Bureau of Investigation, statement before the Senate ies in Conflict and Terrorism 30:12 (2007). Sense of Regional Cooperation: SAARC at Twenty,” Stra- Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental 15 V. Balachandran, “Insurgency, Terrorism and Trans- tegic Analysis 30:1 (2006). Affairs, Washington, D.C., January 8, 2009. national Crime in South Asia,” in Amit Pandya and Ellen 17 For a discussion of this point, see Kishore C. Dash, 12 Salman Masood, “Pakistan Postpones Mumbai Trial Laipson eds., Transnational Trends: Middle East and Asia Regionalism in South Asia: Negotiating Cooperation, Institu- Again,” New York Times, October 3, 2009. (Washington, D.C.: Stimson Center, 2008). tional Structures (London: Routledge, 2008).

19 december 2009 . Vol 2 . Issue 12 expertise and practices.18 The police in In Southeast Asia, regional The UN Counterterrorism Committee’s Pakistan, for example, are “often closer counterterrorism related training Executive Directorate (CTED) organized to the front lines in combating terrorism, centers have played an important role in a regional workshop of law officers and and better at collecting intelligence, improving capacities and cooperation. prosecutors from across South Asia that than their counterparts in Pakistan’s Although the two regions are different took place in November 2009 in Dhaka, powerful—and much better-funded— and the longstanding tensions that hosted by the Bangladesh Enterprise military.”19 Building the capacity of, exist between India and Pakistan—both Institute.25 Such initiatives are a step and trust between, law enforcement and nuclear-armed states—are not as acute in the right direction in a region where judicial officials and other technical among states within Southeast Asia, creating opportunities for dialogue and counterterrorism practitioners in the the Jakarta Center for Law Enforcement cooperation at the operational level region is critical and could lead to Cooperation (JCLEC) could provide is urgently needed. Such externally higher levels of political cooperation a possible model for what might be sponsored workshops could eventually against terrorism. In the end, SAARC accomplished in South Asia. The lead to higher-level political engagement could even endorse or incorporate such JCELC and other regional training and among states in the region on a range a mechanism into its secretariat if it information centers, including the U.S.- of counterterrorism issues and help proved successful. funded International Law Enforcement to set the stage for the establishment Academy in Bangkok and the Malaysian- of a regional law enforcement center According to Christine Fair, a Pakistan funded Southeast Asia Regional in South Asia. The UN’s involvement expert at Georgetown University, little Center for Counterterrorism, have all could also be valuable as a convener of U.S. funding has gone to assisting contributed significantly to improving activities by offering an alternative to Pakistan’s police, a “mere 2.2 percent informal, practical counterterrorism bilateral engagement, which can limit of the nearly $12 billion provided cooperation in that region. The participation and ownership among as aid or military reimbursements information and training provided by other stakeholders in the region. under the generous Coalition Support these centers improve the capacities Fund Program.”20 Hassan Abbas, an of law enforcement and other officials Conclusion expert on Pakistani police reform to conduct effective counterterrorism, For the Obama administration to at Harvard University and a former criminal, and financial investigations. be effective in promoting greater Pakistani government official, argues Through the contacts they forge, these cooperation to prevent and fight that at “the least, half of all U.S. funds centers also help to improve regional terrorism in South Asia, it will need allocated for counterterrorism and and international law enforcement to act decisively but also carefully so counterinsurgency support in Pakistan cooperation. The separate Southeast as not to exacerbate regional tensions. should be given to the police and other Asian centers pursue discrete priorities It should sponsor workshops and civilian law enforcement agencies and according to the interests of their main encourage the creation of a regional be closely monitored.”21 Abbas, who is funders. In the case of the JCLEC, forum for cooperation where technical critical of the U.S. “AFPAK” strategy Australia has partnered closely with expertise can be exchanged and trust for failing to sufficiently address law Indonesia and has trained more than can be developed in pursuit of common enforcement, calls on the United States 3,000 law enforcement and legal objectives. to “push for more regional cooperation officers on issues ranging from post- for fighting crime in South Asia.”22 blast analysis, management of serious Following the example of Australia’s crime, financial investigations and cooperation with Indonesia in Southeast 23 18 This suggestion was initially explored in a project con- criminal intelligence. The JCLEC is Asia, the United States, through the ducted by the Center on Global Counterterrorism Coop- located within the Indonesian National departments of Justice and State, should eration and the International Peace Academy in 2008. Police Academy. facilitate and fund law enforcement See Eric Rosand, Naureen Chowdry Fink and Jason Ipe, cooperation at a regional level and “Countering Terrorism in South Asia: Strengthening With support from the United States sponsor a technically-focused forum Multilateral Engagement,” International Peace Institute, and other donors with a keen interest for steadily building the necessary May 2009. in improving regional responses to trust among countries in South Asia. By 19 Paul Wiseman and Zafar M. Sheikh, “Pakistani Police terrorism in South Asia, a South Asian starting with less politically sensitive Overwhelmed, Underfunded,” USA Today, May 5, 2009. Law Enforcement Academy could be areas of training such as forensics and 20 C. Christine Fair, “From Strategy to Implementation: established and equipped in a neutral communications and by promoting The Future of the U.S.-Pakistan Relationship,” testimo- country in the region such as Bangladesh, cooperation on issues related to ny presented before the House Foreign Affairs Commit- which currently has four police training reducing narcotics trafficking and other tee, Washington, D.C., May 5, 2009. centers in Tangail, Noakhali, Rangpur, transnational criminal activities, it is 24 21 Hassan Abbas, “Police & Law Enforcement Reform in and Khulna. possible that trust could be established Pakistan: Crucial for Counterinsurgency and Counter- among police officials across the terrorism Success,” Institute for Social Policy and Un- 23 “Statement to the United Nations General Assembly derstanding, Harvard University, April 2009. Plenary for Sixth Committee on the Global Counter- 22 Hassan Abbas, “Obama’s AfPak Metrics Miss the Terrorism Strategy,” Susan Grace, director, Counter- 25 “Summary of Event on Countering Terrorism in South Mark on Pakistan,” Foreign Policy, September 21, 2009; Terrorism Cooperation Section, Australian Department Asia: Building Capacities and Strengthening Multilateral Abbas, “Police & Law Enforcement Reform in Pakistan: of Foreign Affairs and Trade, September 4, 2008. Engagement,” Center on Global Counterterrorism, May Crucial for Counterinsurgency and Counterterrorism 24 For more information, see the Bangladesh Police web- 20, 2009. Also see the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute Success.” site at www.police.gov.bd/index5.php?category=107. website at www.bei-bd.org.

20 december 2009 . Vol 2 . Issue 12 subcontinent. This joint training would This article will first provide not only help to improve basic skills Singapore’s Approach to background on the history of terrorism and allow access to more sophisticated Counterterrorism in Singapore, including how the country equipment—both of which are severely has foiled a number of recent plots. lacking among many police officials in By Gavin Chua Hearn Yuit It will then identify the Singapore South Asia—but it could also allow for government’s various programs to greater cooperation to take root and singapore represents a bastion o f establish social resiliency and reduce build the confidence that is necessary general stability amid low intensity jihadist radicalization within its society. to strengthen regional and bilateral conflicts in Southeast Asia. It has not Finally, the article will show the steps cooperation on intelligence sharing suffered a terrorist attack on its soil Singapore has taken most recently to that helps monitor and stifle terrorist in almost two decades. Nevertheless, stir the public’s imagination to the activity. Singapore’s counterterrorism community threat of terrorism to maintain public believes that the country could face vigilance. The challenges of forging a terrorist attack at any moment in counterterrorism cooperation in South the future, and by facing this reality Singapore’s Experience with Terrorism Asia are formidable, as is evident from it constantly attempts to respond to The last bombings to strike Singapore the limited results during the last 20 rapidly emerging terrorism trends.1 occurred in November-December 1987, years of efforts mounted within SAARC. targeting the American International Funding and support for a regional In the last year, for example, Asia Assurance building and Shell Tower. law enforcement cooperation center has experienced two major terrorist Before 1987, Singapore faced a number on the subcontinent will have to be attacks targeting hotels in Mumbai of other small-scale bombings, some bolstered by much needed police reform and Jakarta, both signifying an upward involving Palestinian terrorists.6 Then, efforts within individual countries in trend in sophistication and scale of in 1991, Singapore’s counterterrorism the region where corruption and lack terrorist operations. To adequately apparatus received international of capacity remain major concerns. respond to these threats, Singapore attention when it successfully stormed Although there is no guarantee that has adopted social resilience as a key a hijacked airliner and killed four a willingness to cooperate among law counterterrorism strategy.2 Singapore’s terrorists claiming to be members of enforcement officials in the region will government considers race and religion the Pakistan Peoples’ Party.7 Terrorist take root as quickly as it has in other the country’s “most visceral and violence in Singapore faded out parts of the world, the urgent need for dangerous fault line.”3 It believes that thereafter. greater cooperation against terrorism reducing racial and religion tension4 demands bold action. in this multi-ethnic and multi-religious In the months after the 9/11 attacks, country is critical in preventing future however, the threat of terrorism Alistair Millar is Director of the Center on acts of terrorist violence in Singapore.5 returned. Singapore’s Internal Security Global Counterterrorism Cooperation in Department (ISD) prevented Singapore’s Washington, D.C. JI branch from launching a series of bomb 1 “The Fight Against Terror,” National Security Coordi- attacks targeting foreign embassies and nation Centre (NSCC), Singapore, 2004. U.S. interests in the country in December 2 Through the government’s community engagement 2001. The ISD detained a total of 13 programs and other initiatives to build social resilience, JI members, including their spiritual civilian communities are expected to develop capacities to “detect and prevent disruptions to a nation’s security, and where necessary, to absorb shocks and bounce back traditional Chinese religions, Buddhism and Taoism, ac- into a functioning condition after a crisis as quickly as count for 51% of the resident population. The proportion possible.” Definition provided by the Centre of Excel- of Muslims and Hindus have remained relatively un- lence for National Security’s Social Resilience program. changed since 1990 at 15% and 4% respectively. Among 3 Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, National the Chinese, there were more significant shifts in -reli Day Rally Speech, August 16, 2009. gious affiliation, with Buddhism and Christianity- sur 4 In the 1950s and 1960s, Singapore experienced race passing Taoism as the main religions from 1990 to 2000. riots. One of the most prominent incidents was the In comparison, almost all Malays were Muslim without “Prophet Muhammad Birthday Riots” between Malays significant changes during the last 20 years. Among and Chinese, which occurred on July 21, 1964. A Malay the Indians, Hinduism had the largest following (55%) procession following the Prophet Muhammad’s birth- and Islam accounted for slightly more than a quarter of day celebrations attacked ethnic Chinese spectators. The Indians. The “Others” category refers to smaller ethnic country’s race and religion fault line was also fueled by minority groups, such as the Eurasians. See “Monthly the crackdown on Singapore’s Jemaah Islamiya branch Digest of Statistics Singapore,” Singapore Department of in December 2001, when the possibility of a Singaporean Statistics, November 2009; “Singapore Census of Popu- terrorism threat became a reality. See “Appeal for Calm,” lation, 2000,” Singapore Department of Statistics, May Straits Times, July 22, 1964; Norman Vasu, “(En)counter- 2001. ing Terrorism: Multiculturalism and Singapore,” Asian 6 “Faber House Explosion,” Straits Times, March 18, Ethnicity 9:1 (2008). 1985. 5 Of Singapore’s 4.9 million residents, 74% are Chinese, 7 “1991 – SQ 117 Rescue,” MINDEF History, Government 13% Malay, 9% Indian, and 3% other ethnicities. The of Singapore, 2006.

21 december 2009 . Vol 2 . Issue 12 leader, Ibrahim Maidin. Maidin trained Nevertheless, the escape dealt a major Building Social Resilience to Terrorism in Afghanistan in 1993, and wrote several blow to Singapore’s counterterrorism As a result of Singapore’s multi- letters to Taliban leader Mullah Omar and reputation. ethnic and multi-religious population, al-Qa`ida leader Usama bin Ladin.8 Upon its leaders consistently stress the his return to Singapore, Maidin arranged Kastari’s escape raised the possibility importance of social harmony. Inherent for JI members to receive training in of fissures developing within racial and in speeches is the concern that a “single Afghanistan.9 Subsequent arrests ensued religious harmony in Singapore. After flashpoint” such as a terrorist attack in September 2004 and July 2006, his escape, Singaporean authorities could destroy decades of harmony crippling JI’s network in Singapore. considered the possible scenario of building efforts.18 Singapore Minister Kastari being harbored by jihadist Mentor Lee Kuan Yew presented Singapore has also faced a threat from sympathizers in the country, which the public audience with a wildcard homegrown radicalization. This was would heighten sensitivities between scenario: most vividly seen through the case of Muslim and non-Muslim communities.14 Abdul Basheer Kader, a 28-year-old Minister Lim Swee Say described the If a Malay-Muslim Jemaah Singaporean lecturer with a background Islamiya member blew up a bomb in law.10 Abdul Basheer was about to in a Mass Rapid Transit station make contact with Lashkar-i-Tayyiba “The RRG’s objective is and the blast killed more Chinese in Pakistan to train for “militant jihad” to counsel detained JI and Indians than Malays, it would at the time of his arrest in Singapore lead to non-Muslims distancing in February 2007.11 According to members and to counter themselves from Muslims out of Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs, their ideological beliefs. fear [such as in the aftermath of Abdul Basheer was affected by the London 7/7 bomb attacks in radical jihadist discourse read on the Since 2003, the RRG has 2005].19 internet.12 performed more than 800 Singapore made early investments in In January 2008, Singapore authorities counseling sessions, and building social resilience, an effort that arrested three young men under the has progressively released would yield high dividends in the long Internal Security Act for involvement run. One month after the Singapore JI in activities that posed a potential some of the detainees on network was exposed in December 2001, terrorist threat, including attempts to restriction orders.” then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong make improvised explosive devices and proposed the concept of “Inter-Racial to join foreign “mujahidin networks” Confidence Circles” (IRCC) for each of to wage armed jihad in Afghanistan, the country’s 84 constituencies,20 and Palestine and Chechnya.13 Kastari escape as a “test in inter-racial “Harmony Circles” for schools, work cohesion” as certain communities might places and other local organizations.21 Luckily, however, vigilance by “take a position based on their racial or A National Steering Committee was Singapore’s authorities managed to religious groups and draw the line.”15 also established to provide broad prevent these plots from actualization. Fortunately, Singaporeans passed guidance for IRCCs to deepen inter- the test without creating any racial or racial and inter-religious rapport within In February 2008, however, Singapore religious tension. communities. faced a major security breach when JI operative Mas Selamat Kastari The Kastari incident also presented The total IRCC membership reached escaped from a jail in the country. a useful test for social resilience in 1,021 by June 2006, of which Chinese, Kastari remained on the loose for more Singapore. There was a period of Malays, Indians and other ethnicities than a year until he was recaptured in public outrage and confusion about the constituted 58%, 21%, 20% and 1% Malaysia in May 2009 with the help escape directed at the government and respectively.22 The IRCC was renamed of Singapore’s intelligence services. expressed on various online blogs and “Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence forums,16 but there were also concerted Circles” in September 2007, to reflect 8 “Intelligence from Afghanistan Breaks Singapore Plot,” efforts made by various communities to CNN, January 11, 2002. “[put] up posters, [share] information emony for the Second Asia-Pacific Programme for Senior 9 “The Jemaah Islamiyah Arrests and the Threat of Ter- on possible sightings and even offering National Security Officers (APPSNO), April 14, 2008. 17 rorism: White Paper,” Singapore Ministry of Home Af- rewards from their own pockets.” 18 “Racial Harmony is Not a Given: MM, PM,” Straits fairs, 2003. Times, July 19, 2009. 10 “ISD Detains Self-Radicalised Singaporean,” Channel 14 “More Likely Fugitive has Fled,” Straits Times, Janu- 19 Ibid. News Asia, June 8, 2007. ary 16, 2009. Also see “Capture of Mas Selamat: Lesson 20 Singapore is divided into 84 constituencies that serve 11 Ibid. for All in Weeding Out Terrorism,” Straits Times Forum, as electoral divisions and where community outreach ac- 12 Kumar Ramakrishna, “Self-Radicalisation: The Case May 12, 2009. tivities are concentrated. of Abdul Basheer Abdul Kader,” S. Rajaratnam School of 15 “S’poreans Get A+ for Response on Mas Selamat’s Es- 21 “Community Development: Promote Racial Harmony International Studies, June 11, 2007. cape: Swee Say,” Straits Times, March 12, 2008. & Community Bonding,” Government of Singapore’s 13 “Further Releases, Issuance of Restriction Orders & 16 See, for example, “90 days Since Escape…No More In- eCitizen portal, February 28, 2007. Detentions Under The Internal Security Act,” Singapore formation?” Online Citizen, May 26, 2008. 22 “Challenges for IRCCs,” Straits Times, January 14, Ministry of Home Affairs, January 24, 2008. 17 Speech by Professor S. Jayakumar at the Opening Cer- 2007.

22 december 2009 . Vol 2 . Issue 12 the new role of IRCCs in bridging The RRG has received attention from imagination a simulated Mumbai different religious groups at the local U.S. policymakers. In September terrorist attack scenario, focusing on level. In April 2008, the minister 2005, terrorism expert Bruce Hoffman “soft targets” such as hotels, food and for Community Development, Youth testified before the U.S. Congress on the beverage outlets, and transportation and Sports, Vivian Balakrishnan, usefulness of Singapore’s RRG program networks. Prime Minister Lee Hsien announced a six-fold increase in IRCC to “actively [enlist] moderate clerics Loong commented that in Mumbai, membership from 2006, with 84% as a way to get insight and then to use Indian civilians must have seen the of all religious organizations joining the information from…those clerics, to terrorists moving through the streets as members.23 The key value of the construct very effective information carrying their equipment immediately IRCC network, according to Minister and psychological operations.”27 In before the attack. He wanted to make Balakrishnan, is “to make sure that in 2007, the U.S. military adopted parts sure that civilians would immediately times of peace, we build relationships, of the RRG program model in Iraq, notify authorities if such an event were trust and confidence. This will create a to offer an alternative to indefinite to occur in Singapore. “You must carry safety net for Singapore. If ever anything detention without trial. Marine Major- on living life as normal,” said Lee, “but unfortunate were to happen, at that point General Douglas M. Stone, a proponent at the same time always keep an eye in time, this safety net would be tested.”24 of detention reform, who oversaw open and be slightly suspicious and U.S. detention facilities in Iraq at the vigilant.”30 After the London 7/7 bomb attacks time, noted the progressiveness of the in 2005, the government launched RRG with its very low recidivist rate, Second, the Singapore government the Community Engagement Program “making the Singapore model the most introduced a series of measures to (CEP) in February 2006 to provide successful.”28 harden “soft targets” in the public more integrated and comprehensive sphere. A new Singapore Standard efforts in preparing the populace to be Even with the IRCC, CEP and RRG for Hotel Security was launched to psychologically and socially resilient programs in place, clear signs remain to enhance the conduct of systematic to terrorism. Example initiatives over be seen that members of the public feel and regular reviews of emergency the past few years include introducing like equal stakeholders when it comes operating procedures, security plans Safety and Security Watch Groups at to countering terrorism and its threats and equipment.31 The Police Mass Rapid industrial and commercial premises; to social resilience. The terrorist threat Transit (MRT) Unit was enlarged to form outreach to foreign worker populations is not directly palpable to the public, in the Public Transport Security Command, through the foreign worker dormitories; part an outcome of the “silent sentinel” where 400 policemen will patrol the and expanding the scope of Emergency effect of security and intelligence bus interchanges and MRT stations.32 Preparedness Exercises to cover the agencies operating behind the scenes Finally, the Singapore Infocomm readiness to detect and prevent the effectively. A possible reason is the lack Technology Security Authority was fallout from potential communal of terrorist attacks in Singapore. Yet, the established to protect critical IT tensions in a crisis. recent Kastari escape has now sensitized infrastructure against increasing global the public to deal more directly with the trends of cyber-espionage and cyber- Aside from the IRCC and CEP, the effects of terrorism. New opportunities terrorism.33 government also formed (formally have arisen for closer public engagement in October 2005) the Religious toward building resilience to counter The third and final event was the Rehabilitation Group (RRG), which is an terrorism. Total Defense Display and “pledge unpaid, all-volunteer grouping of Islamic moment” at the National Day Rally scholars and teachers who possess Keeping the Public Aware of the Threat in August 2009. The purpose of the formal Islamic educational credentials In 2009, there were three notable Total Defense Display was to showcase from both local madrasas and foreign events and initiatives spearheaded by Singapore’s defense capability through universities.25 The RRG’s objective is the government to engage the public an integrated demonstration of the to counsel detained JI members and to about the dangers of terrorism. The country’s military, civil and social counter their ideological beliefs. Since first was Exercise Northstar VII, one defense. The rally organizers sprung a 2003, the RRG has performed more of the most complex military exercises surprise on the public audience with a than 800 counseling sessions, and conducted in Singapore, involving more simulated event of a bomb discovery at has progressively released some of the than 2,000 people from 15 agencies.29 the rally venue, prompting momentary detainees on restriction orders.26 The exercise brought to the public confusion and subsequently general

23 Speech by minister for Community Development, Rehabilitation Group, located at www.rrg.sg. 30 “Exercise Northstar Tests Singapore’s Response to Youth and Sports, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, at the Na- 27 Bruce Hoffman, “Evolving Counterterrorism Strat- Terrorist Attack,” Channel News Asia, July 15, 2009. tional Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circle egy,” statement to the House Committee on International 31 “Launch of SS 545 Singapore Standard for Hotel Secu- Workshop, April 5, 2008. Relations, September 29, 2005. rity,” SPRING Singapore, August 27, 2009. 24 “Religious Groups Roped into IRCCs,” Straits Times, 28 “Singapore Scheme Helps De-Radicalise Detainees in 32 “Public Transport Security Command to Enhance September 7, 2007. Iraq,” Malaysian Insider, April 20, 2009. Train, Bus Safety,” Channel News Asia, August 4, 2009. 25 For an in-depth analysis of the RRG, see Kumar Ra- 29 Background on the exercises can be located in the 33 “Singapore Infocomm Technology Security Author- makrishna, “A Holistic Critique of Singapore’s Counter- Singapore Ministry of Defense’s Cyberpioneer magazine, ity Set Up to Safeguard Singapore against IT Security Ideological Program,” CTC Sentinel 2:1 (2009). available at www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/ Threats,” Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs, October 26 For more information, see the website of the Religious cyberpioneer/index.html. 1, 2009.

23 december 2009 . Vol 2 . Issue 12 awe at the Total Defense Display where under surveillance. Before his arrest, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Recent Highlights in Afzali had been used as an informant by and the Home Team (Ministry of Home Terrorist Activity the New York police. Prosecutors allege Affairs and affiliate agencies) were that Zazi admitted to taking explosives able to showcase their capabilities and November 1, 2009 (GLOBAL): The leader courses at an al-Qa`ida training camp in instill public confidence in Singapore’s of al-Qa`ida in the Arabian Peninsula Afghanistan, and that he was planning vigilance toward external threats.34 called on militants to bomb airports and to detonate bombs in the United States. trains in Western countries, explaining – Reuters, November 2 Furthermore, the rally also introduced that explosives can easily be acquired for the first time a “pledge moment” from household materials. Nasir al- November 2, 2009 (PAKISTAN): where at exactly 8:22 PM Singaporeans Wahayshi, the leader of the group, Pakistan’s government announced were invited to spend 30 seconds wrote in the jihadist magazine Sada al- $5 million in monetary rewards for reciting the country’s pledge to foster Malahim that “you do not need to exert information leading to the capture of national unity. Participants also great effort or spend a lot of money to top Pakistani Taliban commanders. The included 700 establishments and make 10 grams of explosives, more or three most wanted commanders include overseas Singaporeans residing in less. Do not spend a long time searching Hakimullah Mehsud, Waliur Rahman different time zones. for materials as they already exist in and Qari Hussain, who each carry a your mother’s kitchen. Make them $600,000 reward for their capture, Conclusion [explosives] in the shape of a bomb dead or alive. – BBC, November 2 All of these efforts show that the you hurl, or detonate through a timer Singapore government is continuing or a remote detonator or a martyrdom- November 2, 2009 (PAKISTAN): forward with proactive measures to seeker belt or any electrical appliance.” Pakistani troops gained control of cope with emerging terrorist threats, Al-Wahayshi also wrote that “it is a Kaniguram, an important stronghold and to foster national unity in the face duty that a Muslim mujahid be busy of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of jihadist attempts to create divisions. planning to reap the heads of infidels.” in South Waziristan Agency of the Although the government hopes to – Reuters, November 2 Federally Administered Tribal Areas. avoid a terrorist attack in the future, it On October 17, the Pakistan Army is cognizant of the various terrorist cells November 1, 2009 (IRAQ): Two suicide deployed at least 30,000 ground operating in the region that have killed bombers—one in an explosives-laden troops in a major offensive against TTP scores of civilians in attacks on hotels vehicle and the other on foot wearing militants in South Waziristan. – BBC, and other civilian venues. Moreover, a suicide belt—killed two people just November 4 militants associated with JI continue to outside the city of Ramadi, Anbar target Singapore, and the only reason Province. Iraqi authorities believe the November 2, 2009 (PAKISTAN): the country has not become a victim is bombers were targeting a passing police A suicide bomber on a motorbike due to its success in foiling these plots patrol. – Reuters, November 1 detonated his explosives next to workers thus far. waiting for their salaries outside a bank November 1, 2009 (IRAQ): A bomb on a near the four-star Shalimar Hotel in Gavin Chua was a former civil servant bus near a police checkpoint in Karbala Rawalpindi. The blast killed at least 30 at the National Security Coordination killed at least three people, including a people. The attack occurred not far from Secretariat (Risk Assessment and Horizon policeman. – Reuters, November 1 the Pakistan Army headquarters. – AFP, Scanning Program) at the Prime Minister’s November 1; Guardian, November 2 Office, Singapore. He is currently November 1, 2009 (IRAQ): Explosives Co-Founder and Managing Partner attached to a bicycle ripped through November 3, 2009 (AFGHANISTAN): (Strategy) at IntSight (www.intsight. a popular market in Mussayab, a Five British soldiers were shot to death net), a Singapore-based venture helping predominately Shi`a town that is 40 by an Afghan policeman they were organizations to anticipate and manage miles south of Baghdad. The explosion training in Helmand Province. The emerging threats and opportunities. The killed at least five people. – Reuters, assailant managed to flee the scene. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect November 1 Taliban claimed responsibility for the those of the Government of Singapore. attack, although it was not immediately November 1, 2009 (SOMALIA): A clear whether they were involved. – AP, remotely-detonated bomb killed five November 4 senior military officers in northern Somalia’s Sool region. – Shabelle Media November 3, 2009 (PAKISTAN): Network, November 1; UPI, November 1 Pakistani troops marched into Srarogha, an important stronghold of Tehrik- November 2, 2009 (UNITED STATES): i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Srarogha, Ahmad Wais Afzali, a New York City located in South Waziristan Agency imam charged with four counts of making in Pakistan’s tribal areas, is where false statements to the Federal Bureau former TTP leader Baitullah Mehsud of Investigation, pleaded not guilty. signed his first peace accord with the 34 “Multi-Sensory NDP Defence Display Set to Thrill Afzali is accused of alerting suspected government in February 2005. On Audiences,” Cyberpioneer, June 29, 2009. terrorist Najibullah Zazi that he was October 17, the Pakistan Army deployed

24 december 2009 . Vol 2 . Issue 12 at least 30,000 ground troops in a major November 7; ABC News, November 9 military intelligence agency. The attack offensive against TTP militants in South resembled the October 22 assassination Waziristan. – AFP, November 3 November 5, 2009 (UNITED STATES): of a brigadier who was shot to death in A U.S. court charged Tarek Mehanna heavy rush hour traffic in Islamabad. November 3, 2009 (YEMEN): Suspected and Ahmad Abousamra with providing On October 27, another brigadier was al-Qa`ida militants killed seven and conspiring to provide material targeted by two gunmen on a motorcycle, members of Yemen’s security forces in support to terrorists, conspiracy to but that attack did not result in any eastern Hadramawt Province. The men kill in a foreign country, among other casualties. – Reuters, November 6; New York were ambushed as they traveled back charges. Although Mehanna is in U.S. Times, November 6; Guardian, October 22 from a post on the Saudi Arabian border. custody, Abousamra apparently left Three of the dead were senior officers, Boston for Syria almost three years ago November 8, 2009 (NETHERLANDS): including the chief of the Political after facing questions from the Federal Dutch police arrested a Somali man at Security Organization for Hadramawt Bureau of Investigation. Mehanna, a an asylum-seeking center in Dronten Province, the regional security chief, U.S. citizen, is a 27-year-old pharmacist in the northern Netherlands. The man, and the head of the regional criminal who was living with his parents in the identified in some press reports as investigation division. Al-Qa`ida Boston suburbs when he was arrested Mohamud Said Omar, is wanted in the in the Arabian Peninsula later took on October 21, 2009. Mehanna and United States on terrorism charges. credit for the attack. According to the Abousamra allegedly conspired to He is accused of helping Americans New York Times, which referred to an attack civilians at a shopping mall, U.S. from the Somali diaspora travel to official Yemeni government statement, soldiers overseas, and two members Somalia in 2007 and 2008 to take part “The assailants opened fire on the in the federal government’s executive in “jihad.” U.S. prosecutors also allege motorcade’s lead vehicle as it passed branch. The two men have apparently that he financed weapons purchases for through the town of Kashm Alein in the been friends since childhood. – Boston Islamist extremists. The United States Alabr district, causing the vehicle to Globe, November 6; New York Times, October 21 has asked for the man to be extradited. collide with an oncoming truck in the – Independent Online, November 11; Minneapolis opposite lane and burst into flames.” November 5, 2009 (PAKISTAN): Star-Tribune, November 13 – BBC, November 4; Reuters, November 5; New Pakistani troops secured the Ladha York Times, November 3 Fort in South Waziristan Agency of the November 8, 2009 (PAKISTAN): A Federally Administered Tribal Areas. suicide bomber detonated his explosives November 3, 2009 (PHILIPPINES): The town of Ladha is considered one of at a crowded market in Adazai, a Philippine soldiers killed five militants Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) most town 10 miles south of Peshawar. The from the Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan important strongholds. On October bomber targeted one of the city’s local Province in the southern Philippines. 17, the Pakistan Army deployed at mayors, Abdul Malik, who was killed in – Mindanao Examiner, November 3 least 30,000 ground troops in a major the blast. Malik had previously been a offensive against TTP militants in South Taliban supporter, but switched sides November 4, 2009 (PAKISTAN): A Waziristan. – Reuters, November 5 and formed a local militia to help fight suspected U.S. unmanned aerial drone against Taliban militants. A total of 12 killed four militants in North Waziristan November 6, 2009 (GLOBAL): A people were killed. Tehrik-i-Taliban Agency of the Federally Administered videotape of Usama bin Ladin appeared Pakistan claimed credit for the attack. Tribal Areas. – Reuters, November 5 on Islamist web forums. It appears, – AFP, November 7; Independent, November 8; however, that the video is the Pashtu- Bloomberg, November 10 November 5, 2009 (UNITED STATES): language version of a tape released in U.S. Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan Arabic and Urdu in June-July 2009. November 8, 2009 (PAKISTAN): Police opened fire on his own soldiers at the The tape was titled, “To Our People in shot dead a suicide bomber as he ran Ft. Hood military base in Texas, killing Pakistan.” – Reuters, November 6 toward a police checkpoint in Islamabad. 13 people. Hasan was seriously wounded The bomber was killed before he could after being shot by a civilian police November 6, 2009 (PAKISTAN): detonate his explosives. – Voice of America, officer. Hasan, a graduate of Virginia Pakistani troops entered Makeen November 9 Tech, was a military psychiatrist who in South Waziristan Agency of the was practicing at the Darnall Army Federally Administered Tribal Areas. November 8, 2009 (PAKISTAN): Medical Center at Ft. Hood. Previously, The town is considered the headquarters Suspected Taliban militants fired he worked at Walter Reed Army of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). On rockets at a security checkpoint in Medical Center in Washington, D.C. October 17, the Pakistan Army deployed Makeen, located in South Waziristan He is 39-years-old. Later investigations at least 30,000 ground troops in a major Agency, killing four Pakistani soldiers. revealed that Hasan was attempting offensive against TTP militants in South Soldiers responded and killed eight to make contact with an individual Waziristan. – Reuters, November 6 militants. – AFP, November 9 associated with al-Qa`ida, according to ABC News. Various reports stated November 6, 2009 (PAKISTAN): Gunmen November 9, 2009 (PAKISTAN): A that Hasan, a Muslim, “seemed to have opened fire on an army brigadier and his suicide bomber in a rickshaw killed gradually become more radical in his driver in Islamabad, both of whom were three people at a police checkpoint in disapproval of the war in Iraq and wounded in the attack. Pakistan’s Dawn Peshawar. – Voice of America, November 9 Afghanistan.” – Dawn, November 8; CNN, said that the brigadier worked for a

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November 9, 2009 (ALGERIA): An months, al Qaeda has released videos police station in Bannu in the North- Algerian court sentenced three threatening to conduct terrorist attacks West Frontier Province. At least five Moroccans—Yacine Bouheltit, Bilel against German interests. While these of the dead were policemen. – Christian al-Aloui and Mohamed al-Hamedi—to threats initially mentioned the German Science Monitor, November 13; The Nation, three years in jail for trying to join al- federal elections in September, al Qaeda November 14 Qa`ida fighters in Iraq. The men illegally continues to threaten Germany.” – CNN, crossed into Algeria from Morocco November 13 November 14, 2009 (PAKISTAN): A and were arrested after authorities suicide bomber in a vehicle detonated his intercepted their cell phone conversation November 12, 2009 (PAKISTAN): explosives in Peshawar, killing at least with an Algerian militant. The Algerian Gunmen killed a Pakistani working 11 people. Two policemen were among militant was going to take the three at the Iranian Consulate in Peshawar. the dead. According to news reports, Moroccans to Islamist strongholds in – AP, November 19 the bomber “detonated explosives when northern Algeria and then to Iraq to join police asked him to stop for a search.” al-Qa`ida. – Reuters, November 10 November 12, 2009 (MAURITANIA): – al-Jazira, November 14 Twenty-five Mauritanian detainees November 9, 2009 (PHILIPPINES): issued a statement from a prison November 15, 2009 (AFGHANISTAN): The severed head of a kidnapped school in Nouakchott renouncing Islamic Taliban militants attacked a police post principal, Gabriel Canizares, was found extremism. The detainees are mostly in Arghandab district of Kandahar in a bag left at a gas station in Jolo in members of al-Qa`ida in the Islamic Province, killing eight Afghan Sulu Province, located in the southern Maghreb. – AFP, November 12 policemen. – Reuters, November 16 Philippines. Canizares was kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf Group militants on November 13, 2009 (UNITED STATES): November 15, 2009 (IRAQ): Gunmen October 19 in Sulu’s Patikul town. He The U.S. government announced posing as Iraqi soldiers executed 13 was beheaded after his family failed that it will prosecute Khalid Shaykh members of the same tribe in two to pay his $42,000 ransom. – Mindanao Muhammad, the “mastermind” of the villages in Abu Ghurayb district on Examiner, November 9; BBC, November 9 September 11, 2001 attacks on the the outskirts of Baghdad. Authorities United States, in a Manhattan federal believe that al-Qa`ida in Iraq was November 10, 2009 (PAKISTAN): A courtroom. Four other co-conspirators behind the execution-style killings. One suicide bomber in an explosives-laden will be charged alongside him. – New of the men killed was the head of the vehicle killed at least 24 people in York Times, November 14 Iraqi Islamic Party in the area. – Christian Charsadda in the North-West Frontier Science Monitor, November 17 Province. – Bloomberg, November 10; GEO TV, November 13, 2009 (GERMANY): The November 10 German government announced that it November 15, 2009 (YEMEN): Takeo will send 120 more soldiers to northern Mashimo, a 63-year-old Japanese November 11, 2009 (AFGHANISTAN): Afghanistan to reinforce its base in engineer, was kidnapped near Sana`a A suicide bomber riding a motorcycle Kunduz Province. Germany has the by tribesmen seeking to exchange him attacked NATO troops in southern third-largest troop contingent in the for one of their relatives held by police. Afghanistan’s Zabul Province. Two NATO-led mission, consisting of 4,200 – AFP, November 22 civilians were killed in the explosion. soldiers. – Reuters, November 13 – Dawn, November 11 November 16, 2009 (AFGHANISTAN): November 13, 2009 (AFGHANISTAN): Taliban militants fired rockets at a November 11, 2009 (PAKISTAN): A suicide bomber in a vehicle attacked bazaar in Tagab district of Kapisa Pakistani police arrested seven a U.S. military convoy on the outskirts Province, killing at least four Afghan suspected militants in the commercial of Kabul, wounding nine NATO civilians. The location of the attack hub of Karachi. The suspected militants personnel, 10 civilian contractors and was near the site of a meeting between are part of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan three Afghans. The Taliban claimed French soldiers and local tribal leaders. (TTP), and they were allegedly planning responsibility for the attack. – New York – New York Times, November 16 to attack security agency offices and Times, November 13 officials in Karachi. The suspects were November 16, 2009 (PAKISTAN): A arrested following a shoot-out in the November 13, 2009 (PAKISTAN): A suicide bomber in an explosives-laden city. – Reuters, November 12 suicide bomber in an explosives-laden vehicle killed four people during an vehicle struck the regional headquarters attack on a police station just outside November 12, 2009 (GERMANY): The of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence Pakistan’s Badaber air force base near U.S. State Department extended a travel agency in Peshawar. At least 10 Peshawar. – Reuters, November 16; CNN, alert for Germany, urging Americans people were killed in the explosion, November 17 to remain cautious as a result of al- which caused the partial collapse of Qa`ida’s recent threats against the the building. – Christian Science Monitor, November 17, 2009 (PAKISTAN): country. The alert replaced another November 13; Reuters, November 13 Taliban militants blew up a girls’ school alert that was issued in September and in Khyber Agency of the Federally expired on November 11. The new alert November 13, 2009 (PAKISTAN): A Administered Tribal Areas. No one was will remain in effect until February suicide bomber in an explosives-laden at the property when it was destroyed. 10. The alert states, “Over the past few vehicle killed at least eight people at a – AFP, November 16

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November 17, 2009 (NORTH AFRICA): November 19, 2009 (PAKISTAN): A people were wounded in the attack. Daniel Benjamin, the U.S. State suspected U.S. unmanned aerial drone – AFP, November 21 Department’s coordinator for killed six militants, including three counterterrorism, told a Senate Foreign foreigners, in North Waziristan Agency November 21, 2009 (PAKISTAN): An Relations subcommittee that al-Qa`ida of the Federally Administered Tribal explosion ripped through the offices in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) is less Areas. – Dawn, November 20 of an aid agency, Shift International, likely to target Europe, primarily as in Peshawar. A security guard was a result of increased pressure on the November 19, 2009 (PAKISTAN): A wounded. – AP, November 20 group from Algerian security forces. suicide bomber detonated his explosives According to Benjamin, “We currently outside a court building in Peshawar, November 23, 2009 (UNITED STATES): view the near-term possibility of such killing 19 people. – Reuters, November 19; Federal authorities in the United States an expansion of operations [to Europe] AP, November 20 unsealed terrorism-related charges as less likely than it was just a few years against eight men accused of recruiting ago. This, in large measure, is because November 20, 2009 (UNITED STATES): at least 20 young Somali-Americans of the pressure on the group in Algeria.” A U.S. district judge in Miami sentenced from Minnesota to join al-Shabab, an – Reuters, November 17 Narseal Batiste to 13 ½ years in prison Islamist insurgent group, in Somalia. for being the ringleader of the so-called – Washington Post, November 24 November 17, 2009 (THAILAND): Liberty Five, a U.S. group that sought Security forces killed six suspected contact with al-Qa`ida and plotted to November 23, 2009 (YEMEN): Japanese separatists in southern Thailand’s conduct a series of terrorist attacks in engineer Takeo Mashimo, who was Pattani Province. – al-Jazira, November 18 the United States, including bombing kidnapped by Yemeni tribesmen near Chicago’s Sears Tower. Batiste faced Sana`a on November 15, was released November 18, 2009 (UNITED STATES): a maximum of 70 years in prison. after a week of captivity. The release A U.S. district judge in Miami sentenced According to the Associated Press, occurred after negotiations by Yemen’s two brothers to six and seven years in “The sentencing Friday marked the government. – AP, November 23 jail for swearing allegiance to al-Qa`ida culmination of a case that began with and plotting to blow up Chicago’s an FBI raid in June 2006 on the group’s November 23, 2009 (MAURITANIA): Sears Tower. The brothers, Burson and warehouse, known as the ‘Embassy,’ Mohamed Ould Ahmed, a 23-year-old Rotschild Augustine, were members of in Miami’s impoverished Liberty suspected member of al-Qa`ida in the the so-called Liberty Five, a U.S. group City neighborhood. Top U.S. officials Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), was recently that sought contact with al-Qa`ida and acknowledged at the time that the Sears indicted in Mauritania over his role plotted to conduct a series of terrorist Tower and FBI plots never got past the in a September 2008 attack that left attacks in the United States. – AFP, discussion stage and the group never 11 Mauritanian soldiers dead. – AFP, November 18 acquired the means to carry out such November 23 audacious attacks.” – AP, November 20 November 18, 2009 (IRAQ): U.S. November 24, 2009 (PAKISTAN): General Ray Odierno, the commander of November 20, 2009 (AFGHANISTAN): Pakistan’s military killed 18 militants in U.S. forces in Iraq, told reporters that Afghan Member of Parliament Abdul Bara, close to the city of Peshawar, in a al-Qa`ida in Iraq (AQI) is becoming Rab Rasoul Sayyaf narrowly escaped new operation against Taliban militants. dominated by Iraqis and less by an assassination attempt near Kabul. The purpose of the new operation was to foreigners. According to Odierno, AQI His convoy was struck by a remotely- capture mountain heights and strategic is increasingly joining forces with detonated bomb, killing five of his locations from militants who have been members of Saddam Hussein’s Ba`ath bodyguards. – Voice of America, November assaulting Peshawar in recent weeks. Party. “Al Qaeda in Iraq has transformed 20 – AP, November 24 significantly in the last two years,” said Odierno. “What once was dominated November 20, 2009 (AFGHANISTAN): November 25, 2009 (AFGHANISTAN): by foreign individuals has now become A suicide bomber riding a motorcycle Mullah Omar, the leader of the Afghan more and more dominated by Iraqi detonated his explosives in the capital Taliban, purportedly released a new citizens.” – Reuters, November 18 of Farah Province, killing at least 12 statement declaring that U.S.-led forces people. – AFP, November 19 will be defeated in Afghanistan even November 19, 2009 (UNITED STATES): if they increase their troop numbers. A U.S. district judge in Miami handed November 20, 2009 (PAKISTAN): A He also called on his followers to down prison terms of eight and nine suspected U.S. unmanned aerial drone “break off all relations with the years to Stanley Phanor and Patrick killed eight people, including foreign stooge administration in Kabul.” He Abraham for swearing allegiance to militants, in Mir Ali in North Waziristan said, “The invading Americans want al-Qa`ida and plotting to blow up Agency. – Dawn, November 20 [holy warriors] to surrender, under Chicago’s Sears Tower. The men were the pretext of negotiations. This is members of the so-called Liberty Five, a November 21, 2009 (AFGHANISTAN): something impossible.” – Los Angeles U.S. group that sought contact with al- A rocket struck the wall of the five- Times, November 26 Qa`ida and plotted to conduct a series star Serena Hotel in downtown Kabul. of terrorist attacks in the United States. Another rocket hit the front of the – AFP, November 19 Rabia Balkhi hospital. A total of four

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November 25, 2009 (PAKISTAN): November 28, 2009 (AFGHANISTAN): CTC Sentinel Staff Suspected Taliban militants destroyed Twelve prisoners escaped from a jail in a tanker supplying fuel to NATO Farah Province. A 13th prisoner, who Editor-in-Chief troops in neighboring Afghanistan. The was apprehended as he tried to escape, Erich Marquardt attack occurred just outside the city of explained that the tunnel took 10 days Senior Editor, CTC Peshawar. – AFP, November 24 to dig and that the plan was to slowly empty the prison overnight. The escaped Editorial Board November 25, 2009 (PAKISTAN): inmates include low-level Taliban COL Michael J. Meese, Ph.D. Pakistan’s government charged militants along with drug dealers and Department Head seven men with involvement in the other minor criminals, according to Department of Social Sciences (West Point) November 2008 terrorist assault on local authorities. – AP, November 28 India’s financial hub of Mumbai. Two COL Cindy R. Jebb, Ph.D. of the men, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi November 28, 2009 (AFGHANISTAN): Deputy Department Head and Zarrar Shah, have been accused Afghan border police said they killed Department of Social Sciences (West Point) by India of masterminding the attacks. 27 Taliban-linked insurgents during a – AP, November 25 clash in Khost Province. Police also said LTC Reid Sawyer that they captured a Chechen fighter Director, CTC November 25, 2009 (MALI): Pierre during the fighting. – AFP, November 28 Kamat, a French national, was Christopher Heffelfinger kidnapped by gunmen in Mali’s remote November 29, 2009 (MAURITANIA): FBI Fellow, CTC east. A Malian security official said Three Spanish aid workers traveling that Kamat is being held by militants in a convoy were abducted by armed from al-Qa`ida in the Islamic Maghreb. gunmen on the road between the capital – Reuters, November 26; AFP, November 27 Nouakchott and the coastal trading city of Nouadhibou. Authorities suspect Contact November 26, 2009 (PAKISTAN): A that al-Qa`ida in the Islamic Maghreb Combating Terrorism Center roadside bomb exploded in Peshawar, is holding the aid workers. – Voice of U.S. Military Academy injuring two policemen and an 11-year- America, December 2; Reuters, November 29; 607 Cullum Road, Lincoln Hall old girl. The attack targeted a police AFP, November 30 West Point, NY 10996 station chief. – BBC, November 26 Phone: (845) 667-6383 November 30, 2009 (UNITED Email: [email protected] November 26, 2009 (YEMEN): Al- KINGDOM): British Prime Minister Web: www.ctc.usma.edu/sentinel/ Qa`ida in the Arabian Peninsula Gordon Brown announced that he will released a new video showing the corpse send 500 more soldiers to Afghanistan, * For Press Inquiries: (845) 667-6383 of abducted Yemeni security official bolstering the United Kingdom’s total Bassam Tarbush. According to Reuters, troop force in the country to 9,500. “The video showed group members When including special forces, however, preparing to shoot Tarbush, kidnapped the total British troop commitment will in June according to Yemeni media, for exceed 10,000. – Guardian, November 30 spying on Islamic militants, but the support actual shooting was not shown. The November 30, 2009 (CANADA): A The Combating Terrorism Center would footage later carried a still photograph Canadian judge ruled that Mohamed Zeki like to express its gratitude to its financial apparently showing his corpse with Mahjoub be freed from custody under supporters, for without their support and facial cuts.” – Reuters, November 26 strict conditions. The government is shared vision of the Center products like trying to deport Mahjoub on the grounds the CTC Sentinel could not be produced. If November 27, 2009 (AFGHANISTAN): that he was a high-ranking member you are interested in learning more about Tooryalai Wesa, the governor of an Egyptian terrorist organization. how to support the Combating Terrorism of Kandahar Province, escaped – Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, November Center, please visit http://www.ctc.usma. assassination after a remote-controlled 30 edu/support/ or call Wayne Richardson at bomb exploded under his convoy. The West Point’s Association of Graduates at governor was not injured. – Los Angeles November 30, 2009 (ITALY): Two 845-446-1553. Times, November 28 former Guantanamo Bay detainees who will be tried in Italy on terrorism November 27, 2009 (PAKISTAN): charges arrived in Milan. The men, Adel Shahpoor Khan, a key anti-Taliban Ben Mabrouk and Mohamed Ben Riadh tribal leader, was killed by a roadside Nasri, are both Tunisian. Officials said bomb as he returned home from saying that the men are members of a terrorist prayers for the Muslim festival of Eid al- group linked to al-Qa`ida and allegedly The views expressed in this report are those of Adha in Bajaur Agency of the Federally recruited fighters for Afghanistan. – AP, the authors and not of the U.S. Military Academy, Administered Tribal Areas. Khan was an December 1 the Department of the Army, or any other agency important ally of the Bajaur authorities. of the U.S. Government. – AFP, November 26

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