february 2011 . Vol 4 . Issue 2

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

Contents The Muslim Brotherhood’s

FEATURE ARTICLE 1 The Muslim Brotherhood’s Role in Role in the Egyptian Revolution the Egyptian Revolution By Steven Brooke and Shadi Hamid By Steven Brooke and Shadi Hamid

Reports 4 Revolution in Tunisia and Egypt: A Blow to the Jihadist Narrative? By Nelly Lahoud 5 AQIM’s Objectives in North Africa By Geoff D. Porter 9 The Tribal Allegiance System Within AQIM By Mathieu Guidere 11 The Violent Shift in Hizb al-Tahrir’s Rhetoric By Madeleine Gruen 14 Baltimore’s Jamaat al-Muslimeen: Promoting a Radical but Disciplined Message on Jihad By J.M. Berger

17 Recent Highlights in Terrorist Activity 20 CTC Sentinel Staff & Contacts

An Egyptian anti-government protester celebrates in Cairo’s Tahrir Square on February 12, 2011. - Photo by Patrick Baz/AFP/Getty Images n february 11, 2011, Egypt had Missing from the discussion is an attempt its revolution when President to put the Brotherhood’s actions during Hosni Mubarak finally the protests in historical perspective. stepped down after 18 days Doing so reveals that the Brotherhood’s Oof massive protests. With the military cautious approach to the protests over taking control and promising a transition the last few tumultuous weeks has been to democracy, the question of what in large part an extension of the group’s comes next has acquired a particular strategy of the past decades: a preference urgency. Specifically, Western fears of for incremental rather than revolutionary About the CTC Sentinel the Muslim Brotherhood stepping into change, caution and pragmatism, and The Combating Terrorism Center is an the political vacuum have re-energized close cooperation with other Egyptian independent educational and research a longstanding debate about the role of political actors. While it is always institution based in the Department of Social Islamists in Middle Eastern politics, and difficult to predict future behavior from Sciences at the United States Military Academy, the dilemma that poses for the United past actions, viewing the Brotherhood’s West Point. The CTC Sentinel harnesses States.1 recent actions as part of a longer process the Center’s global network of scholars and of accommodation illuminates some of practitioners to understand and confront the issues that will undoubtedly arise in contemporary threats posed by terrorism and 1 The Muslim Brotherhood is the world’s oldest and most the months ahead. other forms of political violence. influential Islamist group. Founded in Egypt by Hasan al- Banna in 1928, the group has since established branches throughout Middle Eastern and European countries. The The views expressed in this report are those of Brotherhood differs from jihadist groups in that the Broth- the authors and not of the U.S. Military Academy, erhood rejects violence as a means to alter society, instead the Department of the Army, or any other agency of the U.S. Government. advocating political participation and peaceful, long-term change.

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The Brotherhood in the Background debating, we would get maybe 25% of keen to be at the forefront.”9 Islamists The Brotherhood played a relatively the vote. Parties cannot compete under even have a phrase for this—the “American limited role in the demonstrations. a police state.”6 veto”—the notion that the United States, The group officially held back from and the world at large, is not yet ready participation in the “day of rage” The Brotherhood may be Egypt’s largest for Islamists in government. The memory protests on January 25, wary of opposition group with an estimated of Algeria—where the Western-backed associating with an enterprise that had 300,000 members and millions of military annulled parliamentary elections uncertain prospects for success.2 While sympathizers. The group is particularly after Islamists won—looms large. endorsing the demonstrations only on strong with the urban middle class, Friday, January 28, the Brotherhood among doctors, engineers, lawyers, and Thus, taking into account both remained in the background. As one other professions. Yet that does not capabilities and intentions, it is clear Brotherhood leader argued, “we are mean it would win a majority stake in that the Islamists will not be in a position not pushing this movement, but we elections—in part because that is not to control Egypt’s foreign policy. For a are moving with it. We don’t wish the group’s aim. group like the Brotherhood, attempting to lead it but we want to be part of to take the lead on controversial issues it.”3 Soon after, the Brotherhood Contrary to their image as a group such as the peace treaty with Israel deferred to secular opposition figure obsessed with power, the Brotherhood offers significant risks yet few benefits. Mohammed ElBaradei as the face of has historically been content to “run to The Brotherhood, as part of any post- the movement, falling in line with a place,” aiming simply for representation Mubarak political order, will be subject collection of other opposition groups.4 rather than control. Islamist groups to whatever pressures and constraints As the demonstrations gathered steam, often deliberately lose elections. Arab the United States and the international the Brotherhood went out of its way to community places on it. For instance, assure Western audiences that it did not “The events in Egypt any abrupt change in Egypt’s foreign seek to dominate Egypt’s post-Mubarak policy would risk not only the $1.5 political scene.5 pose greater long-term billion that the country receives from challenges to jihadist the United States, but also significant The Brotherhood in Power? assistance from the European Union, Any attempt to forecast the behavior groups than they do to the as well as the broader commercial ties of the Brotherhood in power should United States.” between Egypt and the West. rest on realistic assumptions of the group’s capabilities and intentions. The Brotherhood, however, is and will The group’s electoral dominance has remain a potent force in any Egyptian been overstated, largely due to regime Islamist parties in Egypt, Jordan, democracy that emerges. In other manipulation and stifling restrictions Morocco, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Yemen words, the Islamists are here to stay. imposed on other Egyptian political have, on average, chosen to contest Like any political organization, the actors. Allowing the Brotherhood less than 40% of the available seats Brotherhood will reflect the interests to emerge as the de facto face of in recent elections.7 In other words, and desires of its constituency, which the Egyptian opposition was crucial even if Islamists won every seat they will increase in importance as the group for Mubarak’s attempts to convince contested, they still would not gain a competes with others in the political Western audiences that he was all that majority. Even the Hamas victory in marketplace. Over time, this will drive stood in the way of an Islamist takeover. the Palestinian parliamentary elections the group to articulate a more distinctive As a leading member of the Brotherhood of 2006 came about more as a result foreign policy platform and attempt said in Cairo in 2006, “if there were free of Fatah’s lack of coordination and to influence the direction of Egypt’s elections with all groups competing and general disarray than from an attempt relations with Israel, its neighbors, by Hamas to take power.8 This caution and the international community. 2 Other factors likely playing into the Brotherhood’s de- is reflected in the January 31 comments Anticipating the coming changes, the cision were its recognition that the regime would seize of senior Brotherhood leader Mohamed United States should begin a serious the opportunity to portray any demonstration as an Is- el-Beltagui: “the Brotherhood realizes and sustained strategic dialogue with all lamist project, as well as perhaps a wariness to publicly the sensitivities, especially in the West, Egyptian opposition parties, including mobilize given the Christian-Muslim tension in the wake towards the Islamists, and we’re not the Muslim Brotherhood, both in order of the Alexandria church bombing on January 1, 2011. to communicate U.S. interests and 3 “Nobel Peace Winner Returns to Egypt to Lead Anti- 6 Personal interview, Abdel Moneim Abou el-Fotouh, concerns, as well as to absorb theirs. Government Protest Movement,” Associated Press, Cairo, August 2006. January 27, 2011. 7 For more on why Islamists deliberately lose elections, Counterterrorism Implications 4 Margaret Coker and Summer Said, “Muslim Group see Shadi Hamid, “Arab Islamist Parties: Losing on Pur- There will be consequences for U.S. Backs Secular Struggle,” Wall Street Journal, January 31, pose?” Journal of Democracy 22:1 (2011); Steven Brooke, security interests following the fall 2011. “Running to Place: Alternative Explanations for Islamist of a key Arab ally. For instance, a 5 Essam el-Errian, “What the Muslim Brothers Want,” Political Behavior,” paper presented at the annual meet- democratically-elected government New York Times, February 9, 2011; Abdel Moneim Abou ing of the Southwest Political Science Association, 2010. in Egypt would undoubtedly reduce el-Fotouh, “Democracy Supporters Should Not Fear the 8 In particular, multiple candidates from Fatah would Muslim Brotherhood,” Washington Post, February 9, run for one seat, splitting the vote, while Hamas ensured 9 Jack Shenker, “Egypt Protesters Play Down Islamist 2011. only one candidate per district. Party’s Role,” Guardian, January 31, 2011.

2 february 2011 . Vol 4 . Issue 2 cooperation with Israel and the United Muslim youth in voter queues Brotherhood Faces Challenges Ahead States on the blockade of Gaza. Yet given before ballot boxes instead of Like any large organization, the that the blockade is deeply unpopular lining them up to fight in the cause Brotherhood contains multiple across all sectors of Egyptian, and of Allah.13 ideological trends: those desiring a indeed, Arab societies, this should not more explicit political orientation, those be surprising. As Egypt’s post-Mubarak The events in Egypt and Tunisia have wishing to focus on social and cultural political order congeals, it is easy to perhaps definitively undermined reform, and those inhabiting a broad imagine Egypt following a trajectory this narrative, while reinforcing the middle.18 In the past, the organization similar to Turkey: maintaining close Brotherhood’s longstanding position has been able to manage these tensions economic and commercial ties to the that peaceful political engagement is through caution and calculation. In the West, while increasingly charting a more the only legitimate way to change the end, the group has earned a reputation independent course in foreign affairs. political system, and that non-violence for hedging that has occasionally Also as in Turkey, the military will likely should be adhered to even in the face of bordered on paralysis. Rather than play a significant behind-the-scenes role repression by local governments.14 cunning, the Brotherhood’s involvement as a conduit of Western influence. in the recent protests in many ways Egypt is in many ways fortunate reflects these tensions—younger, more In some ways, the events in Egypt pose because the Brotherhood’s deep-rooted politically-oriented Brothers sought the greater long-term challenges to jihadist presence in Egyptian society has group’s involvement from the outset, groups than they do to the United States. meant that jihadist groups have been while those focused on sociocultural First, there appears to be a causal unable to gain much traction inside the issues were content with restraint. link between lack of democracy and country.15 Apart from a small number terrorist activity.10 When citizens lack of scattered, uncoordinated incidents, The next few months, however, will a peaceful outlet to express their views, Egypt has been largely free of jihadist see the Brotherhood pushed out of its the likelihood that they will turn to violence since the bloody insurgency of comfort zone and forced to play a more violence increases.11 In the Middle East, the mid-1990s. While partially due to explicit political role. Given the presence regimes have historically deflected this the Egyptian security service’s brutally of ideological trends inside the group anger by focusing it outward, on the effective counterterrorism campaign, hesitant to take on this role, it is likely United States and Israel. The jihadists the Brotherhood has also succeeded in that the requirements of an increased have mirrored the process by changing making their incrementalist approach political profile will exacerbate internal the targets of their attacks from local to social change “the only game in divisions. To be sure, the group has, regimes—the “near enemy”—to the “far town.” Former jihadist groups, such as in recent years, developed internal enemy” of the United States.12 al-Gama`a al-Islamiyya (The Islamic consultative mechanisms that increase Group), have engaged in extensive its ability to resolve debates while Second, al-Qa`ida has painstakingly ideological revisions, renouncing maintaining organizational cohesion. crafted a narrative that peaceful, violence and accepting the legitimacy Yet with the advent of Egyptian democratic change in the Middle East of the existing system, moving closer democracy, this may not be enough. is both illegitimate and impossible, and to a Brotherhood-style interpretation Repression, for all the problems it that the Brotherhood’s embrace of those of Islam.16 As long as the Brotherhood caused the Brotherhood, served to unify strategies reveals its bankruptcy. For remains strong, Egypt will continue to its ranks. When survival is at stake, a instance, Ayman al-Zawahiri’s anger present an unfriendly environment for group can postpone answering difficult toward the group is laid out in his 1991 the growth of Salafi-jihadism.17 questions. Now, for the first time in book The Bitter Harvest: The Muslim Brotherhood decades, the Brotherhood will have After 60 Years, in which he wrote, little choice but to face them.

The Brotherhood participates Steven Brooke is a Ph.D. student in in elections in Egypt, Jordan, 13 The full book is available in Arabic online at www. the Department of Government at the Sudan, Kuwait, Algeria, Syria, tawhed.ws/r?i=2gxseb4t. University of Texas at Austin. and other Muslim lands governed 14 See the three part series by Brynjar Lia, “Jihadis De- by infidel governments. What is bate Egypt,” Jihadica.com, February 4, 2011 and Febru- Shadi Hamid is Director of Research at the truly regrettable is the Ikhwan’s ary 7, 2011. Brookings Doha Center and a Fellow at the rallying of thousands of duped 15 On this point, see Marc Lynch, “Jihadis and the Ikh- Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the wan,” in Moghadam and Fishman. Brookings Institution. 10 Shadi Hamid and Steven Brooke, “Promoting Democ- 16 Steven Brooke, “Muslim Brotherhood Faces Growing racy to Stop Terror, Revisited,” Policy Review, February Challenges in Egypt,” CTC Sentinel 2:3 (2009). 1, 2010. 17 It is instructive to contrast Egypt to Iraq in this re- 11 Ibid. spect. Saddam Hussein had brutally repressed the Mus- 12 Steven Brooke, “Strategic Fissures: The Near and Far lim Brotherhood for years, forcing the group almost com- Debate,” in Assaf Moghadam and Brian Fishman eds., pletely into exile, leaving a vacuum that Salafi-jihadis Self-Inflicted Wounds: Debates and Divisions with al-Qa’ida were able to exploit in the post-Saddam environment. 18 See the summary in Carrie Rosefsky Wickham, “The and its Periphery (West Point, NY: Combating Terrorism Similarly, whatever the other problems of Hamas control Muslim Brotherhood after Mubarak,” Foreign Affairs, Center, 2010); Steven Brooke, “Jihadist Strategic Debates in Gaza, the organization has succeeded in preventing February 3, 2011. Also see Brooke, “Muslim Brotherhood Before 9/11,” Studies in Conflict and Terrorism31:3 (2008). Salafi-jihadi infiltration. Faces Growing Challenges in Egypt.”

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Revolution in Tunisia even parental authorities.2 This Before elaborating on the consequences revolutionary understanding of jihad of such developments, it is important and Egypt: A Blow to the gained momentum through the various to recognize that the flame of jihad Jihadist Narrative? wars in which the United States and its has plenty of fuel before it burns itself allies have fought and are still fighting out. Not only must Tunisia and Egypt By Nelly Lahoud on the territories of Muslim-majority succeed in translating their respective states. Such wars have unwittingly revolutions into meaningful political the jihadists, like most observers of the advanced the narrative of the jihadists change, but the entire Middle East must Middle East, had not anticipated that and led some Muslims to embrace the follow suit, including a permanent “people power” could topple Tunisia’s path of jihad, thus giving jihadism an and fair resolution to the Palestinian Zein al-`Abidin bin `Ali, let alone international profile much bigger than Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak. If, in addition, the sum of its parts. Even Usama bin “It stands to reason that the Middle East “is being battered by a Ladin acknowledged that the jihadists perfect storm of powerful trends,” and if could not take full credit for their the jihadization of politics “leaders in the region may be able to hold successes and that the policies of the that once carried an aura back the tide for a little while, but not United States are equally instrumental for long,” as Secretary of State Hillary in the jihadists’ influence. As stated by of plausibility when all Clinton remarked, then the jihadists Bin Ladin, other political forms of may have to reconsider whether their narrative remains relevant or indeed those who say that al-Qa`ida has struggle seemed either whether their raison d’être is justified. In won against the administration stalled or futile is going the words of Brynjar Lia, jihadism may in the White House or that the lose “one of its main ideological selling administration has lost in this war to be subjected to sharp points: that only armed struggle can have not been precise, because scrutiny.” bring down the regimes in the region.”1 when one scrutinizes the results, one cannot say that al-Qa`ida This article explores the extent to which is the sole factor in achieving jihadists can stay relevant in view of those spectacular gains. Rather, problem. It should also not be forgotten the gale-force winds of change blowing the policy of the White House that the jihadists’ narrative is not through the region. that demands the opening of war limited to highlighting the political fronts to keep busy their various grievances endemic to the Middle The Jihadists’ Case in Perspective corporations—whether they be East, but it also draws on grievances The corrupt politics of the Middle working in the field of arms or oil resulting from conflicts in Afghanistan, East during the past 30 years has done or reconstruction—has helped al- Chechnya, Kashmir, Mindanao, Somalia more to advance the focal argument of Qa`ida to achieve these enormous and beyond. jihadism than the jihadists could ever results.3 have accomplished on their own. Thus, Despite these enormous obstacles that notwithstanding the impossibility of The Jihadists’ Dilemma must be overcome before the jihadists’ ever achieving their idealistic goals, What if non-violence were perceived narrative ceases to be purposeful, jihadist ideologues and leaders relied on to be the solution? What if the United recent events in Tunisia and Egypt stating the obvious to make their case: States were increasingly perceived to must give pause to jihadist leaders neither would the dictators who rule be on the side of the Muslim people, on at least two fronts. The first has a the Arab world ever embrace genuine not their dictators? Would defensive bearing not necessarily on jihadists reform, nor would the democratic jihad (jihad al-daf`) against the United in the fold, but on aspiring jihadists regimes in the West led by the United States (far enemy) and its “apostate who, until two months ago, were States and its allies want such reforms agents” (near enemy) still carry a sense contemplating joining the caravan of because their interests are best served of legitimacy? It is to be remembered jihad. It is highly probable that these by dictators in power. Jihad, the that Ayman al-Zawahiri’s jihadist aspiring jihadists are reviewing their jihadists repeatedly argue, is the only career began by arguing that “the road choices and considering whether their way out of this cul de sac. to Jerusalem passes through Cairo,” energy is more fruitfully directed to the by which he meant that defeating the “Tahrir” in their home countries rather In many respects, the jihadists’ modern Egyptian regime through jihad should than risking the uncertainties of joining articulation of individualized jihad (the take precedence against fighting Israel jihad in the mountains of Afghanistan. belief that jihad is the individual duty, and the United States.4 fard `ayn, of each Muslim) is designed to Perhaps a more critical blow for the achieve nothing short of a revolution jihadists concerns the limitations 2 Nelly Lahoud, “The Strengths and Weaknesses of Jiha- on a global scale. This principle of their ideology imposes on any dist Ideology,” CTC Sentinel 3:10 (2010). individualized jihad undermines involvement they might wish to have 3 A transcript of Usama bin Ladin’s speech in English is all forms of political, religious and in this seemingly new era of political available at www.worldpress.org/Americas/1964.cfm. and leaderless actors who are weary 4 Ayman al-Zawahiri, “Al-Tariq ila al-Quds yamur- of the burdens of ideologies. Central 1 Brynjar Lia, “Jihadis Debate Egypt (1),” Jihadica.com, ru ‘abra al-Qahira,” available at www.tawhed.ws/ to jihadist ideology is the negation February 4, 2011. r?i=4wwr6wa8.

4 february 2011 . Vol 4 . Issue 2 of the political process because it is very dream that set them on the path compromised by positive law (qawanin of jihad in the first place; on the other AQIM’s Objectives in North wad`iyya). Jihadist ideologues and hand, they are not active players in the Africa leaders are all in agreement that man- realization of this dream, nor can they made laws represent an assault on God’s be, so long as they stick to their jihadist By Geoff D. Porter Law and compromise the profession of principles. While the jihadists cannot divine unity (tawhid), the cornerstone but reject the legitimacy of positive during the course of 2010, al-Qa`ida in on which it is incumbent upon jihadists law and the democratic process, the the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has become to unite. Abu Muhammad al-Maqdisi, Egyptians and Tunisians are demanding highly active, striking numerous times for example, holds that constitutions nothing less. This irony manifests itself in the Sahara desert across multiple and positive law are the vilest forms of in the statements recently released borders and threatening to attack on jihadist forums in support of the targets in Europe. In July 2010, French “The emerging political Tunisian and Egyptian protestors, President Nicolas Sarkozy heightened where it is obvious to observers of awareness of AQIM in policy circles by momentum demonstrates jihadism that these statements are declaring war on the group, and AQIM that the jihadists’ fight implicitly lamenting the role of the reciprocated by declaring war on France. jihadists as mere spectators.7 At the same time, AQIM’s activities represents the revolution have dwindled in the historic heart of its of the few while the The Jihadists’ Future Relevance operation in the Boumerdes Mountains The emerging political momentum in the Tizi Ouzou region of Algeria. The peaceful revolt of the demonstrates that the jihadists’ jihad shift in the primary area of operations, Tunisian and Egyptian represents an attempt at revolution by the seeming diminishing importance a few while the peaceful revolt of the of its historic leader Abdelmalek people represents the Tunisian and Egyptian people represents Droukdel, and the rise of new leaders in revolution of the many.” the revolution by the many. In view the Sahara merits a deeper exploration of the stifling political environment of its ideology. Understanding what that reigned in the Middle East during AQIM’s Saharan leaders intend and the past 30 years, the jihadists are what they want ultimately leads to more tawaghit.5 The term taghut literally means entitled to claim that their actions effective ways to combat the group. “idol”; in Islamic parlance it also means were shaping history, but they failed “tyranny,” as in the case of the pharaoh to convince the majority of Muslims to The group’s media arm, al-Andalus, in ancient Egypt who is described share their vision. The Tunisians and regularly releases statements claiming in the Qur’an as having governed Egyptians, on the other hand, took the responsibility for attacks and employs with excessive hardship because his course of history into their own hands the vocabulary and symbolism of Salafi- source of governance was not God’s without availing themselves of the jihadi thought. Likewise, individual Law. Similarly, Ayman al-Zawahiri services of the jihadists. There is a lot groups associated with AQIM repeatedly argued in unequivocal terms riding on the success of the transition occasionally publicize videos in which that rulers in Muslim countries whose of these revolutions into functioning they expound on their ideology and the source of governance relies on positive democracies. Failing that, jihadism group’s goals. The ideology conveyed law are to be declared apostates, and “it will be given a longer lease on life if the in these sources is a rudimentary is the duty of Muslims to rebel against jihadists are able to say: “we told you appropriation of Salafi-jihadi thought them, fight against them and oust so, plus ça change plus c’est la même chose!” with a clear North African overtone them.”6 harkening back to the days of the early Nelly Lahoud is Associate Professor at Islamic conquest of the Maghreb and The jihadists’ exclusively religious the Combating Terrorism Center in the the southern portion of the Iberian paradigm does not recognize the Department of Social Sciences at West Peninsula, or to the 11th century when legitimacy of the political establishment Point. Berbers launched an Islamist revivalism that monopolizes the legitimate use of in the Sahara and marched northward physical force and thus denies them to conquer the North African coast and their individualized jihad. It stands to most of what is now Spain. reason that the jihadization of politics that once carried an aura of plausibility It is challenging to derive from this when all other political forms of struggle ideology what the group wants beyond seemed either stalled or futile is going a rough sketch—to rid North Africa of to be subjected to sharp scrutiny. The insufficiently Islamic governments and events in Tunisia and Egypt are more to cleanse North Africa and the Sahara than perplexing for the jihadists: on the of foreigners, in particular the French one hand, it is a dream come true, the and the Americans. Since other violent Islamist groups have sophisticated 5 Abu Muhammad al-Maqdisi, Kashf al-Niqab ‘an Shari’at ideologies that are drawn from an al-Ghab, p. 18. 7 Jihadology.net and Brynjar Lia’s postings on Jihadica. idealized reading of Islamic history 6 Ayman al-Zawahiri, al-Hisad al-Murr, p. 26. com conveniently assembled many of these statements. and woven into a complex strategy to

5 february 2011 . Vol 4 . Issue 2 attain their objectives, it is tempting populism during the Black Spring seven people (five French citizens, a to think that AQIM is adhering to a of 2001, local sources say that the Togolese, and Malagasy) from an Areva more nuanced agenda than it conveys population has become more welcoming uranium facility in Arlit in northern publicly. This does not appear to be of the military’s effort to curtail AQIM Niger. AQIM has more recently claimed the case, however. The group’s actual because the latter had resorted to responsibility for the January 7, 2011 appeal among its recruits is complicated extorting the local population and kidnappings (and subsequent deaths) as is how it continues to function in the to kidnap and ransom.4 The military of two French citizens in Niamey. Even Sahara (or why it no longer operates campaigns have restricted AQIM’s more recently, on February 2, an Italian fluidly in northern Algeria), but what movement in the Tizi Ouzou region and tourist was kidnapped by a group of the group says it wants is very plain. have hampered its ability to carry out attacks in Tizi Ouzou, let alone in Algiers AQIM’s Shift to the South or elsewhere in northern Algeria. “These strong Almoravid In 2010, AQIM intensified the pace of overtones, as well as its activities in the Sahara and Sahel, In the Sahara, however, south of and it has become a predominantly Algeria’s borders, AQIM factions have references to Tariq ibn Saharan-based organization. Activities been active. This is largely due to the Ziyad, are in line with along Algeria’s Mediterranean coast opened, ungoverned spaces throughout have virtually ceased. Some analysts northern Niger, northern Mali and Salafi-jihadi narratives of have speculated that Saharan groups eastern Mauritania, an area roughly restoring a caliphate and within AQIM have stepped up activities the size of Australia. It is also at least to demonstrate to al-Qa`ida’s core in part due to the failed attempts by returning Islamic authority leadership that they are the true regional governments to mount a to lands that it once ruled.” carriers of the AQIM mantle, opposed coordinated counterterrorism effort. to AQIM’s leader Abdelmalek Droukdel Despite the formation of a transnational in northern Algeria.1 Others have counterterrorism center in Tamanrasset created the perception that the U.S., in Algeria, the governments in unidentified militants (although some French and Algerian governments are Nouakchott, Bamako, Niamey, and reports suggest that the kidnappers attempting to define the threat in the Algiers at times appear to be working at said that they were AQIM) south of the south as a way to extend their influence cross purposes in combating AQIM in Algerian town of Djanet. to the Sahara, but this interpretation the Sahara and Sahel and this has created relies on conjecture and supposition.2 an opening for the group’s different There has also been one instance of a Likewise, divining what the faster factions to carry out operations. direct attack on a Mauritanian military pace of Saharan operations says about facility in Nema on August 25, 2010, relations among AQIM leaders and A Kidnap and Ransom Threat which resulted in the death of a suicide between AQIM and al-Qa`ida itself is Most of AQIM’s activities in the Sahara bomber who was driving an explosives- fraught with speculation. What can have been kidnap operations targeted laden vehicle. This appears to have be said with greater confidence is why at aid workers, diplomats, tourists and been in retaliation for a July 2010 raid AQIM operations in the Sahara have expatriate employees of multinational by French and Mauritanian troops in an outpaced those of AQIM in northern corporations. Some of these have attempt to free Germaneau. Algeria. resulted in the ransom of the hostages, some in the hostages’ death, and others The kidnap operations have the triple In late 2010, the Algerian military in prisoner swaps. On February 23, 2010, benefit of raising revenue through undertook a series of campaigns against the French citizen Pierre Camatte was ransoming hostages, functioning as AQIM in the Tizi Ouzou region.3 In released by AQIM.5 In April, another collateral for prisoner exchanges part, these campaigns were due to the French citizen, Michel Germaneau, was and generally discouraging further resolution of conflicts among Algerian kidnapped in Mali and subsequently foreign presence in the Sahel. Some decision makers that had hindered a died—either at the hands of AQIM or due of the hostages have been ransomed coordinated response to AQIM since its to poor health—sometime between May for significant sums. The revenue emergence in 2007. The campaigns were and July. On August 23, two Spanish generated by kidnap operations—which also due to a shift in attitude among aid workers who had been kidnapped could amount to tens of millions—has the Tizi Ouzou population toward the in Mauritania in 2009 were released reportedly augmented the capabilities Algerian military. While the Tizi Ouzou by AQIM possibly in exchange for the of different factions within AQIM.6 population had historically viewed release of an Islamist held in Mauritanian A source in Algiers disclosed that the military with suspicion due to its custody as well as the possible payment AQIM leader Mokhtar Belmokhtar heavy handed tactics quashing Kabyle of a ransom. AQIM also claimed credit has used his new revenue to procure a for the kidnapping on September 16 of more lethal arsenal, including DSHK 1 Olivier Guitta, “Turmoil and Dissent in North Africa’s (Dushka) .50 caliber anti-aircraft heavy Al Qaeda,” The National, December 27, 2010. 4 “Victime d’un faux barrage, un entrepreneur succombe 2 “France’s Military Intervention in the Sahel,” MENAS à ses blessures Kabylie, en finir avec les kidnappings,”El- 6 According to an al-Jazira report, kidnapping and ran- Associates, August 2, 2010. Watan, November 20, 2010. som generated more than $60 million for AQIM between 3 “La région est devenue une sorte de djihadistan,” El- 5 “Paris espère la prochaine libération de Pierre Ca- 2005 and 2010. See “Al-Qaeda Displays French Hostag- Watan, December 12, 2010. matte,” Le Monde, February 23, 2010. es,” al-Jazira, September 30, 2010.

6 february 2011 . Vol 4 . Issue 2 machine guns.7 Another AQIM leader The contemporary targets of this the individual for the Islamicness of in the Sahara, Mohamed Ghadir (alias timeless vocabulary are the governments the whole community—a notion echoed Abdelhamid Abu Zeid), was the first of Algeria, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, eight centuries later by Sayyid Qutb.12 within AQIM to try to leverage hostages Morocco and Tunisia, which are for the release of imprisoned Islamists described as kuffar (unbelievers). At their peak, the Almoravids rather than simply raise ransoms. Ultimately, according to AQIM, these controlled large parts of the Sahel, In 2009, he demanded the release of states should be replaced with proper Sahara and Maghreb as well as half of Abu Qatada from prison in the United Shari`a states. For example, in a video the Iberian Peninsula—or al-Andalus. Kingdom in exchange for the release of from August 2010, Abdallah Chinguetti Yusuf ibn Tashfin was responsible for the kidnapped Edwin Dyer. Abu Qatada declared the need to topple corrupt and the conquest of what is now Algeria and was not released, and AQIM claimed unbeliever governments throughout that it killed Dyer in retaliation.8 Pierre the Maghreb and Sahel and the need to Camatte’s release was also contingent establish Shari`a states.10 A rare written “Tourists will stop on a “prisoner swap,” in this case the statement that claims credit for the attending music festivals, release of four Islamists held in Mali. August 25 attack on the Nema military More recently, in a video released by base levels criticism specifically at diplomats’ movements AQIM’s media arm in October 2010, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould will be curtailed, and aid Abdallah Chinguetti, a local leader of Abdelaziz, calling him a varmint and AQIM in eastern Mauritania, called for an unbeliever who has corrupted the groups will no longer the release of prisoners.9 people of his country.11 send representatives.

AQIM members have also targeted The letter directed toward Abdelaziz This will not, however, employees of European and American also invokes another theme common pose a serious challenge multinational corporations in the region to AQIM messaging and one that is to ostensibly exert pressure on European intended to have more local resonance to the viability of the countries and the United States to than the universal Salafi-jihadi rhetoric. governments in Bamako, change their foreign policies elsewhere In the letter, the driver of the car bomb around the world. The September 16, in the Nema attack is identified as Niamey, Nouakchott and 2010 kidnapping of Areva employees Yusuf ibn Tashfin. Ibn Tashfin was the Algiers.” at Arlit is the clearest example of this 11th century leader of the Almoravid (al- tactic. AQIM has demanded that France Murabitun) dynasty. This is an important withdraw from Afghanistan and that it theme recurring throughout much of the cease military operations in the Sahara Saharan AQIM’s messaging. the establishment of the learned center and Sahel before it will release the of Tlemcen. Ibn Tashfin went on to kidnap victims. A speaker in a video References to the Almoravids abound conquer al-Andalus, which is the name about the kidnap operation released by in AQIM messaging, mostly through of AQIM’s media arm. al-Andalus said that the Areva facility noms de guerre and the names of AQIM’s was targeted because of its strategic Saharan battalions. The Almoravids Ghadir, also known as Abu Zeid, the importance to France. arose from two tribes in what is leader of the other Saharan AQIM presently Mauritania, the Sanhaja and branch that has claimed responsibility AQIM Messaging: Salafi-Jihadi with a Saharan the Lamtuna. Their territory stretched for numerous kidnappings, makes Backdrop from the Senegal River (now the border reference to an earlier period in Islamic What has this newly assertive southern between Mauritania and Senegal) history, but one that is equally “local.” AQIM said about its ideology and what to Niger. Men from the Sanhaja and His unit is the Katiba Tariq ibn Ziyad, named it wants? The bulk of AQIM’s messages, Lamtuna veiled themselves (as opposed after the eighth century Berber general the speeches and statements, consist to the women, who did not) and the who led the first Islamic conquest of the of the broad strands of Salafi-jihadi practice is now the name of AQIM Iberian Peninsula. The historical Ibn rhetoric, with frequent references to leader Mokhtar Belmokhtar’s unit, Ziyad likely came from northeastern fitna (disorder), jahiliyya (pre-Islamic Katiba al-Mulathimin, or “The Battalion Algeria. Ghadir himself is rumored ignorance), fasad (corruption), and the of Veiled Men.” Under the banner of to come from the region of Debdeb in importance of fighting for the return of the Almoravids, veiled men from the Algeria, along the Tunisian border. The the proper way of life. Sanhaja and Lamtuna struck northwards names of other battalions in the Sahara with a message of religious reform and are less ideologically significant. For asceticism aimed at toppling the lax example, a Malian national Abou Abdelkrim Targui allegedly headed 7 The source of the weapons is unclear; however, it is and irreligious Idrissids, the ruling Katiba al-Ansar, or simply the “The likely that they originate in West Africa where the reso- dynasty in what is now Morocco. The Battalion of the Victors.” lution of armed conflicts in recent years has brought a Almoravids stressed personal moral surfeit of arms to the market. comportment and the responsibility of 8 Matthew Weaver, “British Hostage Edwin Dyer ‘Killed by al-Qaida,’” Guardian, June 3, 2009. 10 Ibid. 12 Vincent Cornell, “Understanding is the Mother of 9 See www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogx83KJJov4, Au- 11 “A Letter to the Varmint Mauritanian President,” Jih- Ability: Responsibility and Action in the Doctrine of Ibn gust 28, 2010. adology.net, August 30, 2010. Tumart,” Studia Islamica 66 (1987): pp. 71-103.

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These strong Almoravid overtones, Conclusion Despite rhetoric that stridently criticizes as well as references to Tariq ibn One reality that has heretofore limited the corruption and illegitimacy of Ziyad, are in line with Salafi-jihadi AQIM’s impact in the Sahara has been governments in the Maghreb and narratives of restoring a caliphate and the target poor environment. There Sahara, AQIM’s Saharan units have returning Islamic authority to lands are simply too few targets for AQIM stopped short of attacking government that it once ruled. Part of this broader to strike. This remains true, and targets directly. There has been only Salafi-jihadi narrative is the objective the travel warnings from European one instance in 2010 of a direct AQIM of attacking the “far enemy,” which governments and the restrictions on attack on a government installation implies attacks on France and Spain. movement of Europeans in the Sahel in the Sahara, the August 25 attack AQIM’s messages directly target the and Sahara means that the target at Nema in Mauritania. On February governments that support the so-called environment is going to become scarcer 2, 2011, there was a second attack in un-Islamic governments of the Maghreb and more challenging. In this sense, it Mauritanian territory, which involved and Sahara. The primary thrust of this is possible that AQIM’s Saharan units possibly three trucks of AQIM fighters. is France. For example, in November will achieve part of their goal of ridding The attack was disrupted outside the 2010 Abdelmalek Droukdel, the head the Sahara and Sahel of foreigners. capital Nouakchott and its intended of AQIM itself, demanded that France Tourists will stop attending music target is still unclear. This, however, was negotiate for the release of the hostages festivals, diplomats’ movements will be arguably in retaliation for a Mauritanian taken from Arlit directly with Usama curtailed, and aid groups will no longer and French raid on AQIM itself and was bin Ladin and that France withdraw its send representatives. This will not, not a proactive part of AQIM’s strategy troops from Afghanistan.13 In another however, pose a serious challenge to the in the Sahara and Sahel. Likewise, instance, Khadim Ould Semman, who viability of the governments in Bamako, AQIM’s ideology makes frequent allegedly led a Mauritanian group Niamey, Nouakchott and Algiers. It will reference to “crusaders” and enemies sympathetic to AQIM until his arrest, also deprive AQIM of whatever meager in Europe, which is a standard element said from prison that AQIM would leverage kidnapping afforded it with of Salafi-jihadi rhetoric, but unlike directly target French “crusaders” in Paris and Washington. AQIM’s counterparts in the Arabian retaliation for the raid against AQIM Peninsula or in Pakistan, it has not in August that resulted in the reported Threats to foreign direct investment been able to carry out an operation that deaths of six AQIM fighters.14 will not jeopardize the Algerian, Malian, targets Europe or the United States. Mauritanian, or Nigerien governments. Rarely does rhetoric about attacking European and American investment For AQIM, this means that to maintain the far enemy translate into real action. will continue to flow into the region the relevancy that it has managed to The closest AQIM’s Saharan groups regardless of AQIM’s presence and establish in 2010, it will have to shift to have come may have been on January tactics. Attacks on multinational directly targeting local security services 5, 2011 when a Tunisian man who is corporation facilities like the Arlit and redouble its efforts to hit targets suspected of having links to AQIM attack may make foreign investors outside the Sahara and Sahel. This will blew up an explosive device in front of pause, but they will ultimately proceed, be the true test of AQIM’s messaging. the French Embassy in Bamako, Mali. albeit with a stronger and more robust The Almoravids became the Almoravids The reason for this shortcoming is security profile. Part of that profile not just because they staged a rebellion likely a lack of capabilities, rather than will be deeper suspicion of the local south of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, prioritization of other targets. AQIM in population, who will be excluded to but because they went on to conquer the Sahara simply seems unable to carry a greater degree from the economic Marrakech and beyond to al-Andalus. out sophisticated attacks in the urban benefits that industrial investment locales where important “crusader” can bring. To the contrary, the states Dr. Geoff D. Porter is a political risk targets are located. This is even more themselves will be direct beneficiaries and security consultant, specializing in true of the Saharan AQIM’s ability to of foreign direct investment, through North Africa and the Sahara. actually carry out attacks in French or collecting revenue, royalties and taxes. Spanish territory. It is not for lack of desire, but lack of ability. Due to the diminishing soft targets (expatriates and tourists) and the hardening of others, AQIM may soon face a paucity of targets and will struggle to maintain the momentum it built over the course of 2010 and remain relevant. This may necessitate a change in strategy, albeit in a way that is consistent with its messages and ideology.

13 “Aqmi exige que Paris négocie avec Ben Laden pour la libération des otages,” Agence France-Presse, Novem- ber 19, 2010. 14 “Un djihadiste menace la France,” Le Figaro, October 20, 2010.

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AQIM leaders claimed responsibility Two weeks later, on November 18, The Tribal Allegiance for the same attacks, certain analysts AQIM’s leader, Abdelmalek Droukdel, System within AQIM assumed that competition or division responded to Bin Ladin in an audiotape plagued the group. aired on al-Jazira. In the recording, By Mathieu Guidere Droukdel appeared to have understood For example, on September 16, 2010, the al-Qa`ida chief’s message. In addition symbolism plays an important role for five Frenchmen and two Africans al-Qa`ida and its related groups. Each working at the Arlit site of the French “Since AQIM operates in attack is typically conducted according uranium group Areva were kidnapped to a symbolic date and against a in Niger. On September 21, Salah Abu such a large territory, there symbolic target. Most attacks fit within Muhammad, the official spokesperson is not really an established the organization’s internal ideology. for AQIM, claimed responsibility for Al-Qa`ida and its affiliated groups use the kidnapping by praising Abdelhamid hierarchy or a stable ancient symbols and medieval Islamic Abu Zeid, the Algerian leader of the sub- command but rather a references. As a result, events or signals group responsible for the kidnapping: that might seem random to outside shifting leadership based observers in fact possess a logical and Following the promise of our on the oath of allegiance internal coherence. Deciphering al- emir, Abu Mussab [Algerian Qa`ida’s messaging is important when Abdelmalek Droukdel], a group taken between influential making political or military decisions, of heroic mujahedeen last individuals.” and analysts must avoid falling into Wednesday, under the command ethnocentric interpretations when trying of Shaykh Abu Zeid, succeeded to comprehend this phenomenon. in penetrating the French mining site at Arlit in Niger.2 to repeating the message verbatim,5 Al-Qa`ida in the Islamic Maghreb he directed the French government to (AQIM) provides a useful case study To prove that this claim was true, the negotiate with Bin Ladin concerning the of this ancient symbolism. From the recording was accompanied by photos hostages: “Any negotiations over the outside, AQIM’s actions appear to reveal of the hostages sitting in a circle with release of the hostages should be carried internal leadership schisms. Analysts Shaykh Abu Zeid under a tree in the out directly with the Lion of Islam, our frequently suggest that AQIM’s leaders Mali desert.3 On the recorded audio, leader Usama bin Ladin.”6 are competing for power, without the hostages introduced themselves providing sufficient evidence proving but did not specify any conditions for Many analysts did not understand the that genuine leadership disagreements future negotiation. Despite the French reason for this shift in responsibility exist. This article contends that what government expressing its willingness between the leader of al-Qa`ida and the may look like leadership differences to enter into discussion for the release leader of AQIM, as well as the leader to outsiders are in fact part of AQIM’s of the hostages, Usama bin Ladin of the Sahara Brigade, Abu Zeid. When tribal allegiance system, which is found released an audio message on October the spokesperson of AQIM, Salah Abu at the heart of all al-Qa`ida affiliates. 27, 2010 claiming responsibility for the Muhammad, paid tribute during the kidnapping, the first time he claimed September 21 statement to both Droukdel An Outside Perspective of Proxy Terrorism credit for a kidnapping undertaken and Abu Zeid, he phrased it in a way to On September 11, 2006, al-Qa`ida by AQIM. In the message, Bin Ladin express the hierarchical link between the announced the allegiance of the Algerian demanded that France withdraw its two leaders. Droukdel is presented as the militant group the Salafist Group troops from Afghanistan to avoid originator of the operation and Abu Zeid for Preaching and Combat (GSPC). terrorist attacks on French soil and as the executing officer. Some analysts On January 24, 2007, Abdelmalek to save the lives of the hostages: “The believed this showed internal division, Droukdel, the Algerian leader of the only way to safeguard your nation suggesting that a war of succession GSPC, responded to the announcement and maintain your security is to lift could explode within AQIM.7 Others by changing the name of the group to all your injustice and its extensions suggested that it was a propaganda al-Qa`ida in the Islamic Maghreb and off our people and most importantly exercise aimed at putting Bin Ladin by increasing terrorist activity in the to withdraw your forces from Bush’s in the international media spotlight. name of al-Qa`ida and Usama bin Ladin despicable war in Afghanistan.”4 These views, however, are external and in North Africa and the Sahel.1 From ethnocentric interpretations that rely this date forward, many of AQIM’s on conjecture. Instead, the statements activities seemed to occur without any represent an internal oath of allegiance real coherence when viewed from an outside perspective. Since different 2 “Al-Qaeda Claims French Kidnappings,” al-Jazira, Sep- 5 “Al-Qaeda Branch Warns France,” al-Jazira, Novem- tember 22, 2010. ber 19, 2010. 1 To understand the roots and evolution of AQIM, see 3 Edward Cody, “‘Emir of the South’ Abu Zeid Poised to 6 “AQIM Demands Afghan Withdrawal in Return for Stephen Harmon, “From GSPC to AQIM: The Evolu- Take Over Al-Qaeda in NW Africa,” Bloomberg, October French Hostages,” Reuters, November 18, 2010. tion of an Algerian Islamist Terrorist Group into an Al- 20, 2010. 7 See, for instance, Olivier Guitta, “Turmoil and Dissent Qa`ida Affiliate and its Implications for the Sahara-Sahel 4 “France Threatened in Alleged Bin Laden Tape,” CNN, in North Africa’s Al Qaeda,” The National, December 27, Region,” Concerned Africa Scholars, June 2010. October 27, 2010. 2010.

9 february 2011 . Vol 4 . Issue 2 that linked the two organizations and The Roots of Proxy Terrorism Several authenticated stories show that laid down certain rights and duties Since AQIM operates in such a large the pledge of allegiance can take on between the two individuals. The same territory, there is not really an established several forms and can be passed between trend occurred with al-Qa`ida in Iraq hierarchy or a stable command but people of different backgrounds and when Abu Mus`ab al-Zarqawi and then rather a shifting leadership based on sexes or even between entire groups later Abu Hamza al-Muhajir continued the oath of allegiance taken between who choose a leader to represent to announce allegiance to Bin Ladin.8 influential individuals: Droukdel in the them.11 The Nigerian group Boko Haram Al-Qa`ida in the Arabian Peninsula’s north, Yahya Abu Ammar in the south, pledged allegiance to AQIM on October leaders act in the same way.9 Abu Zeid in the southeast, Belmokhtar 2, 2010 during an announcement calling in the southwest, Abu Anas al-Shingieti Nigerians to wage jihad via AQIM’s An Inside Perspective of Proxy Terrorism in the southeast, and Abdelkrim “the media division al-Andalus.12 It was Internally, the pledges are a sign of a Touareg” in the Kidal region.10 The actually the leader of the group, Shaykh renewal of allegiance and a confirmation actions of each loyal combatant and of Muhammed Abu Bakr Bin Muhammed of obedience via an action. Therefore, in each local leader are executed in the al-Shakwa who pledged allegiance to the the September 21, 2010 AQIM message name of Bin Ladin, and then he can AQIM leader, Abdelmalek Droukdel, claiming responsibility, Abdelmalek claim responsibility since all members and by doing so incorporated his group Droukdel’s spokesperson was claiming into Bin Ladin’s circle of influence, responsibility for the action of although his allegiance was actually Droukdel’s southern commander, Abu “The latest terrorist in response to the offer of help made Zeid, in pursuit of the oath of allegiance attacks in the region and by the AQIM leader several months that the latter took during Tariq ibn prior. This offer is not just symbolic but Ziyad’s nomination as leader of the the declarations made by practical, and was of importance to the unit. This oath means that all actions top al-Qa`ida leaders shed organization. performed by Abu Zeid and his unit are done in the name of and on behalf of light on the reason for this Conclusion Droukdel, even if he does not actually movement. It essentially Until now, AQIM has grown within the participate in the direct order. African Sahel without anyone knowing stems from the tribal roots what was driving it. There are of course Similarly, in his October 27, 2010 of the organization that a number of political, social, economic message, Bin Ladin was reminding and military factors that could explain AQIM that they must obey him and that are based on the oath of in part such expansion, but it seems that the hostages belong to him in accordance allegiance.” the continuous desire of AQIM leaders with the hierarchy of allegiance. Bin to “please” Bin Ladin and to prove Ladin achieved this without even their capacity to engage in global jihad mentioning the name of AQIM’s leader, through the allegiance mechanism is the Droukdel, or the name of the person who of the organization follow the same rules main factor driving this branch of the carried out the operation, Abu Zeid. of allegiance. These implicit allegiance organization today. Their growth seems Three weeks later Droukdel confirmed rules, internalized by all members, are to be directly related to their “desire of this interpretation by issuing a message from ancient Arabic tribal practices recognition” from the top command of that confirmed the allegiance. This and possess a cultural and historical al-Qa`ida. The latest terrorist attacks in allegiance runs from Bin Ladin down foundation. They are historically the region and the declarations made by to the lowest leader in the field without founded on the oath of Hudaybiyya top al-Qa`ida leaders shed light on the there ever being any contact or orders (bay`at al-ridwân), taken by Muslims reason for this movement. It essentially given. How can one explain the power before the Prophet Muhammad to renew stems from the tribal roots of the and efficiency of this system of implicit their trust and loyalty to him. This oath organization that are based on the oath command? To understand this process, is mentioned in the Qur’an: of allegiance. it is necessary to examine the roots and functioning of allegiance within Middle Indeed, those who pledge Eastern tribal societies. allegiance to you, they are actually pledging allegiance to Allah. The hand of Allah is over their hands. So he who breaks his word only 8 See, for instance, the article on the forum al-Qim- breaks it to the detriment of mah: “From the Secrets of History: Zarqawi as I Knew himself. And he who fulfills that Him,” available at www.alqimmah.net/showthread. 11 See Ibn Hisham, Sira 1/141-143, 1/213, 2/40-42, 2/47- which he has promised Allah—He php?t=3483. Also see “In Their Own Words: Reading the 56; Maqrizi, Imtâ‘ Al-Asmâ‘, pp. 274-291; Ibn Taymiyya, will give him a great reward. Iraqi Insurgency,” International Crisis Group, February Minhâj Al-Sunna Al-Nabawiyya 5/330-331. 15, 2006. 12 Note that the failed Christmas Day bomber in 2009, 9 For Yemen, see Abdel Ilah Haidar Shae’e, “Al-Qaeda Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, was a Muslim of Nigerian in the Arabian Peninsula,” Yemen Times, March 20, 2010. descent. “Boko Haram Releases Eid Al-Fitr Address Via For Somalia, see “Website: Somali Militants ‘Officially’ Al-Qaeda in North Africa’s Media Division Calling on Pledge Allegiance To Bin Laden,” CBS News, June 12, 10 See, for instance, the jihadist forum at www.majah- Muslims to Wage Jihad,” Arabic Media Monitor, Octo- 2009. den.com/vb/index.php. ber 2, 2010.

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This highlights two fundamental its mission.3 Nevertheless, HT’s role aspects. First, pledging allegiance seems The Violent Shift in Hizb in the incitement of violence, or its to be imposed on all al-Qa`ida members, al-Tahrir’s Rhetoric participation in violence at a future linking each individual indirectly to date, has been ambiguous. Bin Ladin himself. Second, since the By Madeleine Gruen punishment for violating this oath is While HT regularly declares that death, one can understand the driving within the last year, Hizb al-Tahrir it is opposed to terrorism, it will force behind the loyalty displayed by (HT, also transliterated as Hizb ut- simultaneously present reasons why the these individuals. The utmost importance Tahrir), the global political Islamist victims of terrorism brought the attacks should be placed on understanding the group that has sought to establish upon themselves. HT’s literature also goals of these pledges. Generally, al- an Islamic state through non-violent alludes to the notion that a violent Qa`ida, and particularly AQIM, expects activism, has issued several blunt confrontation between Muslims and all its members to be loyal and faithful calls for Muslims to engage in armed non-Muslims is a likely eventuality, but because they are fighting in the name of combat with Israel and with coalition has not previously stated that belief in Allah. The pledge reminds the members military troops in Afghanistan. Such definitive terms. HT is entirely clear of their personal duty (fard `ayn, or clearly stated appeals are a significant in its position that armed warfare is a individual jihad) of fighting and dying departure from HT’s standard rhetoric, requirement for all Muslims to defend for the Muslim religion. This pledge is which has not previously included overt against enemy attack, but has, until not magical, and it plays an important calls for violence. This article will detail recently, shied away from specifics symbolic role in furthering AQIM’s the changes in HT’s rhetoric and outline related to timing, place, or methods. violence and operations. a few of the resulting implications. A 2001 leaflet issued by Hizb al-Tahrir Dr. Mathieu Guidere is currently professor HT’s Standard Rhetoric on Violence America (HTA) states that it is a “direct of Islamic studies at the University of HT was founded in 1953 by Palestinian- pre-requisite to the work to establish Toulouse, France and the Scientific Jordanian Taqiuddin al-Nabahani as the State of Khilafah…[to] enhance the Director of the Descartes Institute for “a political party whose ideology is physical might of Muslims, weaken that Security and Crisis Management in Paris. Islam.”1 Al-Nabahani had been involved of non-Muslims, strengthen morale for He is also a senior fellow at the Center for with the Muslim Brotherhood but sacrifice among Muslims, and develop Advanced Defense Studies in Washington, was opposed to its cooperation with the zeal to change reality not to yield D.C. and authored Al Qaeda Conquest Western-friendly regimes in the Middle to it.”4 HT’s literature also implies that of the Maghreb (2007) and The New East. Although HT and the Muslim while the party itself does not employ Terrorists (2010). Brotherhood are working toward the the use of violence, it is a requirement same objective, HT does not endorse for its Muslim members to fight enemies participation in, or cooperation with, that attack Islamic countries: democratic political systems. Rather, HT seeks to establish the Islamic state The fact that the Party does not use (which they say will serve as a base material power to defend itself or from which Islam will be spread to the as a weapon against the rulers is of rest of the world) by liberating Muslims no relevance to the subject of jihad, from the “thoughts, systems and laws of because jihad has to continue till the kufr (non-believers in Islam),” and the Day of Judgment. So whenever through the relentless exposure of the the disbelieving enemies attack proclaimed collusion between existing an Islamic country it becomes regimes in the Muslim world and the compulsory on its Muslim citizens United States, which HT calls the chief to repel the enemy.5 enemy of Islam.2 Indeed, HT has never attempted to HT is not a designated terrorist conceal its belief that resistance is organization in the United States justified when carried out against because it has not been shown to Israelis and Western military and engage in terrorism or any other acts government personnel operating in an of violence. HT states in its literature official capacity in Muslim countries. that it has “restricted itself to political For example, Dr. Imran Waheed, the actions alone” and does not resort to former spokesman for HT Britain, “material actions against rulers” or against those who attempt to hinder 3 “Hizb ut-Tahrir,” www.hizb-ut-tahrir.org/index.php/ EN/def, accessed on February 12, 2011. 1 “Hizb ut-Tahrir,” www.hizb-ut-tahrir.org/index.php/ 4 “Establishing Khalifah is Mandatory for Muslims in EN/def, accessed on February 12, 2011. America,” Workshop for Awareness on Islam and En- 2 “America Bans Hizb ut-Tahrir in Bangladesh,” press lightenment (front for Hizb al-Tahrir America), 2001. release, Hizb al-Tahrir Media Office in Bangladesh, Oc- 5 “Hizb ut-Tahrir,” www.hizb-ut-tahrir.org/index.php/ tober 29, 2009. EN/def, accessed on February 12, 2011.

11 february 2011 . Vol 4 . Issue 2 said in an interview in March 2007 Call to Violence typical vehicle to introduce the tenets on BBC’s “HARDtalk” that “Israel is It is important to note that HT is a of HT’s doctrine at their conferences. a country that occupies Muslim land. monolithic organization. Press releases For example, HTA hosted a conference We [HT] support the right of Muslims issued by any branch are first vetted by in 2009 titled “The Fall of Capitalism & everywhere to resist that occupation.”6 HT’s leadership and represent the views the Rise of Islam” at which the problems Such public statements, however, have of the entire organization. The HT main created by capitalism were discussed not defined the term “resistance” and “Media Office” website confirms that and the concept of an Islamic state was have usually been folded into more “the official opinions of Hizb ut-Tahrir presented as the best alternative. The general statements about politics to are those carried in statements issued subject of violence had not been raised dilute the impact. Additionally, HT in the name of the various provincial has, to this point, maintained an ability offices, the various media offices of to plausibly deny any direct role in Hizb ut-Tahrir, and the statements “According to this inciting violence by using reported of the official spokesmen and media statement, there is no speech, inference, or the passive voice representatives of Hizb ut-Tahrir.”8 in its published statements. uncertainty that HT would While insinuations of the justifiability like to see Israel eliminated For example, in December 2010 HT of violence abounded, HT had not stated Scandinavia responded to media that Muslims “should” commit acts through an armed speculations about Taimour Abdulwahab of violence in a specific context. This, confrontation.” al-Abdaly’s (the “Swedish Bomber”) however, changed in 2010. In June involvement with HT while he was a 2010, HT Bangladesh published a press student in the United Kingdom.7 HT did release titled “O Muslim Armies! Teach not deny the link but instead went on the Jews a Lesson After Which They by HT at any of its previous public the offensive by chastising the media for Will Need No Further Lessons” in which conferences until HT Scandinavia “introducing malicious rumors.” The they called for “Muslim Armies” to (which changed its name from HT press release proceeded to denounce “march forth to fight the Jews, eradicate Denmark in March 2010 to indicate that violence against civilians as Islamically Israel, and purify the earth of Jewish the branch now represents Sweden, unacceptable under any circumstances, filth.”9 According to this statement, Norway, and Finland) changed that including during military conflicts, but there is no uncertainty that HT would trend in a January 21, 2011 conference then continued to list reasons why the like to see Israel eliminated through an in Copenhagen titled “Afghanistan: The West has inspired such hatred in the armed confrontation. Scandinavian Governments’ Service Muslim world, insinuating that violent to the USA.” The invitation to the attacks in the West are brought about The HT Bangladesh press release conference stated that it is “Islamically as a result of Western governments’ was followed by a September 15, 2010 unacceptable to be passive and it’s not policies and treatment of Muslims, even press release from HT Afghanistan in enough to just be against the war [in within their own populaces. The release which they made a plainspoken call for Afghanistan] on a moral level.”11 cited repeated “aggression and killing Muslims “to turn [their] guns and anger of innocents in Palestine committed towards the enemy and to eject them The invitation further stated that the by the Jewish occupying force, which from Afghanistan.”10 This is the first “meeting will also focus on the duty constantly is supported by Western time HT wrote explicitly about the use of armed resistance of the Muslims governments and media,” “the support of weapons. in Afghanistan and its environs. of Western governments to numerous We consider this resistance as fully dictatorships in the Islamic world where There is also indication that the rhetoric legitimate.” Although the language the populations suffer from tyranny and coming out of HT’s Western branches used by HT Scandinavia in the press oppression,” and “the integration policy is becoming more militant. Many HT material to promote the conference of the Western governments, which aim branches in the West, and others around and the language used by the speakers at assimilating Muslims in the Western the world, host public conferences as at the conference was not as blunt as way of life as well as prohibiting the a way to circulate the group’s ideas that used by HT Afghanistan, their Muslims from their right to preserve more broadly. Soft topics, such as the message was clear when they likened their Islamic values and identity.” comparison of political systems, are the a potential civilian armed “resistance” in Afghanistan against coalition troops 12 8 For details, see www.hizb-ut-tahrir.info. to the Danish Resistance, in which 9 “O Muslim Armies! Teach the Jews a Lesson After approximately 900 Danish citizens lost Which They Will Need No Further Lessons,” press re- their lives fighting the Nazis’ control of lease, Hizb al-Tahrir Bangladesh, June 3, 2010, available Denmark during World War II. at www.hizb-ut-tahrir.info/info/english.php/contents_ 6 Dr. Imran Waheed, BBC’s “HARDtalk,” November en/entry_8271. 11 Invitation to conference “Afghanistan: The Scandina- 18, 2003, available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3B- 10 “O’ Muslims, Your Internal Conflict is Adding to the vian Governments’ Service to the U.S.A.,” www.hizb-ut- E94oB_w. Strength of the Invaders,” press release, Hizb al-Tahrir tahrir.dk/new/, accessed on January 28, 2011. 7 “A Sincere Advice to the Swedish Media From Hizb Afghanistan, September 15, 2010, available at www. 12 “Hizb ut-Tahrir Scandinavia Afghanistan seminar ut-Tahrir Scandinavia,” press release, Hizb al-Tahrir, hizb-ut-tahrir.info/info/english.php/contents_en/en- promotional video,” available at www.youtube.com/ December 12, 2010. try_9248. watch?v=fqaGvVSOYZo, accessed on January 31, 2011.

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Implications HT has caused contention in nearly Conclusion Even if it hypothetically became their every one of the nearly 50 countries HT appeared to be relatively benign in intention, it is highly unlikely that HT in which it has a presence; whether the spectrum of radical Islamist groups has the capability to launch a sustained it is between governments and their because it does not directly engage in campaign of deadly attacks on U.S. and citizenry or between competitive terrorism and other forms of violence NATO troops without partnering with factions within one government. HT is (although it is regarded by many to be an armed militant group. Nevertheless, banned in most of the Muslim world a radicalizing catalyst for those who HT has members and supporters because, even though it is not an armed may ultimately take a violent path). The situated in professional positions militant organization, it has the ability group has so far stuck to its non-violent of authority, or who have access to to diminish support for already-fragile methods; however, its recent shift from sensitive security information.13 HT’s governments through its grassroots passive approval of violence against strategic recruitment and placement of propaganda campaigns and its large- coalition troops and Israelis to active members in such positions is done in scale anti-government demonstrations. encouragement of attacks may signal anticipation of opportunities to weaken HT’s transition from its standing as a adversarial governments. In the West, HT has sparked intra- mere “cheerleader for jihad”15 to full- government tensions between those who fledged instigator of violence. HT may not even have the will believe it should be banned, citing HT’s to spearhead violent attacks, as outspoken anti-democracy positions In the past, when HT has been accused such actions would jeopardize the and its track record in playing a role in of anti-Semitism or of instigating organization’s ever-growing foothold the radicalization of individuals who violence, it has responded with counter- around the world. In most countries, have gone on to participate in acts of accusations that the media takes HT goes largely unchallenged, in part terrorism, and those who believe that quotations out of context so that it may HT has a right to voice its viewpoints, distort HT’s intended meaning. Now “In most countries, no matter how offensive, because that HT has expressed violent intentions allowing such expression is essential in so clearly, it has crossed a threshold HT goes largely free democratic societies. that will be difficult from which to step unchallenged, in part back. Tactically, it will be harder for HT HT has survived attempts to ban to continue referring to itself as purely because counterterrorism its branches in the United Kingdom a political party when it has taken on a resources are dedicated to and in Denmark because it cannot be new role goading Muslims to pull the proven that the group is engaged in any trigger on those HT has declared as its immediate physical threats. criminal or violent activity. Nor could enemies. The lack of attention has it be proven that HT incites violence. To date, HT has been able to deny a Madeleine Gruen is a senior analyst for the enabled HT to carry on responsible role in any act of terrorism NEFA Foundation. in its mission to persuade because it had not issued any direct or specific orders for Muslims to engage in Muslims to adopt its beliefs terrorism or any other kind of violence. as their own.” Nevertheless, now that branches of the group have told its members and supporters that it is “Islamically because counterterrorism resources are unacceptable to be passive and it’s not dedicated to immediate physical threats. enough to just be against the war on This lack of attention has enabled HT a moral level”14 and that the time has to carry on in its mission to persuade come for Muslims to turn their guns Muslims to adopt its beliefs as their against the enemy, it will become more own. On the other hand, if HT perceives difficult for HT to deny having played a that the time is ripe for it to gain control role if its members or supporters turn of a Muslim country, especially one up on the battlefield. which has a potentially supportive population and an established military, then its foothold in other countries may be worth sacrificing.

13 Muhammad Amir Rana, “Hizbut Tahrir in Pakistan: 14 Invitation to conference “Afghanistan: The Scandina- Discourse and Impact,” Pakistan Institute for Peace vian Governments’ Service to the U.S.A.,” www.hizb-ut- 15 Shiraz Maher, “Glasgow Bombs: The Doctor I Knew,” Studies, October 2010, p. 16. tahrir.dk/new/, accessed on January 28, 2011. New Statesman, July 5, 2007.

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Baltimore’s Jamaat al- JaM’s primary function is da`wa, 1970s, Siddique was involved in the Muslimeen: Promoting or calling Americans to Islam, and publication activities of the Muslim supporting Muslims imprisoned in the Students Association (MSA)8 and later a Radical but Disciplined United States, including a number of with its sister organization, the North Message on Jihad convicted terrorists. It also endorses American Islamic Trust (NAIT), but military jihad in Muslim-majority MSA documents indicate he was fired By J.M. Berger countries and in situations where in 1977 for unspecified reasons.9 Muslims are perceived to be under as concerns about homegrown physical attack. This support is mostly Embittered by what he saw—with some terrorism mount, Department of rhetorical, but JaM also raises funds for justification—as the Saudi government’s Homeland Security (DHS) officials legal costs for the families of Muslims in use of money to buy religious influence are increasingly focused on initiatives the United States accused of terrorism.3 over American Muslim groups, Siddique targeting radicalization in an effort began publishing a controversial to preempt violence. In congressional Ideologically, JaM is openly critical newsletter, New Trend Magazine, around testimony in early February, DHS of American values and morals and the same time he departed MSA. At some officials touted interagency and “whole supportive of jihad in several theaters point, his activism congealed into the government” efforts to counterprogram overseas, but it repeatedly emphasizes organization, Jamaat al-Muslimeen.10 against radical narratives.1 Such efforts that violent action is not permitted in JaM’s national leadership is rounded open the door to a complex problem-set the United States.4 Islamic thinkers out by a shura council consisting of five that defies traditional policing. A case cited by the group include `Umar members who are located around the study on the challenges ahead can be `Abd al-Rahman, Ayatollah Khomeini, United States, including in Brooklyn, found in Jamaat al-Muslimeen (JaM), Abu al-A`la Mawdudi and Sayyid Texas, North Carolina and Louisiana.11 an Islamic organization in Baltimore, Qutb, with the consistent thread being The shura members individually take part Maryland with a decades-long track movement-oriented Islam and a focus in both Muslim and minority activism record of extremist rhetoric. on the establishment of Islamic states.5 but are less vocal and visible than Siddique. One of the more prominent Although JaM explicitly discourages JaM carries out its da`wa function members, Abdulalim Abdullah Shabazz, acts of violence by Muslims in the through personal appearances by group is a former member of the Nation of Islam United States, it advances a number leaders at mosques and conferences and a distinguished mathematician who of ideological points closely linked around the United States, as well as received a presidential award for math to violent radicalism, while excusing through an online newsletter called mentoring in 2000.12 virtually all Muslims convicted of New Trend Magazine, which has been terrorism as victims of government published weekly since the 1970s. JaM Positions persecution. Even with its careful claims its speakers draw crowds often Jamaat al-Muslimeen’s primary qualification regarding violence in the in the low hundreds for Friday khutbas communications vehicle is New Trend United States by its adherents, JaM’s (sermons) at its own mosques and as Magazine, a weekly newsletter. New Trend message contributes to a permissive guests at unaffiliated mosques.6 The claims “a bigger circulation than any environment for violent radicalization organization also hosts conferences, of the other Muslim media,” which is by validating core assumptions shared protests and rallies of varying size, difficult to credit.13 The newsletter was by nearly all homegrown Islamist but usually including at least dozens of distributed in print for decades, but terrorists. participants. switched to online-only distribution in recent years due to financial reasons. Background Leadership and Organization Issues of New Trend from 2000 forward Headquartered in Baltimore, JaM Lincoln University English literature are available online. members hold leadership positions in professor Kaukab Siddique is JaM’s at least three mosques in the Baltimore leader and the dominant editorial area. The organization also has voice of New Trend.7 During the ists Gather in Baltimore: Jamaat al-Muslimeen & Kaukab representatives in Tennessee, New York, Siddique,” Anti-Defamation League, August 19, 2008. North Carolina and Pennsylvania.2 Its 8 “Islam in America: Muslim Students’ Association Col- active membership is estimated to be 3 New Trend Magazine, December 27, 2004; New Trend lection,” annual report, The Islamic Teaching Center, between 100 and 200 people. Magazine, May 7, 2005. These are just two examples. DePaul University, August 25, 1977. Many other issues of the magazine contain similar con- 9 “Islam in America: Muslim Students’ Association tent. Collection,” Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting, 4 “National Islamic Shoora of Jamaat al-Muslimeen North American Islamic Trust, DePaul University, No- 1 Testimony of Michael E. Leiter, director, National Highlights Central Issues Facing Muslims of America.” vember 26-27, 1977. Counterterrorism Center, Committee on House Home- 5 “Great Islamic Thinkers of Modern Times: Glimpses,” 10 New Trend Magazine, June 4, 2004. land Security, February 9, 2011. www.newtrendmag.org, accessed on February 12, 2011. 11 For details, see www.jamaatalmuslimeeninternation- 2 “Accused Bomb Plotter’s Mosque Tied to Radical 6 Personal interview, confidential source, February 12, al.org. Group,” IPT News, December 16, 2010; “National Is- 2011; “National Islamic Shoora of Jamaat al-Muslimeen 12 “President Clinton Honors Science, Mathematics and lamic Shoora of Jamaat al-Muslimeen Highlights Central Highlights Central Issues Facing Muslims of America”; Engineering Mentors,” National Science Foundation, Issues Facing Muslims of America,” www.jamaatalmus- New Trend Magazine, May 19, 2005. September 7, 2000. limeeninternational.org, accessed on February 12, 2011. 7 For more details, see “Far-Right and Muslim Extrem- 13 New Trend Magazine, April 30, 2008.

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JaM activists travel to unaffiliated During a khutba given in Greensboro, the anti-Christ in Islamic eschatology).20 mosques around the country to North Carolina, Imam Badi Ali, JaM clearly defines jihad primarily as speak and distribute pamphlets and a member of JaM’s shura council, armed struggle and explicitly refutes publications, the latter at times without similarly argued the case for an Israeli- arguments by mainstream U.S. Muslim the approval of local mosque leaders. controlled global war against Islam, leaders in favor of a non-violent In New Trend issues since 2000 and in citing Afghanistan, Iraq, Kashmir definition prioritizing the spiritual khutbas by members of the shura council, and Chechnya as connected fronts in struggle against temptation and JaM reveals a mix of views that defy that single conflict.17 One issue of New wrongdoing: easy categorization. The organization Trend celebrated Iraqi insurgents in is inclusive toward both Sunni and Falluja not long after the killing of four The fact is that Islam teaches Jihad Shi`a Muslims, but dismissive of Sufis. American military contractors, whose as ARMED STRUGGLE against Although it is stridently conservative, burned bodies were paraded through oppressors. The verses of the virulently condemning homosexuality the streets and eventually hung from a Qur’an and the teachings of the and American moral values in general, bridge: Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), make it also supports leadership roles for it absolutely clear that JIHAD Muslim women and condemns those April 10, 2004 was a day of glory MEANS ARMED STRUGGLE who it feels distort Islamic teachings to for Islam and the Islamic resistance AGAINST OPPRESSORS, oppress women. in Iraq. The most powerful military OCCUPIERS, TYRANTS. Many power in the world could not conquer in the Muslim world consider JaM’s website states that “jihad is FALLUJAH. The Iraqi people are America and Israel, along with considered a sixth pillar [of Islam] in UNITED AS NEVER BEFORE, India and Russia, as oppressors and countries where Islam is the majority Shi’ites and Sunnis joining hands exploiters who should be fought. religion.” In its preaching and in to resist the American elite army The idea that Jihad is a peaceful, the newsletter, the organization has installed in their country…America inner, spiritual development is repeatedly supported armed struggle in has not understood the Islamic absurd and without foundation.21 overseas theaters commonly associated spirit of martyrdom and the concept with Islamist terrorism and extremism.14 of the Hereafter. Muslims with that While overtly repudiating violence on During khutbas given in the Baltimore spirit can be killed but they cannot U.S. soil, JaM nevertheless supports area in 2004, Siddique cited conflicts in be defeated…As the resistance a wide range of Muslims accused of Iraq, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Chechnya continues, American power will taking part in such violence, most and the Palestinian Territories as part gradually be undermined, as was notably `Umar `Abd al-Rahman, who of a worldwide war against Islam and the Soviet power in Afghanistan. was convicted of seditious conspiracy examples of aggression against Islam Over the years, FALLUJAH will be in relation to multiple terrorist plots by the United States and others.15 In an example for Muslims. An Islamic in New York, including the 1993 World New Trend, JaM characterizes the war will to fight back is gradually Trade Center bombing. JaM leaders in Afghanistan as part of a “clash of developing.18 dispute al-Rahman’s guilt and claim he civilizations”: is a political prisoner. Other so-called Despite its celebration of military jihad political prisoners include al-Qa`ida The American troops [in opposing American “occupations” member Jose Padilla, convicted killer Afghanistan] seem aware that it’s abroad, Siddique clearly and repeatedly Jamil al-Amin and Ahmad Ajaj, who was a war between two ways of life: the advises readers of New Trend that they convicted of conspiracy in the World Islamic, inward, spiritual, family cannot undertake violence against Trade Center bombing.22 According oriented, non-consumer, and the Americans in the United States, where to an article in New Trend, even World American, entertainment oriented, Muslims are a minority: Trade Center bomber Ramzi Yousef was sexually easy going, based on tortured and coerced into a questionable multinational corporations. It’s In America, Muslims have the duty confession, which was responsible for a strange fate which has brought of peacefully giving the message his conviction.23 the poorest country in the world, of Islam. The jihad with the sword devastated by war, brimming with is not applicable to a Muslim the energy of resurgent Islam, up minority living in a non-Muslim against the most powerful country country. Jihad with weapons is in the world, overflowing with appropriate where Muslims are destructive power and backed by being physically attacked.19 endless Jewish finance.16 20 New Trend Magazine, August 7, 2005. Despite this important qualification, 21 “Husein Ibish of ADC Makes a Fool of Himself Talk- Siddique in a 2005 khutba blasted an anti- ing About Jihad,” New Trend Magazine, accessed on Feb- terrorism fatwa issued by mainstream ruary 13, 2011. Muslim leaders as dajjali (a reference to 22 “America Post-Bush: What is our Role as Muslims?” www.jamaatalmuslimeeninternational.org, accessed on 14 New Trend Magazine, August 7, 2005. 17 New Trend Magazine, July 1, 2006. February 13, 2011. 15 New Trend Magazine, December 25, 2008. 18 New Trend Magazine, April 12, 2004. 23 “Voice of the Oppressed Masses,” New Trend Maga- 16 New Trend Magazine, April 1, 2004. 19 New Trend Magazine, April 8, 2004. zine, accessed on February 13, 2011.

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During khutbas, Siddique has stated income. As a result, most Muslims strikingly large given the strident tone flatly that “no American Muslim is a do not know the real allegiance of of its political views. Its reach extends terrorist.”24 In a 2005 khutba in New their leaders.27 beyond the committed membership, York City, he told audiences to support thanks to khutbas given around the Muslim political prisoners, saying, “We Transitional Media country by JaM leaders. assure you, they are not guilty. They New Trend presents an interesting have been railroaded. Not one of them example of English-language extremist The most directly comparable is guilty!”25 propaganda in flux. During the 1990s, movement, Revolution Muslim, is the scene was dominated by print estimated to have peaked at about a In addition to these mixed messages, newsletters such as al-Hussam (The dozen active members, although its Siddique denies most of the historical Sword), published most Fridays during reach on the internet and visibility account of the Holocaust, a view shared the 1990s by followers of `Umar `Abd in the media have been substantially by others in the organization to al-Rahman in Boston.28 The paper larger. Revolution Muslim’s status as varying degrees. While insisting the newsletter was costly, running about the target of law enforcement action organization is not anti-Semitic, New $1,000 per month for printing and is correspondingly larger, leading to Trend routinely rails against what it distribution, and the newsletter was several arrests of members and affiliates. perceives as the ubiquitous influence frequently banned by mosques for its In comparison, no known JaM members of Jews in American politics and radical content,29 a problem also faced have been arrested for terrorism or media: by JaM.30 New Trend’s switch to online related crimes despite scrutiny from distribution provided greater reach law enforcement.31 It is not anti-Semitic to note with fewer costs, while circumventing that even the most idiotic the firewall at moderate mosques. JaM stays on the right side of the law book written by a Jew will get through its extraordinary message published in America and will Al-Hussam had a single-minded focus on discipline. More than 10 years of New even be introduced by an adviser supporting military jihad. New Trend is Trend issues reviewed by this author to the President. By contrast, the more cosmopolitan, mixing commentary show a remarkably consistent set of books of a great historian like on overseas jihad with discussion of principles and an extremely careful [Holocaust denier] David Irving women’s issues and other Islamic topics. and considered sense of where the are barred from all book chains New Trend is also more aggressively anti- line should be drawn. Despite being like Borders and Barnes & Noble American, continually attacking the against violence in the United States, because he honestly could not state of U.S. politics and lamenting JaM’s message contributes to violent find any evidence of gas chambers America’s “war against Islam.” radicalization by supporting arguments at Auschwitz or of the claim shared by nearly all homegrown Islamist that the Nazis killed six million New Trend’s online distribution, diverse terrorists: Jews…Irving is NEVER invited topics and careful parsing of language to C-Span. Why? Because a Jew concerning violence foreshadowed the - The United States is conducting a named Lamb decides which books new breed of radical websites most military war against Muslims. will be introduced on C-Span. Is effectively represented by Revolution - The United States is persecuting that view anti-semitic or a fact?26 Muslim (now rebranded “Islam Muslims on U.S. soil. Policy”). Like New Trend, the Revolution - The U.S. government and media are JaM also has little use for mainstream Muslim family of blogs focuses on a controlled by Israeli/Zionist/Jewish Muslim organizations, such as the wide range of Islamic issues and voices manipulation. Islamic Society of North America with enthusiastic support for radical - Those who militarily resist the United and the Council on American-Islamic figures, while carefully hedging against States and Israel, including the Taliban Relations. During a khutba to students at anything that could be interpreted in and Iraqi insurgents, are heroes acting Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, court as an actionable incitement to within their Islamic beliefs. Siddique said: violence. New Trend, however, is far more - Those killed while fighting the United disciplined in its message that jihad within States and Israel are martyrs. For years, these self-proclaimed the United States is forbidden (no matter leaders obtained funds from how grievous the provocation might be). The problem is accentuated by JaM’s overseas and tried to impose blanket denial that American Muslims themselves on the Muslim Impact are capable of terrorism and its community on the basis of their If estimates of JaM’s membership in characterization of virtually all such financial power. Thus the richest, the low hundreds are accurate, JaM cases as political persecution. A possible not the best, became the leaders is miniscule in comparison to the example of how this background noise of America’s Muslims. There are mainstream Muslim population, but can lead to more aggressive actions may leaders here who do not reveal be found in Antonio Martinez, a Muslim their incomes or their sources of 27 New Trend Magazine, May 31, 2004. 28 U.S.A. v. Muhamed Mubayyid, Emadeddin Muntasser, 31 “National Islamic Shoora Meets in Pennsylvania: 24 New Trend Magazine, December 25, 2004. and Samir Al Monla, District of Massachusetts, 2005. Anti-Israel, Interracial, Strongly pro-Woman, anti-War, 25 New Trend Magazine, January 17, 2005. 29 Ibid. Based on the Qur’an and Hadith,” www.jamaatalmus- 26 New Trend Magazine, May 12, 2004. 30 New Trend Magazine, July 11, 2006. limeeninternational.org, accessed on February 13, 2011.

16 february 2011 . Vol 4 . Issue 2 convert accused of attempting to bomb a January 5, 2011 (MALI): A suspected Maryland military recruiting center. He Recent Highlights in al-Qa`ida-linked man detonated attended one of the mosques controlled Terrorist Activity a bomb at the French Embassy in by JaM in Baltimore. Martinez began Bamako. According to the Associated attending the mosque about six months January 1, 2011 (EGYPT): A suspected Press, “The assault on the French before he was arrested in December 2010.32 suicide bomber ripped through a diplomatic compound in Mali’s capital No evidence has emerged, however, to crowd outside a church in Alexandria, was unsophisticated. It was carried indicate Martinez was a member of the killing at least 21 people. The explosion out by a single man who police say JaM organization proper. occurred in the early morning of New fired several gunshots and set a gas Year’s Day, as the New Year’s Eve cylinder alight and threw it, wounding Because its message is so carefully service at the al-Qiddissin Church two people and causing only minor crafted and controlled, JaM presents a drew to a close. As stated by the damage to one of the embassy’s challenging target for traditional law Associated Press, “The attack came outer gates.” The alleged bomber is a enforcement and counterterrorism in the wake of repeated threats by 25-year-old Tunisian who came from techniques. JaM’s strong stand against al Qaeda militants in Iraq to attack an al-Qa`ida camp in the Sahara, mainstream Muslim “collaborators” Egypt’s Christians.” – BBC, January 1; AP, and who had a “personal hatred for also makes it a highly unlikely partner January 1 France.” – AP, January 6; AFP, January 5 for the sort of community-based outreach that DHS hopes to use in its January 1, 2011 (PAKISTAN): Multiple January 5, 2011 (MOROCCO): counterradicalization efforts. Other U.S. aerial drones killed 15 suspected Moroccan security forces announced radicalizing organizations, including militants in North Waziristan Agency that they dismantled a 27-member al- those more closely tied to violence, are of the Federally Administered Tribal Qa`ida cell in the Western Sahara. One already learning to adapt by adopting Areas. – Reuters, January 1 of the al-Qa`ida operatives had been an approach similar to the strategy “dispatched to set up a rear base” in that has kept JaM viable and operating January 2, 2011 (IRAQ): Suspected Morocco. – Deutsche Press Agency, January 5 in plain sight for decades. In 2010, militants killed four Iraqi security Revolution Muslim renamed and force members in a series of Baghdad January 7, 2011 (AFGHANISTAN): A revamped its operation under the flag attacks. All of the killings involved suicide bomber detonated explosives of “Islam Policy,” shifting its focus to a assailants equipped with silencers, in a bathhouse in Spin Boldak, more expansive range of Islamic issues and all occurred within less than an Kandahar Province, killing 17 people, and calibrating its public face to present hour of one another. – AP, January 2 mostly civilians. The bomber appeared a less violent and controversial image. to target an Afghan police commander, January 3, 2011 (FRANCE): The trial of who was killed in the attack. – Christian Counterterrorism, while challenging eight men accused of armed robberies Science Monitor, January 7 in its own right, is made possible to fund al-Qa`ida began in Paris. The by the illegality of terrorism. leader of the group, Ouassini Cherifi January 7, 2011 (PAKISTAN): A U.S. Counterradicalization is a much (known as “The Turk”), is accused of aerial drone killed two people in North different problem-set due to the legality meeting Islamist extremists in Turkey Waziristan Agency of the Federally and protections afforded to free speech in September 2005 and pledging to Administered Tribal Areas. - BBC, under the U.S. Constitution. JaM’s fund their operations. – UPI, January 3 January 12 durability illustrates just how little latitude the government has to take January 4, 2011 (PAKISTAN): Salman January 7, 2011 (YEMEN): Suspected concrete action against radicalizing Taseer, the governor of Punjab al-Qa`ida militants killed at least actors. Approaches to this problem- Province, was assassinated by one of 17 Yemeni soldiers in two ambushes set will require especially innovative his bodyguards in Islamabad. Punjab near the town of Lawder in Abyan thinking, and metrics should be devised is Pakistan’s most populous province. Province. – AP, January 7 to quantify the cost-benefit ratio of new – AFP, January 4 counterradicalization efforts compared January 7, 2011 (NIGER): Armed men to traditional counterterrorism, rather January 5, 2011 (AFGHANISTAN): kidnapped two French nationals from than trusting an intuitive hope that this Afghanistan’s intelligence agencies the upscale Toulousain restaurant path will lead to a more stable homeland announced that they had foiled two in Niamey, the capital of Niger. The threat environment. major attacks in Kabul in the past 20 following day, on January 8, both days, one of which targeted First Vice hostages were killed after a failed J.M. Berger is editor of INTELWIRE.com President Marshal Mohammad Qasim rescue attempt by French military and author of the forthcoming book, Jihad Fahim. As part of the plot against forces across the border in Mali. The Joe: Americans Who Go to War in the the vice president, five militants men were identified as Antoine de Name of Islam. belonging to the Haqqani network Leocour, an aid worker in Niger, and planned to assassinate Fahim with a his friend Vincent Delory. Al-Qa`ida suicide bomber. The other disrupted in the Islamic Maghreb later took 32 Scott Calvert, “Man Charged in Bomb Plot Appeared plot was a planned bombing near credit for the kidnapping. – AP, January to Drift into Islamic Extremism,” Baltimore Sun, Decem- President Hamid Karzai’s palace in 7; Christian Science Monitor, January 9; AFP, ber 9, 2010. the capital. – AP, January 5 January 10; Voice of America, January 13

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January 9, 2011 (PAKISTAN): by Zafar Khan, who was linked to January 18, 2011 (IRAQ): A suicide Punjab Province Law Minister Rana a militant group led by Hafiz Gul bomber detonated an explosives Sanaullah told reporters that Qari Bahadur.” - BBC, January 12 vest among a crowd of prospective Saifullah Akhtar, a suspected senior police recruits in Tikrit, Salah al-Din Islamist militant, was released from January 14, 2011 (IRAQ): Twelve Province, killing at least 50 people. Pakistani custody in early December militants linked to the Islamic State of – New York Times, January 18; AP, January 18 2010 “because authorities finished Iraq escaped from a prison in Basra. questioning him in connection The men apparently escaped after January 18, 2011 (PAKISTAN): A U.S. with the October 2007 attempted obtaining police uniforms. – Reuters, aerial drone killed five militants in assassination of former Prime January 14; BBC, January 14 Dashgah village in North Waziristan Minister Benazir Bhutto and found Agency of the Federally Administered no grounds to charge him.” According January 14, 2011 (TUNISIA): Tunisian Tribal Areas. - AFP, January 18 to the Associated Press, “one U.S. President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali official said Akhtar has extensive ties stepped down from power, ending January 19, 2011 (IRAQ): A suicide to al-Qaida and other terrorist groups his 23 year rule. His move came in bomber driving an ambulance targeted and is someone who should not be free response to massive protests against an Iraqi police training center in to walk around the streets of Pakistan the government, and he and his family Diyala Province, killing at least 15 or any other country.” He is also a were forced to flee Tunisia for Saudi people. – Reuters, January 19 founder of Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami. Arabia. - BBC, January 14 – AP, January 9 January 19, 2011 (THAILAND): January 14, 2011 (RUSSIA): A suicide Approximately 30 insurgents attacked January 9, 2011 (SAUDI ARABIA): bomber detonated explosives in a café an army base in Narathiwat Province Saudi Arabia issued global arrest in Khasavyurt, located in Dagestan. of southern Thailand, killing at least warrants for 47 suspected al-Qa`ida Two people were killed. – AP, January four soldiers. The fighters reportedly militants thought to be located in 14 stormed the armory, stealing assault Yemen, Afghanistan, Pakistan or rifles and other weapons. – Voice of Iraq. The wanted men allegedly January 15, 2011 (PAKISTAN): America, January 20 tried to build terrorist cells inside Pakistani Taliban fighters set 14 the Saudi kingdom. Some of the men NATO supply tankers on fire in the January 20, 2011 (UNITED STATES): are considered senior leaders in al- Dera Murad Jamali area of Baluchistan The U.S. government designated Qari Qa`ida. – Reuters, January 9 Province. – AP, January 15 Hussain as a “specially designated” global terrorist. Hussain is considered January 10, 2011 (AFGHANISTAN): A January 17, 2011 (IRAQ): A suicide to be a leading trainer of suicide suicide bomber killed two policemen bomber detonated an explosives-laden bombers in Pakistan and Afghanistan. and one civilian in Spin Boldak, vehicle in Ramadi, Anbar Province. – AP, January 20 Kandahar Province. – Los Angeles Times, The bomber targeted the governor of January 11 Anbar Province, but he survived the January 20, 2011 (AFGHANISTAN): attack. – UPI, January 17 German al-Qa`ida militant Bekkay January 12, 2011 (AFGHANISTAN): Harrach (also known as Abu Talha al- A suicide bomber on a motorcycle January 17, 2011 (YEMEN): A Yemeni Almani) is believed to have been killed targeted a minibus carrying Afghan security court sentenced Hisham in Afghanistan. Fellow militants intelligence service employees in Assem, a suspected al-Qa`ida announced that Harrach was killed Kabul, killing at least two people. The member, to death for killing a French while leading an attack on Bagram Taliban claimed responsibility. – AP, oil worker in October 2010. The court airbase. The date of his death was not January 12 also convicted Yemeni-American provided. Harrach appeared in al- cleric Anwar al-`Awlaqi in absentia Qa`ida videos in 2009 threatening to January 12, 2011 (PAKISTAN): A and sentenced him to 10 years in attack Germany during that country’s suicide bomber rammed an explosives- prison. – AP, January 17 general elections. – BBC, January 20 laden vehicle into a mosque and police station in Bannu District of Khyber January 18, 2011 (AFGHANISTAN): January 20, 2011 (IRAQ): Three car Pakhtunkhwa Province, killing Afghan police said that approximately bombs along the roads leading to 18 people. The two buildings were 40 Taliban insurgents surrendered Karbala exploded, killing at least 52 adjacent to one another. – AFP, January in Kunduz Province. A Taliban people traveling to the city as part of 12; New York Times, January 12 spokesman denied the claim, saying, an annual Shi`a pilgrimage. – New York “They are not genuine members of the Times, January 20 January 12, 2011 (PAKISTAN): A Taliban as real Taliban fighters would U.S. aerial drone killed at least never surrender to the government. If January 21, 2011 (GLOBAL): Usama three militants near Mir Ali in North anyone is seen to do so, they will be bin Ladin purportedly released a new Waziristan Agency of the Federally punished by death.” - Reuters, January 18 audiotape warning that France would Administered Tribal Areas. According pay a “high price” for its policies and to the BBC, “The compound, the target that “the release of your [French] of Wednesday’s attack, was owned prisoners in the hands of our brothers

18 february 2011 . Vol 4 . Issue 2 is linked to the withdrawal of your draw less security attention when January 25, 2011 (UNITED STATES): soldiers from our country.” Al-Qa`ida parked on the street. – New York Times, A federal judge sentenced Ahmed in the Islamic Maghreb is holding January 23 Khalfan Ghailani to life in prison a number of French hostages. Bin for his role in al-Qa`ida’s truck Ladin cautioned France, saying that January 23, 2011 (PAKISTAN): Two bombings on U.S. embassies in Kenya the French economy is not prepared suspected U.S. aerial drones killed six and Tanzania in 1998. – Christian Science for a successful fight against al- alleged militants in North Waziristan Monitor, January 25 Qa`ida: “The size of your debts and Agency of the Federally Administered the weakness of your budget will Tribal Areas. – Voice of America, January 23 January 25, 2011 (PAKISTAN): A not allow you to open a new front.” suicide bomber targeted a Shi`a – France24, January 21; AP, January 21 January 24, 2011 (RUSSIA): A procession in Lahore, killing at least suicide bomber ripped through 10 people. – New York Times, January 25 January 21, 2011 (CANADA): The Moscow’s busiest airport, killing Canadian government served 36 people. The bomb was detonated January 25, 2011 (PAKISTAN): A deportation papers to Mohamed in the international arrivals hall of suicide bomber targeted a Shi`a Harkat, who is allegedly an al-Qa`ida the Domodedovo airport. Russian procession in Karachi, killing at least sleeper agent. The Algerian native is investigators later determined that the two people. – New York Times, January 25 accused of operating a guesthouse in bomber was a 20-year-old man from Pakistan for jihadist militants before the troubled North Caucasus region. – January 25, 2011 (EGYPT): Egyptian moving to Canada in 1995 on a forged New York Times, January 25; Bloomberg, January authorities announced that they Saudi passport. – BBC, January 21 29; BBC, February 2 arrested 19 people, including Tunisians and Libyans, with suspected links January 21, 2011 (UNITED KINGDOM): January 24, 2011 (IRAQ): A roadside to al-Qa`ida. According to Egypt’s A British judge agreed to extradite bomb killed Iraqi Brigadier Samer interior minister, the group “had used Abid Naseer to the United States for Hassan Saleh near his Baghdad home. Egypt as a transit point from which his alleged role in plotting attacks in - New York Times, January 24 they would travel to other countries, the United Kingdom, the United States including Iraq, to join a group called and Norway. Naseer, a suspected al- January 24, 2011 (IRAQ): A car bomb the Islamic State of Iraq.” The men Qa`ida operative, is a 24-year-old exploded at a terminal filled with were arrested last month. – AFP, January Pakistani who was arrested in the buses carrying Shi`a pilgrims to 25 United Kingdom in 2009. The case will Karbala, killing seven people. The now move to Britain’s home secretary incident occurred 12 miles east of January 25, 2011 (PHILIPPINES): A for final approval. – AFP, January 21 Karbala. - BBC, January 24 bomb exploded on a bus in Manila, killing four people. – Reuters, January 25 January 22, 2011 (AFGHANISTAN): A January 24, 2011 (IRAQ): A car bomb bomb killed two NATO personnel in killed 18 people in south Karbala. January 26, 2011 (YEMEN): Suspected eastern Afghanistan. - Reuters, January – BBC, January 24 al-Qa`ida gunmen killed four Yemeni 22 soldiers and a postal official in January 24, 2011 (PAKISTAN): Hadramawt Province. The militants January 22, 2011 (PAKISTAN): A Brigadier Sultan Amir, better known recovered $50,000 from the army- roadside bomb killed two police as “Colonel Imam,” was executed escorted postal truck. – Reuters, January officers and a civilian in Orakzai by Taliban fighters at some point in 26 Agency of the Federally Administered the last few days. Colonel Imam, a Tribal Areas. – CNN, January 22 former Pakistani intelligence official, January 27, 2011 (SPAIN): Spanish was considered the “Godfather of police arrested Malik Imtanan Sarwar, January 23, 2011 (IRAQ): Five car the Taliban,” as he played a major a Pakistani man, on charges of forging bombs exploded in different Baghdad role in the formation of the Taliban passports for al-Qa`ida-linked groups. neighborhoods, killing at least six in Afghanistan. He was captured – AP, January 28 people. According to the New York by the Pakistani Taliban in March Times, “The bombs struck Sunni 2010. According to the New York Times, January 27, 2011 (IRAQ): A car bomb neighborhoods as well as Shiite areas. “Colonel Imam formed a close bond ripped through a funeral ceremony in Two appeared directed at security with Mullah Muhammad Omar, the a Shi`a district of Baghdad, killing forces and one at Iranian pilgrims Taliban leader who welcomed Osama 48 people. The vehicle may have been marching to observe Arbaeen, which bin Laden to Afghanistan. After Sept. driven by a suicide bomber. – AFP, commemorates the end of the 40- 11, when the Taliban movement became January 27 day mourning period for the death of stronger in Pakistan, Colonel Imam Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of struggled to stay relevant to a new January 27, 2011 (YEMEN): Suspected the Prophet Muhammad. The targets younger generation of jihadists, more al-Qa`ida gunmen ambushed the car of the other two bombs were unclear.” ruthless and uncontrollable.” – New of Ahmed Ghaleb Rahawi, identified Insurgents appeared to employ a new York Times, January 24; The News International, as a senior Yemeni official. The attack, tactic by using taxis for at least two of February 22 which occurred in Abyan Province, the car bombs, since taxis reportedly wounded the official’s children.

19 february 2011 . Vol 4 . Issue 2

Rahawi was not in the car at the time CTC Sentinel Staff of the ambush. – AFP, January 28

Editor-in-Chief January 28, 2011 (AFGHANISTAN): A Erich Marquardt suicide bomber targeted a supermarket Senior Editor, CTC in a wealthy section of Kabul, killing at least eight people. – Los Angeles Times, Editorial Board January 29 COL Michael J. Meese, Ph.D. Department Head January 28, 2011 (PAKISTAN): A Department of Social Sciences (West Point) truck packed with explosives ripped through the Kohat tunnel, killing at COL Cindy R. Jebb, Ph.D. least four people. The tunnel connects Deputy Department Head Peshawar with Kohat. – Voice of America, Department of Social Sciences (West Point) January 28

LTC Reid Sawyer January 29, 2011 (AFGHANISTAN): Director, CTC A suicide bomber assassinated the deputy governor of Kandahar Christopher Heffelfinger Province, Abdul Latif Ashna. – Voice of FBI Fellow, CTC America, January 29

January 29, 2011 (ALGERIA): A court sentenced six people to death for a June 2009 al-Qa`ida attack that killed 19 Contact people. According to Agence France- Combating Terrorism Center Presse, “The court in Constantine also U.S. Military Academy handed four others two-year prison 607 Cullum Road, Lincoln Hall sentences for ‘supporting a terrorist West Point, NY 10996 group’…Another 15 were acquitted, Phone: (845) 667-6383 while sentencing for a last defendant, Email: [email protected] still at large, has been postponed.” Web: www.ctc.usma.edu/sentinel/ – AFP, January 29

* For Press Inquiries: (845) 667-6383 January 31, 2011 (PAKISTAN): Pakistani security forces shelled Taliban positions in Mohmand Agency of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 21 militants. – CNN, February 1 support The Combating Terrorism Center would January 31, 2011 (PAKISTAN): A like to express its gratitude to its financial suicide bomber targeted a vehicle supporters, for without their support and carrying Rasheed Khan, the deputy shared vision of the Center products like superintendant of police in southern the CTC Sentinel could not be produced. If Peshawar, killing him along with you are interested in learning more about three other people. – AP, January 31 how to support the Combating Terrorism Center, please visit http://www.ctc.usma. edu/support/ or call Wayne Richardson at West Point’s Association of Graduates at 845-446-1553.

The views expressed in this report are those of the authors and not of the U.S. Military Academy, the Department of the Army, or any other agency of the U.S. Government.

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