BRIEFS

UPCOMING E-BOOK TO BE RELEASED ON AL-QAEDA’S TOP LEADERS

On September 5, the so-called al-Buraq Media Establishment announced the creation of a new book called “The Great Triple Chronicle,” which is basically a collection of statements and speeches from Osama bin Laden, Ayman al-Zawahiri and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. The purpose of the book, as stated by al-Buraq Media Establishment, is to establish a “clear jihadi legacy…to educated future generations.” It is not clear if the book is available yet, as the announcement is being distributed in a video format to promote the upcoming book. The video is more than 20 minutes long and is being posted on various jihadi websites. Again demonstrating the technical savvy of jihadis and their supporters, various users are encouraging the distribution of the promotional video in as many internet venues as possible, with references to YouTube (https://www.youtube.com), MetaCafe (https://www.metacafe.com) and GoogleVideo (https://video.google.com), among other suggestions.

ISLAMIC STATE OF IRAQ ADVISES JIHADI COMMANDERS ON BATTLE TECHNIQUES

On September 23, the Ministry of Information for the Islamic State of Iraq released an in-depth statement attributed to Abu Hamza al-Muhajir that provided guidelines on conducting militant operations. The statement contains more than 20 directives—some of which are ideological and others tactical—primarily directed toward commanders. The following are some examples from the text: using protective combat equipment such as helmets and bulletproof vests is not cowardly because a man properly protected can be counted as two fighters; do not exceed three fighters per vehicle; familiarize yourself with the site of battle so that you can establish a withdrawal route; avoid killing innocents as “nothing can bring destruction or rob you of grace as much as spilling innocent blood.” Other directives focus on how to properly care for the fighters under your command, along with reminding commanders of religious obligations.