Latest Spotlight on Terror Articles
Technology and Security Discussions on the Jihadist Forums: Producing a More Savvy Next Generation
Jihadist groups operating online appear to be raising awareness about information and communications security, and stressing the importance of technical know-how in conducting successful operations. Two training manuals recently found on Internet discussion forums promoting militant Islam illustrate the importance of technical savvy to the... MORE
New Forum Postings Call for Intensified Electronic Jihad against Government Websites
In light of recent Internet-based attacks, including the Zotob worm that temporarily disrupted machines within the U.S. government and San Francisco International Airport, it is important for government and business groups to pay careful attention to the potential damages caused by hackers, whatever their motives.... MORE
Jamestown Experts Monitoring Terror Attacks in London
While developments surrounding today’s terrorist attacks in London are continuing to unfold, it is clear that the attack bore all the hallmarks of al-Qaeda. The message of responsibility posted by ‘The Secret Organization of al-Qaeda in Europe’ was posted on the al-Qal’a web forum, [https://www.qal3ati.net/vb],... MORE
The Madrid Bombings: Spain as a “Jihad” Highway to Western Europe
In 711 A.D., Arab armies under Tariq ibn Ziyad crossed the Straits of Gibraltar, conquering Spain and sweeping northwards into France. The Madrid bombings seem to indicate that Muslim fundamentalists are well aware of their history and are using Spain’s proximity to North Africa as... MORE
Assessing The Moscow Subway Blast: Tragic Accident Or A Lethal Spillover From The War In Chechnya?
Following last week’s deadly explosion in the Moscow subway, Russia’s political leadership, the bulk of the analytical community and ordinary citizens were quick to call the blast the work of Chechen terrorists. Various interest groups have made use of the specter of Chechen terrorism to... MORE
Cynicism Personified: Moscow And Riyadh’s Collaboration Against Chechnya
[Dear Readers, The Jamestown Foundation's Spotlight on Terror presents a special analysis of a major diplomatic development related to the war on terror. Two countries aligned with the United States in the war on terror have found a new basis for cooperation in the north... MORE
How And Why: The 9-11 Attacks On America
As America looks back on the devastating terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, the biggest unanswered question is "why?" In the immediate aftermath of the violence Al-Qaida never addressed the issue directly, but a partial answer has emerged from the ruins of Kabul. On 11... MORE
Terror In The Holy City: Analyzing The Al-qaida Attacks In Mecca
The deaths of two suspected al-Qaida militants who blew themselves up in Mecca to avoid arrest has highlighted what the Saudis for years have denied; that al-Qaida has a significant presence in-country, and has even penetrated Islam’s holiest city. As the legitimacy of Saudi rulers... MORE
LIBYA, RADICAL ISLAM AND THE WAR ON TERROR: A LIBYAN OPPOSITIONIST’S VIEW
Born in 1947, Ashur Shamis was one of the founding members of the National Front for the Salvation of Libya in 1981. He is also a founding member of the London-based Libya Human and Political Development Forum. Shamis is currently the editor of https://www.akhbar-libya,com, an... MORE
FROM MUJAHID TO ACTIVIST: AN INTERVIEW WITH A LIBYAN VETERAN OF THE AFGHAN JIHAD
From Mujahid to Activist: An Interview with a Libyan Veteran of the Afghan Jihad Noman Benotman is a veteran of the Afghan Jihad and former member of the Shura Committee of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG), a group which sought to overthrow the regime... MORE