Latest Terrorism Focus Articles

Iraqi Rebels Fill Political Vacuum

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As Iraqi political parties continue to wrangle over the composition of the new government, the insurgents have taken the initiative with a series of bold strikes over the past 10 days. These attacks have killed over 150 Shi'ite worshippers and mourners and at least 23... MORE

The Global Jihad’s Internet Front

Western analysts speculate on the crucial role of the Internet in the propagation of the jihad, and how in many cases the Internet front takes second place only to armed confrontation. All the more interesting is the succinct definition of the role of the Internet... MORE

…as al-Zawahiri Tries to Boost Jihadi Morale

An extended audio statement from Ayman al-Zawahiri, believed to have been made in mid-September, was posted on December 9 on the al-Safinat jihadi forum (https://202.71.102.108/~alsafnat/vb). Under the rubric "Four years on since the attacks on New York and Washington," and dated Sha'ban 1426 (September 2005),... MORE

Westerners Being Recruited by al-Qaeda

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A statement entitled "al-Qaeda's Future Soldier: Rakan Bin Williams," published by a group calling itself "al-Qaeda's Voice on the Internet," indicates that al-Qaeda plans to recruite white European converts to Islam rather than depend on Arabs and Muslims from Middle Eastern or Asian origin (posted... MORE

Al-Zawahiri Encourages Targeting of Gulf Oil…

Along with the "Impediments to Jihad" audiotape, the al-Sahab Media Productions company produced on September 19 a 43-minute video featuring a meeting with Ayman al-Zawahiri, five minutes of which was broadcast on that day by the Arab television network al-Jazeera. On December 7, al-Jazeera re-ran... MORE

Analyzing the Amman Attacks from al-Qaeda’s Perspective

After Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's November 9 attacks in Amman, Jordan, public discussion and official statements in the West carried a clear sense of the tide turning against al-Qaeda and its allies. Some media headlines even smacked of triumphalism: "Zarqawi misjudges impact of killing Muslims;" "Amman... MORE

The Amman Bombings: A Blow to the Jihadists?

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The Amman bombings on November 9 were widely condemned by the Islamic world, particularly that many victims were civilians celebrating a wedding. This condemnation has again raised questions about support for al-Qaeda among Muslims, especially in a country like Jordan, an ally in the war... MORE

Arrests in Morocco Highlight the Expanding Jihadi Nexus

A wave of arrests that took place in early November in Morocco is illuminating for two reasons: the expansion of al-Zarqawi's influence outside Iraq, and the interconnection between jihadist activities on both shores of the Mediterranean. The series of arrests, beginning on November 11 in... MORE

Islamist Militants Call for a Coordinated Media Jihad

As an indication of the increasing intellectual infrastructure the jihad is acquiring, and the growing sophistication of its ideological defense, forum discussions are focusing on the need to develop more professional media capabilities. The call comes at a time of increasing pressure on mujahideen to... MORE