American Muslims Threatened Over Statements Condemning Nidal Hasan

The Al Ansar Web site, a Al Qaeda-linked jihadist forum in English and Arabic, has published a statement which threatens American Muslims who criticize Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan.

We ... issue this statement due to the unfortunate yet expected wave of apologetic statements being given around the world which smack of apostasy, especially in the land of the Lead Crusaders, the United States of America, the likes of which are only given either to safeguard their worldly gains from living there, due to their misguidance and ignorance of firm principles which they easily throw away based on their false concepts of "general interest", or due to the verdicts of misguided or evil scholars.

In the Al-Ansar worldview, apostasy is punishable by death. The threat is repeated again at the end of this message, which is largely concerned with justifying Hasan's attack on a theological basis.

We warn all Muslims, both individuals and organizations, to fear Allah in the views they hold and statements they make in regards to the validity of Nidal's actions, the character of our brother, and the correct Islamic views in relation to matters of this sort. They must be very careful that they do not knowingly or unknowingly fall into disbelief and apostasy.

Labels: American-Jihadists, Nidal-Malik-Hasan

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

Jihad Forum Threatens American Muslims

The Al Ansar Web site, a jihadist forum in English and Arabic, has published a statement which threatens American Muslims who criticize Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan.

We ... issue this statement due to the unfortunate yet expected wave of apologetic statements being given around the world which smack of apostasy, especially in the land of the Lead Crusaders, the United States of America, the likes of which are only given either to safeguard their worldly gains from living there, due to their misguidance and ignorance of firm principles which they easily throw away based on their false concepts of "general interest", or due to the verdicts of misguided or evil scholars.

In the Al-Ansar worldview, apostasy is punishable by death. The threat is repeated again at the end of this message, which is largely concerned with justifying Hasan's attack on a theological basis.

We warn all Muslims, both individuals and organizations, to fear Allah in the views they hold and statements they make in regards to the validity of Nidal's actions, the character of our brother, and the correct Islamic views in relation to matters of this sort. They must be very careful that they do not knowingly or unknowingly fall into disbelief and apostasy.

Labels: Nidal-Malik-Hasan, Weblog

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

Convicting Khalid Shaikh Mohammed

I am out of the office, but I wanted to post a couple of quick thoughts about Attorney General Eric Holder's press conference today on the decision to prosecute Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and four others for the attacks of September 11.

I am a bit ambivalent about this specific decision, due to several background issues, but I'm generally in favor of criminal trials for terrorism, especially for attacks which took place on U.S. soil. Trials are an important tool for educating the public. We the people will likely learn far more about 9/11 from this trial than we did from the 9/11 Commission (if the defendants don't plead guilty). The importance of an informed public cannot be overstated.

A couple of concerns have been raised about the trial. September 11 family members have pointed out that the suspects are likely to use this occasion to spew jihadist propaganda. This is a fair point. The sentencing statements by Ramzi Yousef and the "blind sheikh" Omar Abdel Rahman and others show both the validity of this concern but also the power of a judge to cut off comments when he or she so chooses.

Rahman mixed those talking points with protestations of his innocence and was eventually cut off by the judge. Most of Rahman's co-defendants spent their time praising America in an effort to get a lighter sentence, which did not exactly make them into international icons. Yousef, on the other hand, spouted off incendiary jihadist talking points at some length. Khalid Shaikh Mohammed is more likely to follow the example of his cousin Yousef than to grovel.

The other major issue raised at the press conference was the admittedly unlikely prospect that through some technicality or twist these suspects could be acquitted or released.

This concern isn't groundless, and Holder's response -- that he's super-sure it won't happen -- was not ideal. If prosecutors controlled outcomes, we wouldn't ever see an acquittal. As far as KSM specifically, in the unlikely event of an acquittal, there are numerous other crimes he could be charged with, including an outstanding 1996 sealed indictment for the Bojinka plot.

One factor in this consideration, which seems to have gone over the heads of many pundits: Holder rather specifically said there is evidence which has not yet been released to the public, and he seemed to be pretty confident that this evidence equates to a smoking gun. That should be interesting.

One last point -- the defendants named today have confessed and pleaded guilty in their earlier tribunal appearances and basically begged to be executed. Everyone seems to be assuming this case will go to trial. This is an interesting question and shouldn't be taken for granted.

On the one hand, pleading guilty will elevate their status if the U.S. eventually decides to grant their wish for martyrdom. On the other hand, it's hard to imagine that these guys wouldn't embrace the opportunity to make some noise by dragging this out into a full trial. Either way, though, the media and pundits should not assume this is going to be a full-scale production number.

Labels: Analysis, Weblog

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

A Key Failure In Understanding Nidal Hasan

From today's Washington Post:

"[Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan] had his struggles, and he embraced his religion with such intensity that one wondered whether he" could have suffered from a form of "delusion," the [Walter Reed] staffer said. He cited as an example -- without speaking of Hasan in particular -- the belief that the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are against Muslims rather than against al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan and Saddam Hussein's government and then insurgents in Iraq.

The view that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are directed at Islam is not "delusional" -- it's the product of a selective worldview shaped by an overwhelming amount of public discourse from authority figures within the Muslim world, and to a lesser extent, the Muslim-American world.

This "War on Islam" concept is an major component of radical thought, although the opinion is so widespread that it's probably unreasonable to say it's outside the Muslim mainstream (on a worldwide basis).

The "delusion" comment betrays such a profound lack of understanding and attention to the global Muslim public square that it's easy to see how Hasan's colleagues could have missed more important signs of extremism.

And for those keeping score, one of Anwar Awlaki's more popular audio tracts is titled "It's a War Against Islam."

Labels: American-Jihadists, Analysis, Anwar-Aulaqi, Anwar-Awlaki, Nidal-Malik-Hasan

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

Was Nidal Hasan A Rational Actor?

As the hours of coverage mount, we're seeing more and more discussion of Maj. Nidal Hasan's connection to extremist imam Anwar Aulaqi, prior to his killing spree at Fort Hood last week. There's a fundamental question that comes out of that analysis, which I have not seen articulated yet.

Was Hasan acting rationally when he killed 13 people?

Culturally, we tend to view mass shootings as a manifestation of mental illness, in which someone's unfathomable disease prompts them to act in an inexplicable way.

But when you look at Anwar Aulaqi's role and his comments on the shootings, we have to question that assumption.

Nidal Hassan is a hero. He is a man of conscience who could not bear living the contradiction of being a Muslim and serving in an army that is fighting against his own people. This is a contradiction that many Muslims brush aside and just pretend that it doesn't exist. Any decent Muslim cannot live, understanding properly his duties towards his Creator and his fellow Muslims, and yet serve as a US soldier. The US is leading the war against terrorism which in reality is a war against Islam. Its army is directly invading two Muslim countries and indirectly occupying the rest through its stooges.

One can certainly disagree with this sentiment, and one can challenge its factual underpinnings. But within the factual underpinnings, the statement is rational, which is to say it's based on recognizable reasoning.

So the key question regarding Nidal Hasan is: Were his actions based on this kind of reasoning, or the result of a collapse of reasoning due to mental illness?

Certainly his lawyers will be considering this question. It's a standard question in murder cases and bears directly on the punishment a convicted murderer receives.

In this instance, there's also a broader problem, because if he was acting rationally, it was likely the result of radicalization. In other words, did Aulaqi or like-minded thinkers bring Hasan around to a worldview in which his actions are considered rational?

If Hasan was a radicalized rational actor, his actions stem from the worldview of Anwar Aulaqi. Without such a motive, we're left only with his desire to avoid deployment, and the truly rational decision based on that motive would have been to desert the Army without killing anyone.

If Hasan was rational, the case raises enormous concerns about the success of ideologues like Aulaqi. Because -- unlike mental illness -- ideology is contagious.

To some extent, of course, the point is moot. The media depiction is increasingly focused on Hasan's ideology. If those who share his ideological inclinations believe he was acting rationally, it will inspire imitators. But understanding if and how ideology influenced the initial act helps us understand how this worldview spreads, who is susceptible to its charms, and what factors cause ideology to transform into violent intent.

A radical-leaning English-language Islamic forum discussing Aulaqi and Hasan was heavily populated by people who found the shootings quite rational:

Despite his motives, Muslims all over the world are celebrating and they would've been happy even if a kafir did this. Thirteen less kuffar [infidels] who would otherwise quite possibly have raped your Muslim sisters and/or killed them and other Muslims. [...]

Imam Anwar Awlaki has spoken the truth again and the hypocrites have been exposed. May Allah preserve him and continue to make him a beacon of truth for this Ummah and a cancer against the Kuffar no matter how much they may dislike it. Ameen. [...]

my point was that, there lies a great disconnect between muslims and their actions and reactions as dictated by the media[.] the same type of attack that happens in afghanistan and iraq daily, and there are no condemnations[.] we dont get small biographies, photos, names, etc, we get a headline and we move on[.] here, an attack was made (whether he was sane or not, or whatever his motivation) and we have people clamoring over the fact that 13 innocent people were killed[.] i fail to see that in this story[.] and i am not talking about the kuffar and their responses, i can understand their responses[.] i am more concerned about the muslims and their responses [...]

When the other party has murdered millions of Muslims...(need I continue with this?) would it not be better, since one is not bound by any oath, treaty or covenant, to do what nidal did [instead of just leaving the Army]? Why waste a golden opportunity like this? [...]

Nidals "treachery" + attack = 13 less soldiers going out to kill more members of our ummah

Whether you like it or not, whether you agree with it or not, the concept of "13 less soldiers" fighting against those perceived as "our ummah (community)" is rational. It may be based on false assumptions or wrong facts or unattractive values, but it's a logical rationale that justifies the act. The fact that this particular audience would be as likely to cheer someone who opened fire in a mall is somewhat tangential to the point.

If the worldview and reasoning of Anwar Aulaqi is gaining traction in the United States, that's a real problem for law enforcement and intelligence officials. Aulaqi is an advocate of the radical Islamic version of "leaderless resistance" in which individuals and very small groups take action against perceived enemies independently. That's a very difficult problem in counterterrorism.

Labels: Nidal-Malik-Hasan, Weblog

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

Anwar Aulaqi Web Site Suspended

Radical imam Anwar Aulaqi's Web site has been suspended, after he posted comments praising Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan.

Labels: Nidal-Malik-Hasan, Weblog

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

Was Nidal Hasan A Rational Actor?

As the hours of coverage mount, we're seeing more and more discussion of Maj. Nidal Hasan's connection to extremist imam Anwar Aulaqi, prior to his killing spree at Fort Hood last week. There's a fundamental question that comes out of that analysis, which I have not seen articulated yet.

Was Hasan acting rationally when he killed 13 people?

Culturally, we tend to view mass shootings as a manifestation of mental illness, in which someone's unfathomable disease prompts them to act in an inexplicable way.

But when you look at Anwar Aulaqi's role and his comments on the shootings, we have to question that assumption.

Nidal Hassan is a hero. He is a man of conscience who could not bear living the contradiction of being a Muslim and serving in an army that is fighting against his own people. This is a contradiction that many Muslims brush aside and just pretend that it doesn't exist. Any decent Muslim cannot live, understanding properly his duties towards his Creator and his fellow Muslims, and yet serve as a US soldier. The US is leading the war against terrorism which in reality is a war against Islam. Its army is directly invading two Muslim countries and indirectly occupying the rest through its stooges.

One can certainly disagree with this sentiment, and one can challenge its factual underpinnings. But within the factual underpinnings, the statement is rational, which is to say it's based on recognizable reasoning.

So the key question regarding Nidal Hasan is: Were his actions based on this kind of reasoning, or the result of a collapse of reasoning due to mental illness?

Certainly his lawyers will be considering this question. It's a standard question in murder cases and bears directly on the punishment a convicted murderer receives.

In this instance, there's also a broader problem, because if he was acting rationally, it was likely the result of radicalization. In other words, did Aulaqi or like-minded thinkers bring Hasan around to a worldview in which his actions are considered rational?

If Hasan was a radicalized rational actor, his actions stem from the worldview of Anwar Aulaqi. Without such a motive, we're left only with his desire to avoid deployment, and the truly rational decision based on that motive would have been to desert the Army without killing anyone.

If Hasan was rational, the case raises enormous concerns about the success of ideologues like Aulaqi. Because -- unlike mental illness -- ideology is contagious.

To some extent, of course, the point is moot. The media depiction is increasingly focused on Hasan's ideology. If those who share his ideological inclinations believe he was acting rationally, it will inspire imitators. But understanding if and how ideology influenced the initial act helps us understand how this worldview spreads, who is susceptible to its charms, and what factors cause ideology to transform into violent intent.

A radical-leaning English-language Islamic forum discussing Aulaqi and Hasan was heavily populated by people who found the shootings quite rational:

Despite his motives, Muslims all over the world are celebrating and they would've been happy even if a kafir did this. Thirteen less kuffar [infidels] who would otherwise quite possibly have raped your Muslim sisters and/or killed them and other Muslims. [...]

Imam Anwar Awlaki has spoken the truth again and the hypocrites have been exposed. May Allah preserve him and continue to make him a beacon of truth for this Ummah and a cancer against the Kuffar no matter how much they may dislike it. Ameen. [...]

my point was that, there lies a great disconnect between muslims and their actions and reactions as dictated by the media[.] the same type of attack that happens in afghanistan and iraq daily, and there are no condemnations[.] we dont get small biographies, photos, names, etc, we get a headline and we move on[.] here, an attack was made (whether he was sane or not, or whatever his motivation) and we have people clamoring over the fact that 13 innocent people were killed[.] i fail to see that in this story[.] and i am not talking about the kuffar and their responses, i can understand their responses[.] i am more concerned about the muslims and their responses [...]

When the other party has murdered millions of Muslims...(need I continue with this?) would it not be better, since one is not bound by any oath, treaty or covenant, to do what nidal did [instead of just leaving the Army]? Why waste a golden opportunity like this? [...]

Nidals "treachery" + attack = 13 less soldiers going out to kill more members of our ummah

Whether you like it or not, whether you agree with it or not, the concept of "13 less soldiers" fighting against those perceived as "our ummah (community)" is rational. It may be based on false assumptions or wrong facts or unattractive values, but it's a logical rationale that justifies the act. The fact that this particular audience would be as likely to cheer someone who opened fire in a mall is (somewhat) tangential to the point.

If the worldview and reasoning of Anwar Aulaqi is gaining traction in the United States, that's a real problem for law enforcement and intelligence officials. Aulaqi is an advocate of the radical Islamic version of "leaderless resistance" in which individuals and very small groups take action against perceived enemies independently. That's a very difficult problem in counterterrorism.

Labels: American-Jihadists, Anwar-Aulaqi, Anwar-Awlaki, Nidal-Malik-Hasan

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

Breaking News: Anwar Aulaqi Praises Foot Hood Shooter Nidal Hasan

Anwar Aulaqi, a radical imam who served as inspiration to Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan and two 9/11 hijackers, has posted to his Web site with words of praise for the Army major:

Nidal Hassan is a hero. He is a man of conscience who could not bear living the contradiction of being a Muslim and serving in an army that is fighting against his own people.

For more details, check out our new site, AmericanJihadists.com.

Labels: Nidal-Malik-Hasan, Weblog

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

9/11 Imam Anwar Aulaqi Praises Fort Hood Shooter Nidal Malik Hasan

Anwar Aulaqi, a radical imam who served as inspiration to Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan and two 9/11 hijackers, has posted to his Web site with words of praise for the Army major:

Nidal Hassan is a hero. He is a man of conscience who could not bear living the contradiction of being a Muslim and serving in an army that is fighting against his own people. This is a contradiction that many Muslims brush aside and just pretend that it doesn't exist. Any decent Muslim cannot live, understanding properly his duties towards his Creator and his fellow Muslims, and yet serve as a US soldier. The US is leading the war against terrorism which in reality is a war against Islam. Its army is directly invading two Muslim countries and indirectly occupying the rest through its stooges.

Further down, he states:

[T]he only way a Muslim could Islamically justify serving as a soldier in the US army is if his intention is to follow the footsteps of men like Nidal.

The heroic act of brother Nidal also shows the dilemma of the Muslim American community. Increasingly they are being cornered into taking stances that would either make them betray Islam or betray their nation. Many amongst them are choosing the former. The Muslim organizations in America came out in a pitiful chorus condemning Nidal's operation. [...]

The inconsistency of being a Muslim today and living in America and the West in general reveals the wisdom behind the opinions that call for migration from the West. It is becoming more and more difficult to hold on to Islam in an environment that is becoming more hostile towards Muslims.

Labels: American-Jihadists, Anwar-Aulaqi, Anwar-Awlaki, Nidal-Malik-Hasan

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

Anwar Aulaqi FBI Files

If you're following the latest on the Fort Hood shootings and Major Nidal Hasan, you can read the FBI's files on radical imam Anwar Aulaqi (also spelled Awlaki) at AmericanJihadists.com. I'll be updating the page later with some more general information about Aulaqi and his teachings.

Labels: Nidal-Malik-Hasan, Weblog

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

Updates on Nidal Malik Hasan

There were two items of note in the weekend papers. The first is an exchange between Hasan and an acquaintance that clarifies why this case belongs on this site:

"Jihad means an inner struggle, fighting against corruption and injustice."

The young doctor responded. "That's not a correct interpretation. Jihad means holy war. When your religion isn't safe, you have to fight for it. If someone attacks you, you must fight them. That is jihad. You can kill someone who is harming you."

The second item comes from The Telegraph. It's a bit sensational and no one else has reported this, so take it with a grain of salt for now, but:

Hasan, the sole suspect in the massacre of 13 fellow US soldiers in Texas, attended the controversial Dar al-Hijrah mosque in Great Falls, Virginia, in 2001 at the same time as two of the September 11 terrorists, The Sunday Telegraph has learnt. His mother's funeral was held there in May that year.

The preacher at the time was Anwar al-Awlaki, an American-born Yemeni scholar who was banned from addressing a meeting in London by video link in August because he is accused of supporting attacks on British troops and backing terrorist organisations.

Anwar Awlaki is a figure of high-interest to the violent jihad movement. I'll be discussing him in some detail in my book.

Labels: American-Jihadists, Nidal-Malik-Hasan

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

Major Nidal Malik Hasan

U.S. Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, killed 13 people and wounded dozens more when he opened fire at Fort Hood. Given the misinformation flooding the airwaves yesterday, I waited before adding him to the list. Even today, his actions look more like simple mental imbalance than traditional terrorism. Another aggravating factor that has been reported was his imminent deployment overseas.

Nevertheless, there is mounting evidence that, at minimum, Hasan dressed his imbalance in the garb of religious ideology, and so his story is relevant here.

CNN obtains surveillance video of Hasan at nearby store

Reports: Hasan shouted 'Allahu Akbar' during attack

AP: Hasan defended suicide bombers in online postings

AP: Troubling portrait emerges of Fort Hood suspect

Washington Post profile of Hasan

WaPost: Hasan attended Muslim Community Center mosque in Silver Spring

UPDATE: Here's an excerpt from a Web posting believed to be written by Hasan:

There was a grenade thrown amongs a group of American soldiers. One of the soldiers, feeling that it was to late for everyone to flee jumped on the grave with the intention of saving his comrades. Indeed he saved them. He inentionally took his life (suicide) for a noble cause i.e. saving the lives of his soldier. To say that this soldier committed suicide is inappropriate. Its more appropriate to say he is a brave hero that sacrificed his life for a more noble cause. Scholars have paralled this to suicide bombers whose intention, by sacrificing their lives, is to help save Muslims by killing enemy soldiers. If one suicide bomber can kill 100 enemy soldiers because they were caught off guard that would be considered a strategic victory. Their intention is not to die because of some despair. The same can be said for the Kamikazees in Japan. They died (via crashing their planes into ships) to kill the enemies for the homeland. You can call them crazy i you want but their act was not one of suicide that is despised by Islam. So the scholars main point is that "IT SEEMS AS THOUGH YOUR INTENTION IS THE MAIN ISSUE" and Allah (SWT) knows best.

Update 2:56 p.m. EST: More details here...

Labels: American-Jihadists, Nidal-Malik-Hasan

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

Major Nidal Malik Hasan Identified As Fort Hood Shooter

The person who killed 12 people at Fort Hood today appears to be Major Nidal Malik Hasan, a U.S. Army psychiatrist formerly stationed at Walter Reed Medical Center. Some details can be found here. A records search by INTELWIRE turned up no court or medical board disciplinary actions concerning Hasan. A search of INTELWIRE databases also returned negative results. A criminal records search turned up a couple of apparent minor traffic violations.

What elevates this case from a random shooting are the reports that two other suspects have been taken into custody in the case. If these arrests are legitimate, it obviously implies terrorism or at least conspiracy. If the arrests are simply people swept up in the confusion, the shootings would appear more likely the act of a deranged individual.

UPDATE: The Army has just corrected earlier reports that the shooter was dead. It turns out he isn't, and the suspect said to be in custody is Hasan himself. The Army says they believe Hasan was the only shooter. So it appears likely that there is not a broad conspiracy here, but as the Army said, the investigation continues... END UPDATE

If it does turn out to be terrorism, it certainly wouldn't be the first time the Army has been infiltrated by such operatives. INTELWIRE will continue montioring the situation. If it turns out to be terrorism, look for updates on INTELWIRE's new sister site, AmericanJihadists.com.

Labels: Nidal-Malik-Hasan, Weblog

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

Tarek Mehanna Superseding Indictment and Evidentiary Proffer

Two new documents filed today in Boston in the case of alleged jihadist Tarek Mehanna. According to an evidentiary proffer:

MEHANNA also sought to provide material support to al Qa'ida and other terrorist organizations by translating and distributing videos and text that were intended to inspire others to participate in jihad.

Among those translations, the proffer alleges, was a document called "39 Ways to Serve and Participate in Jihad." An online correspondent of Mehanna said the work was establishing him as "Al Qaeda's English wing" and "Al Qaeda in Iraq's media wing."

Mehanna later asked that a third party post the work so that his name wouldn't be associated with it, according to the proffer.

Mehanna also translated videos related to terrorist acts by Abu Musab Al Zarqawi, the emir of Al Qaeda in Iraq, the proffer alleges.

The proffer relates the contents of an instant messaging exchange between Mehanna and another individual, which was recovered from Mehanna's computer. The exchange features the two men joking about the videotaped beheading of Nicholas Berg by Zarqawi.

MEHANNA: we can have a movie night

DS: What movie? ... "State of the Ummah"?

MEHANNA: ni ... no ... Heads Up

DS: lol ... Heads Up?

MEHANNA: hehe joke

DS: Does it star Mr. Z?

MEHANNA: yes

DS: it shoud be Heads Off

MEHANNA: hehe yeah

Mehanna made jokes about the September 11 attacks, the proffer alleges, and went with two friends to visit Ground Zero. One of those pictures has been published in the Boston Globe.

Tarek Mehanna Superseding Indictment

Tarek Mehanna Evidentiary Proffer

Labels: American-Jihadists, Boston, Tarek-Mehanna

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

Recruitment of Americans to Fight in Somalia

The new issue of CTR Vantage has a package of stories about recruitment of Westerners (and Americans specifically) to fight on behalf of Al Shabbab in Somalia. This is a very important topic; Somalia is shaping up to be an extremely important battlefield in the war against Al Qaeda.

CTR Vantage: Al Shabbab's Recruiting Efforts in the West

Labels: American-Jihadists, Daniel-Maldonado, Somalia

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

American Jihadists

AmericanJihadists.com is a new Web site in the INTELWIRE.com family. This site will start as a document-oriented blog connecting to resources and documents on the subject of American citizens who take part in military jihad activities.

The blog will give way in 2010 to a broader and more ambitious Web site that provides detailed source material from my forthcoming book, "American Jihadists." I hope to have an update soon with details about the book release.

The topic of "American Jihadists" is fairly complex and has not received the media attention it deserves. There are dozens of cases of American citizens who have been arrested and indicted for various jihad-related activities. There are also cases in which Americans have taken part in military jihad overseas but have not been indicted and those who are not directly linked to terrorism.

AmericanJihadists.com

Labels: INTELFILES, Site-News

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

Welcome to American Jihadists

Welcome to AmericanJihadists.com, a new Web site in the INTELWIRE.com family. This site will start as a blog connecting to resources and documents on the subject of American citizens who take part in military jihad activities.

The blog will give way in 2010 to a broader and more ambitious Web site that provides detailed source material from my forthcoming book, "American Jihadists." I hope to have an update soon with details about the book release.

The subject of American Jihadists is fairly complex and has not received the media attention it deserves. There are dozens of cases of American citizens who have been arrested and indicted for various jihad-related activities.

There are also cases in which Americans have taken part in military jihad overseas but have not been indicted and those who are not linked to terrorism. While some in the media characterize jihad as synonymous with terrorism, that is not always the case, and this distinction will be explored further in the book. However the majority of the cases featured on this site will have some sort of terrorism component, because those are the stories which become known to the public.

You will note several posts which go back as far as March 2008. To get up and running, I imported relevant entries (along with their original post dates) from the Intelfiles.com blog. The site's actual launch date is today, Wednesday, November 4, 2009.

A final note: There are many inside and outside of the Muslim community who will point out that jihad is not always associated with a military dimension. This site is specifically about people -- mostly men -- who take part in military jihad and related support activities. The people being profiled here themselves describe their activities as jihad, and where applicable, this site will use their terminology.

Labels: American-Jihadists, Site-News

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

Updates on Luqman Abdullah-Related Arrests

Here's a roundup of some of the latest headlines on the FBI's shooting of Luqman Al-Amin Abdullah, a Detroit imam, and the arrest of his son and several associates on weapons charges, among other alleged offenses not explicitly connected to terrorism by federal authorities (although the criminal complaint clearly offers up a strong implicit connection).

You'll find some sharply diverging opinions about this case below, and around the Web. This case has the potential to become a very divisive and difficult flashpoint in terms of increasingly negative American Muslim sentiment about law enforcement and civil liberties and those who advocate a hardline stance on the investigation of potential terrorist threats in the U.S. This is also just the latest contribution to a widening rift between American Muslim institutions and the FBI.

The negative turn seen in this case comes after a flurry of terrorism arrests on U.S. soil in recent weeks -- cases which have so far been much stronger (from a legal and evidentiary perspective) than many of the criminal prosecutions for terrorism carried out under the Bush administration.

The controversy here has the unfortunate effect of undermining the FBI's recent push to prosecute more compelling terrorism cases. If Luqman Abdullah had not been shot, this case would likely have been seen by most people as another strong outing by the FBI.

RCMP defends patting down of Muslim woman during raid

Court Hearing Held For Six Tied To Muslim Group

Probe asked in FBI's slaying of extremist imam

Feds warn of reprisals after radical's death

FBI 'murdered' radical Detroit imam, according to AP

Read more: http://www.longwarjournal.org/threat-matrix/archives/2009/11/fbi_murdered_radical_detroit_i_1.php#ixzz0Vvv1hXD4

Labels: American-Jihadists, Luqman-Amin-Abdullah

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

Abu Mansour Al Amriki

Abu Mansour Al Amriki is the newest American to show up in an Al Qaeda-linked organization, namely the Al Shabab militia, which was highlighted recently in a communique from Al Qaeda's nominal No. 2, Ayman Al-Zawahiri.



Abu Mansour Al Amriki

Abu Mansour is shown speaking in English and Arabic. Published reports suggest that he may have volunteered in Bosnia during the 1990s.

If you recognize this picture or have any information on this individual, please contact me.

He's characterized as a military trainer and is shown taking part in an ambush of of what was characterized as Ethiopian and Somali troops at a location the video calls "Bardal," or Bargaal.

Abu Masnor also delivers an after-action report on the attack. "Many of them were killed and injured," Abu Mansour said.

Masnour eulogized the two fallen fighters. One was singled out as a particular inspiration.

"We need more like him. If you can encourage more of your children and more of your neighbors and even your own to send people like him to this [indiscernable] it would be a great asset."

"Our main objective, one of the things that we seek for [indiscernible] is to die as martyrs," said Mansour. "So the fact that we got two martyrs is nothing more than a victory in itself."

Mansour has been featured before in Al Shahab videos, but his face has never been shown.

The video also features another English-speaking jihadist and a brief clip of Osama bin Laden from an older Al Qaeda video.

Fox News has identified Abu Mansour as Omar Hammami, a 25-year-old from Alabama. However, I've interviewed two different Bosnian mujahideen who stated with some certainty that the Abu Mansour pictured above was a mujahideen combatant during the war in Bosnia, when Hammami would have been 10 or 11 years old. I have also obtained a photograph that appears to be Abu Mansour in Bosnia. The investigation continues...

Labels: Abu-Mansour-Al-Amriki, American-Jihadists, Bosnia, Omar-Hammami

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

John Walker Lindh documents

Documents on "American Taliban" John Walker Lindh, via the NEFA Foundation

Criminal Complaint

Statement of facts pertaining to guilty plea

Labels: American-Jihadists, John-Walker-Lindh

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

Daniel Maldonado Blog and Writings

Daniel Maldonado, aka Daniel Aljughaifi, is an American who is accused of joining al Qaeda and traveling to Somalia to take part in Islamist activities.

Archived copy of Maldonado's blog

According to a listing on MuslimMatch.com (INTELWIRE mirror), Aljughaifi was searching for a second wife.

Listing Salem, N.H., as his home, and using the name "dmsalafi," Aljughaifi said he was looking for "a saudi sister,verry pious,18-30,kind,shy,sweet,wears hijab and can deal with poligamy" (all typos in original).

Aljughaifi's profile, last updated more than a year and a half ago, said he was planning to work as a computer technician in Saudi Arabia.

A poster on IslamicNetwork.com, who appears to be Aljughaifi's wife, was not especially happy with Aljughaifi's efforts to add a spouse. According to the post:

it was written there is no changing that fact. Allah made polygeny Halal and no one can change it.

from a womans point of veiw i can see being sad ,hurt, jealous bla bla bla.. but i cant see myself jumping off a building or stabbing my dh in the back.( ok i can see it but only in a day dream...lol) other than that lets come back to reality.

no matter how mad ,sad,hurt we get if our husbands want to do this..... weither thay do it or not us crying,yelling,throwing a tantrum acting out will never change the way thay feel inside, even if thay dont marry again it will always be a thought in there mind and we wont be able to change that.

what i have come to understand is that if its written for you it will happen no matter how many tears you cry, no matter how much you dont eat, no matter how much you fight it.

sisters lets just relax, i know easyer said than done.
sit back and go with the flow. if your dh is a good man he will take care of you and her properly.

Previous: Aljughaifi's Blog

Under the same dmsalafi handle, a poster who appears to be Aljughaifi posted poetry on the IslamicNetwork message board. A selection is excerpted below:

stuck in an ocean of tears

hearts can not set sail on the path of Allah
without tears for them to sail on
sails do not move nor ever go far
without the winds of dhikr there on
let not your eyes be set on a star
lest devils snicker and stare on
such will not guide nor protect you from narr
advise from a well wisher
to "bear on"
have you ever been wrecked off of tainted shores
without anyone knowing you traveld
regretting the fact you got on board
when the pleasure of rowing just had you
you knew you were heading rite off course
paying no attention, just baffled
showing no regret, nor remorse
watching shaytons henchmen just pass you

the secret you kept

I so long to meet the one I thaught to have met
do not think of me wrong I have no regret
sleepless nights spent alone, awake while you slept
I just wish I had known the secret you kept
do not think I have hate, don't think of me less
this is my fate, I know I am blessed
to be with you is great, yes I confess
I just wish I had known the secret you kept
only if you could see the tears in my eyes
but you were asleep, to no ones surprise
away I creep, while you find rest
I wish I had known the secret you kept
I have tried to wake you out of your slumber
not cause I hate you, but because I wonder
what is it that you conseal in your chest
I just wish I had known the secret you kept
I refuse to sleep another night without you
stand on your feet theres no need to show you how to
you knew the Sunnah as well as the rest
and that oh Ummah is the secret you kept

The Heart

I must confess I've slept with the enemy
then found unrest without solice or serenity
over stressed with all she pretends to be
she acts as if she is her own entity
she seems to shape my very identity
but whats at stake is what she once ment to me
my soul was broke and it was her who befreinded me
torn apart and it was her who then mended me
I need Quran to cure this dear freind to me
before I morn the heart that can not depend on me
.................................
our hearts are like woman
although we may doubt them
you can't live with'em
you can't live without'em

dmsalafi

Labels: American-Jihadists, Boston, Daniel-Maldonado

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

Adam Gadahn, aka Azzam the American

Video propaganda from Adam Gadahn, aka Azzam the American.

View the clip (Windows Media)

Azzam's very first video appearance on behalf of al Qaeda, released in 2004:

View the clip (Windows Media)

Previous INTELWIRE coverage of "Azzam":

New Twists In Video From Ayman al-Zawahiri And Azzam The American

'Azzam The American' Is A Rising Star In Al Qaeda's Media Operation

California al Qaeda Admits To 'Demonic' Music, Sloppiness Before Islam

Labels: Adam-Gadahn, American-Al-Qaeda, American-Jihadists, Azzam-the-American

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

Anwar Awlaki aka Anwar Aulaqi

Anwar Aulaqi is a American citizen and jihadist ideologue based in America prior to September 11, who was linked to some of the hijackers. He currently lives in Yemen.

9/26/2001: FBI Letterhead Memorandum, Anwar Aulaqi

10/23/2001: FBI Communication, Anwar Aulaqi, Dar El Hijra mosque

10/8/2001: FBI FD-302, Associates of hijackers in San Diego

9/15/2001: FBI FD-302, Interrogation of Anwar Aulaqi

Labels: 9-11, American-Jihadists, Anwar-Aulaqi, Anwar-Awlaki

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

Atlanta Links To Toronto Terror Cell

Affidavit of Special Agent Michael Scherck

Full transcript of Ehsanul Sadequee bail hearing

Affidavit of Special Agent Gregory T. Hughes

Labels: American-Jihadists, Ehsanul-Sadequee

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

Jose Padilla Documents

Photographs of Jose Padilla In Detention

FD-302 Interrogation Record for Jose Padilla, 5/8/2006

Padilla Criminal Charges in Florida (1991)

Labels: American-Al-Qaeda, American-Jihadists, Jose-Padilla

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink

 

Ali A. Mohamed Documents

Ali Abdelsaoud Mohamed was an Egyptian soldier who became a U.S. citizen and served alongside the U.S. Special Forces at Fort Bragg. He was a member of the Egyptian Islamic Jihad organization and later a member of Al Qaeda, serving a top trainer and as Osama bin Laden's chief of security for some years. He attempted to infiltrate the CIA during the 1980s and successfully infiltrated the FBI during the 1990s, before finally being arrested for his role in the 1998 East African Embassy bombings.

Ali Mohamed Sourcebook

Nat Geo DVD, J.M. Berger Lead Researcher

Who Is Ali Mohamed?

Al Qaeda Spy Crafted 9/11 Network

New Link Between Ali Mohamed And 9/11

Who Masterminded 1993 WTC Bombing?

'Coleman Affidavit' on Ali Mohamed

Labels: Ali-Mohamed, American-Al-Qaeda, American-Jihadists

Posted by J.M. Berger | Permalink