Counterterrorism Blog

Today FDD's Center for Terrorism Research brings you the fifth installment of our Voices of the Awakening series, authored by Sterling Jensen. The series is designed to provide Westerners a better understanding of ongoing developments in the Iraqi Awakening movement. This regular feature includes critical translations of Awakening news and documents, Jensen's observations and analysis, and occasional interviews with the movement's leaders.

This week the Awakening's web site reported on a number of local, national, and international issues -- including promoting local sports, encouraging women's education, and reporting on religious matters. An excerpt from our update:

Response to the Fabricated Lies of Omar Al-Baghdadi: The Awakening is the Conscience of Society. Responding to allegations made by Omar al-Baghdadi, the supposed leader of the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI), that the ISI is supported by the people, the Iraqi Awakening attacks al-Baghdadi's claims. The Awakening says that his imaginary State relies on terrorizing and destroying the people. The Iraqi Awakening is the conscience of the people because it was the people rising with the Awakening against terror that made Iraq more united and secure....

The Mufti of Saudi Arabia Deems Those Who Follow al-Qaeda as Being the Reason of Chaos: In an interview with Asharq al-Awsat the head mufti of Saudi Arabia blames al-Qaeda for chaos and destruction to Muslims. The Mufti asks Muslims to look at the deeds of al-Qaeda to see how they have brought this misfortune to Muslims. He says he completely supports and is satisfied with those who counter al-Qaeda’s ideology....

INSIDER'S PERSPECTIVE: Much of the Awakening’s credibility came from the fact that religious scholars and imams in Anbar supported the tribal movement against al-Qaeda and insurgent activity. Reporting al-Baghdadi’s religious claims and countering them, then reporting the Saudi mufti’s statements against al-Qaeda and his support for those who flight it, is a calculated move by the Awakening to increase their religious credibility. The Awakening wants to fight Al-Qaeda’s message, and will need fellow Arab support to do it. The late Sheikh Abdul Sattar Abu Risha would often respond to criticism about allying with the Coalition Forces by saying “al-Qaeda came to our land and has destroyed it more than the Americans. They have used terror to spread their message. That isn’t Islam, that is anti-Islam. We do not only fight with the Americans against these perpetrators, but with anyone who is against their message.” He would say that since it’s not a shame for Saudis, Jordanians, Kuwaitis, Qataris and Emiratis to work closely with the Americans for their security, why must Iraqis be blamed and punished for working with the Americans for Iraqi safety?

For the entire Voices of the Awakening, update, click here.