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About Contact Us CT Blog Experts in the Media CT Library Counterterrorism Foundation Websites & Centers RSS & PDA Feeds Monthly Archives POSTS ON ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR POSTS ON 2008 MUMBAI ATTACK Counterterrorism Blog Panels: Reforming U.S. Counter-Terrorism Assistance Programs, Feb. 12 The 2008 Mumbai Attacks, Dec. 4 Future of Turkey-U.S. Strategic Partnership, May 19 Iran & U.S.: Outlook for Next Decade? April 15 Compañeros de Armas ("Friends in Arms"): Chavez, FARC & South America, March 19 Meta-Terror: Terrorism & the Virtual World, Feb. 29 Evolution of US Counterterrorism Policy, Feb. 12 Terrorism Litigation After Boim Decision, Jan. 28 Holy Land Foundation & Muslim Brotherhood, Dec. 11, 2007 ------------ July 2008 Posts and August 2008 Posts Contributing Experts
Douglas Farah, Editor
Steven Emerson & The Investigative Project on Terrorism Dennis Lormel Bill West Evan Kohlmann Michael Cutler Victor Comras Michael Kraft Dr. Zachary Abuza Dr. Walid Phares Daveed Gartenstein-Ross Olivier Guitta Kenneth Conboy Aaron Mannes David Schenker Animesh Roul Matthew Levitt Jonathan Winer Frank Hyland Roderick Jones Paul Cruickshank Farhana Qazi Lorenzo Vidino Madeleine Gruen James McGinnis Michael Braun Margot Williams, SNS Global, Newslinks Editor Phillip Smyth & Mark Offenbach, Asst. Newslinks Editors EXPERTS' ARCHIVES & BIOS Recent Posts
The End of The Counterterrorism Blog
Modeling Middle East Turmoil How to Deal with Islamist Movements in Post-Revolutionary Regimes? Asserting Liberal Values: The Future of British and U.S. Counterradicalization Strategies Pakistan and Blasphemy Law: Assassination of Liberal, Secular and Progressive Personalities Continues ! What Cargo May Be Aboard Iranian Warships Transiting the Suez Canal? Egypt and Emerging Trends The Middle East: Democracies or More Terrorism? Two Scenarios on Egyptian Succession and One Vision of the Brotherhood The Australian Take on the Terrorism Threat Experts' Books
Walid Phares: The Confrontation and "The War of Ideas: Jihadism against Democracy" and “Future Jihad: Terrorist Strategies Against America”
Michael Kraft & Yonah Alexander (Editors): "Evolution of U.S. Counterterrorism Policy" Douglas Farah & Zachary Abuza in Countering the Financing of Terrorism Douglas Farah: "Merchant of Death" and "Blood From Stones: The Secret Financial Network of Terror" Michael Jacobson: "The West at War: U.S. and European Counterterrorism Efforts, Post–September 11" Daveed Gartenstein-Ross: "My Year Inside Radical Islam: A Memoir" Steven Emerson: "Jihad Incorporated: A Guide to Militant Islam in the US" and "American Jihad: The Terrorists Living Among Us" Victor Comras & Matthew Levitt (contributors): "Terrorism Financing and State Responses," Stanford University Press Matthew Levitt: "Negotiating Under Fire: Preserving Peace Talks in the Face of Terror Attacks" and "Hamas: Politics, Charity, and Terrorism in the Service of Jihad" and "Targeting Terror: U.S. Policy toward Middle Eastern State Sponsors and Terrorist Organizations, Post-September 11" Zachary Abuza: "Political Islam and Violence in Indonesia" and "Militant Islam in Southeast Asia: Crucible of Terror" Lorenzo Vidino "Al Qaeda in Europe: The New Battleground of Global Jihad" Kenneth Conboy: "The Second Front: Inside Asia’s Most Dangerous Terrorist Network" Evan Kohlmann: "Al-Qaida's Jihad in Europe: The Afghan-Bosnian Network" Credits
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Walid Phares Archives
Neutrality will not shield Sweden from terrorismBy Walid Phares"Taimur of Sweden" Until Taimour Abdulwahab al-Abdaly’s explosive belt went off prematurely in Stockholm last month, Sweden was the poster child for isolationism in the war on terror. While Abdulwahab’s bomb failed to achieve his desired result, it did... The Ashburn jihadist signals a greater dangerBy Walid PharesFarooq Ahmed The FBI's arrest of Farooque Ahmed of Ashburn, Va., for allegedly assisting al Qaeda in planning multiple bombings around the nation's capital paints a sobering picture of the threat we still face from jihadists. The FBI charged... Iran's Global Terrorist ReachBy Walid PharesThe United States became painfully aware of the threat posed by global jihadism after the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. Until that day, Iranian-backed terrorist networks, such as Hezbollah, were responsible for killing more American citizens than al-Qaeda.... The Gaza Flotilla Decoy for Iranian Missiles to Hezbollah?By Walid Phares"De-Blockading" Hamas? At first glance, the takeover by the Israeli Navy of the "humanitarian flotilla" heading towards Gaza is just one more of the disputed crises between Israel and its foes. As in all previous incidents, the spiral of... Ignoring al Qaeda’s ideology is a threat to US national securityBy Walid PharesIn preparation for the publicizing for the new National Security Strategy by the Obama Administration, Mr John Brennan, White House Advisor on Counter Terrorism said the President’s strategy "is absolutely clear about the threat we face." From such an announcement... Ten Years ago, Hezbollah takes over South LebanonBy Walid PharesToday is the 10th anniversary of the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, from what was known then as a "security zone." That geographically limited event has had significant strategic consequences since 2000. A decade after Counter Terrorism and Middle East... US national security is targeted by al Qaeda and Iran’s strategic threatsBy Walid Pharesal Qaeda and its nebulous: One Threat President Obama informed the graduating Cadets at West Point that the US will be facing the threat of al Qaeda for a long time to come. Defining the long term strategic threats... Time Square message: Many 'lone wolves' attempts makes it a terror campaignBy Walid PharesTime Square security deployment In the first few hours following the discovery of the car bomb in Time Square and the subsequent arrest of Faisal Shahzad at the airport, New York’s Governor David Patterson labeled the foiled car bomb... Al Qaeda beheaded in Iraq?By Walid PharesMaliki declares the elimination of the emirs We should underline the following four points in our initial reaction to foreign reports, including a statement from Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Maliki, that “Abu Omar al-Baghdadi and Abu Ayyub al-Masri were... Iran's Nukes: An International Security PriorityBy Walid PharesMany leaders of the 46 countries attending President Obama’s two-day nuclear security summit this week are urging that the summit serve as a benchmark for a renewal of international focus to prevent nuclear terrorism. Ironically, the summit is taking place... Jihadism's War on DemocraciesBy Walid PharesFollowing is a chapter titled "Jihadism's War on Democracies" published in the book Debating the War of Ideas edited by Eric D Patterson and John Gallagher (Palgrave Macmillan). The chapter summarizes the three wars of ideas waged by Salafists, Wahabis,... India’s strategic role in countering JihadismBy Walid PharesThe confrontation in the sub Indian continent between al Qaeda, the Taliban and their allies on the one hand and the three democracies they target, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, on the other hand must be reevaluated in terms of international... The Internationalization of the fight against the JihadistsBy Walid PharesAsian Security Conference 2010 In an address to the Asian Security Conference 2010 under the theme “Asian Strategic Futures 2030: Trends, Scenarios and Alternatives.” I made a presentation under the title: “The Future of Terrorism: Jihadi threat in the... Zazi: Genome of the homegrown JihadistBy Walid PharesWhen are we detecting them? Almost at the end.. In a confrontation with a force like al Qaeda, whom the US is fighting in two major battlefields (Afghanistan and Iraq), and as allies are battling within a couple dozen... A joint Arab force against Terror is neededBy Walid PharesIn a discussion with American and European legislators as well as with counter terrorism experts from the Arab world I suggested the formation of an "Anti-Terror Joint Force" as appropriate response to the expansion of Terror organizations both al Qaeda... Ft Hood's Terror: The US failed by its own expertsBy Walid PharesFt Hood Terror Act: A Jihadi operation The Pentagon's review of the act of Terrorism committed at Fort Hood by Major Nidal Hasan deserves national attention not only regarding its important conclusions but also what it missed in terms... al Qaeda has the initiative in attacking US national securityBy Walid PharesIn 2001, one would-be shoe bomber forced millions of travelers to take off their shoes. In 2006, terrorists planned to bring down aircraft on transatlantic flights by smuggling liquid explosives onto planes. They were thwarted but they succeeded in... Abdelmutalib's Act of WarBy Walid PharesAbdulmutalib In the Arab world there is a saying: “Take their truth from their crazies.” I didn’t think it would fully apply in geopolitics until I heard Libya’s dictator, Moammar Qadhafi, claiming on al Jazeera few years ago that... Taliban's Counter Strategy is based on declared US StrategyBy Walid PharesTaliban waiting for 2012? Now that we know the administration’s new strategy for Afghanistan, what is the Taliban strategy against the United States? Such a question is warranted to be able to project the clash between the two strategies... Fort Hood: The largest "Terror act" since 9/11By Walid PharesFort Hood attack The Fort Hood killings, perpetrated by Major Malik Nadal Hasan, a psychiatric by training, no matter what the judiciary reports will conclude is for now the largest single Terror act in America since 9/11. This quantitative... Taliban’s War on Pakistan: Lessons to draw, options to pursueBy Walid PharesTaliban Terror in Pakistan The war between the Taliban and Pakistan continues to accelerate. Just last weekend, Pakistan’s army responded to a long string of Taliban attacks by launching a massive ground operation in Waziristan. But through this already-long... "ihad jak joga" - Jihad like Yoga?By Walid PharesFollowing is an interview I conducted with Nowe Panstwo (Our Times), a Politics and History Journal in Poland. The title of the interview in Polish is "ihad jak joga" which translate to "Jihad like Yoga." In this extensive discussion with... Transatlantic Lawmakers Sign Declaration Calling for international investigation of the "Basij" in IranBy Walid PharesOn Tuesday, September 22, 2009, Members of the US Congress, Members of European Parliament and a Member of the Canadian Parliament signed an historic document condemning Iran’s continued human rights abuses. This document was signed at the second Trans-Atlantic... Spread of Jihadi "operations" inside America: a quantitative warningBy Walid PharesIt is unprecedented in American counter terrorism annals: in one day the nation was dealing with three separate Jihadist plots to blow up civilian and other targets inside the Homeland. Although the cases were addressed at different time periods by... Trans Atlantic Legislators gather to discuss Jihadist TerrorismBy Walid PharesNext week, an important summit will be held by a number of legislators from the European Parliament, the US Congress and the Canadian Parliament to discuss "al Qaeda's and other Jihadi forces' campaigns worldwide against Democracies." The closed meeting, to... Bin Laden: "US Must eliminate the Israel Lobby to end war"By Walid PharesIn a 12 minutes address via an audio tape, al Qaeda's chief, Osama bin Laden, spoke to the American people on the eighth anniversary of 9/11. The tape was produced by as-Sahab propaganda arm posted on various Jihadists forums... Evolution of US Global Confrontation with the Jihadists since 9/11By Walid PharesEvery commemoration of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 reveals further confusion in reading the global map of confrontation with the Terror forces, particularly the Jihadist streams. Eight years after 9-11, decision-makers and commentators are still asking too many... Beslan: Jihadism against Children Must Trigger Global ResponseBy Walid PharesGraphic picture of victims of Beslan's "Jihad" Five years after the massacre of Russian children in Beslan at the hands of "Caucuses Jihadists" (Jihadiyu al Qafqaz), this attack is still catalogued as the lowest form of Salafi Jihadi Terror... Lockerbie: Compassion for Petrodollars?By Walid PharesMegrahi's welcome in Tripol: the trigger The release by Scottish authorities of convicted Libyan intelligence agent Abdel Baset al-Megrahi from prison has created one of the most negative emotional reactions in the United States and other countries. Moved by... GAZA: BIG JIHAD V/S LITTLE JIHADBy Walid PharesJund Ansar Allah Hamas’ attack against a Jihadist group inside Gaza is about to provide the Palestinian Islamist organization a pass to become a “mainstream” movement, acceptable internationally as a partner in negotiations. Or at least that is what... Early Assessment of the elimination of Taliban commander MehsudBy Walid PharesTaliban commander in Pakistan, Baitullah Mehsud As reports are confirming the elimination of Pakistan Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud, including Pakistani sources to al Jazeera, a growing debate is widening in the international media about the "value" of that event.... Australia: Down Under Jihad?By Walid PharesEvery time a liberal democracy was targeted by jihadi terror; from 9/11, Madrid's trains, London's subways, Holland's Van Gogh assassination, to all other terror-related arrests in France, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, and Denmark, a similar question was repeated senselessly:... "Boku Haraam," first wave of Nigerian Taliban, is over: Wait for the next oneBy Walid Pharesal Qaeda Graffiti in Kano, northenr Nigeria The renewal of violence in the northern provinces of Nigeria brings this oil producing country to the brink of "Talibanization," threatening not only the precarious ethnic and religious makeup of the most... North Carolina Arrests: Meet "Taqiyya Jihad"..By Walid PharesSaifallah aka Boyd and Hassan With shock and malaise, Americans are discovering that their country is penetrated by jihadi terrorists, particularly those we call "homegrown." Over the past few months, several alarming cases have been revealed by law enforcement.... Iraqi Success Will Depend on Next U.S. StrategyBy Walid PharesIn a briefing organized in Congress in July of 2007, I submitted a plan to the U.S. House Caucus on Counter Terrorism called "Freedom lines" suggesting a second phase in the American military campaign in Iraq. This plan was suggested... ARKANSAS' LONE JIHADIST: HOW ALONE IS HE?By Walid PharesIn an armed attack outside the Army-Navy Career Center which handles recruiting, in Little Rock, AR, Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad, 23, killed one soldier wounded another. Muhammad, an American citizen who is a convert to Islam and previously known as Carlos... First Jihadi Cell of 2009 Busted In the United States — What Does It Mean?By Walid PharesA successful counter-terrorism operation led by the FBI and the New York City Police Department ended with the arrest of four New York City men in connection with plots to bomb Jewish synagogues and gun down military planes in upstate... Countering Jihadi Strategies in the Sub ContinentBy Walid PharesIn the May 2009 edition of India and Global Affairs, a Review of geopolitics published in India, I published an article titled "Countering Jihadi Strategies," in which I analyzed the pre and post 9/11 and pre and post Mumbai strategies... Introducing the book "The Confrontation: Winning the War against Future Jihad"By Walid PharesMy latest book, The Confrontation: Winning the War against Future Jihad was published in paperback this month. It is the third in a post 9/11 trilogy beginning with Future Jihad: Terrorist Strategies against the West, followed by The War of... The Taliban’s “AfPak” Strategy: A Jihadi Preemptive WarBy Walid PharesAs the U.S. administration and its allies are devising a new strategy for the next steps in Afghanistan, the jihadists have already begun their next move — but this time it’s inside Pakistan. As I’ve written over the past few... Jihad Corsairs on High Seas: What's Behind them?By Walid PharesMost of the media discussion about piracy in the Gulf of Aden has drifted understandably towards the sensational part of the story: how are the Pirates able to roam the Ocean? Is paying them ransom a better option than to... President Obama "AfPak" Strategy: Mapping the discussionBy Walid PharesThe evaluation of President Obama's grand strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan is now developing in the national and international defense and security sectors, both public and private. Expectedly, the discussion will have to go in two directions: the design of... Britain's Double Vision of Hezbollah?By Walid PharesThe British government’s announcement to open a dialogue with “the political wing of Hizballah” is most troubling. In a statement to a parliamentary committee, Bill Rammell, the British foreign office’s minister for Middle East affairs, rationalized the decision on the... The President's message to Iran: Is the regime interested?By Walid PharesPresident Obama addressed a message to the Iranian people and leadership calling on the regime to open a new page in the strained relationship. Tehran answered quickly that its expectations are to see Washington change its behavior. In comments made... Syria's Strategy in Lebanon: Historical OverviewBy Walid PharesAs discussions broaden in Washington and Brussels about the possible new engagement policies with the Assad regime, as the international criminal court tribunal in the Hariri assassination case is moving forward and as Arab regimes express their concerns about the... The Myth of the Two TalibansBy Walid PharesTaliban Militias In an interview with the New York Times this week (March 7), President Barack Obama said he “hopes U.S. troops can identify moderate elements of the Taliban and move them toward reconciliation.” The proposition came as a... 'Jihadi penetration of Pakistan’s armed forces is at the center of all concerns in any new strategy'By Walid PharesAs the Obama Administration prepares for the deployment of additional forces in Afghanistan and as the Pakistani Government is reviewing the national strategy regarding the Taliban forces in the Northeastern provinces, a parallel strategic debate is taking place in Indian... Iraq Withdrawal Can Only Work With Pressure On Iran and SyriaBy Walid PharesNow that President Obama and his aides have announced their plan for U.S. withdrawal from Iraq by August 31, 2010, they must consider what the forces engaged against the Coalition and Iraqi Government plan to do in this time. For... Post Mumbai analysis in German Magazine: Can Democratic Revolution isolate Jihadism?By Walid PharesIn the ongoing debate generated by the Mumbai attacks, and as the US Administration is attempting to find alternative strategies to exclusive military intervention against Terror forces, a growing number of indicators -mostly drawn from Jihadi debates- advances the possibility... Analysis of the Munich Conference on Russia, Iran and Afghanistan issuesBy Walid PharesIn the wake of the Munich security conference, CT and military analysts are attempting to read the new trends developing between the US, NATO partners and the Russian Federation regarding international terrorism, Iran, Afghanistan and other relevant issues. The annual... Strategic analysis of the Mumbai attacks: Few points to projectBy Walid PharesAs the Indian Government has issued its various reports on the Mumbai attacks and as a number of Think Tanks worldwide are issuing their evaluation and projections, the long term debate about what the operation meant, was meant to become... Iran's New Satellites: The Pasdaran in SpaceBy Walid PharesThe launching of an Iranian satellite into orbit, said to be about "communications technology" and "earthquake monitoring," would have been a normal news item not exceeding the greater news report about India landing a space craft on the moon last... Iran’s Fear of a Velvet Revolution?By Walid PharesOver the past few weeks more reports about Iranian suppression of opposition surfaced, including by Iranian-backed media. One particular report revealed a number of arrests among Ethnic Azeris inside Iran, only months after other reports about significant incidents in the... Iraq Provincial Elections: Pointing the Way to the Future or a Return to Oppression?By Walid PharesPer UN observers, NGOs and legislators from various assemblies around the world, the latest Iraq provincial elections showed a significant level of professionalism and organizational clout. Despite a number of incidents and flaws, within norms of societies emerging away... Guantanamo’s manipulators leading the new JihadBy Walid Phares"By Allah, imprisonment only increased our persistence in our principles for which we went out, did jihad for, and were imprisoned for." These are the words loudly uttered by an al-Qaeda cadre who was detained in GITMO for a... Middle East Challenges to the Obama Administration: The Forthcoming CrisesBy Walid PharesThe following briefing is based on a speech I delivered to the Florida Society for Middle East Studies (FSMES) on January 17, 2009. It was published by the Association for the Study of the Middle East and Africa (ASMEA). The... Bin Laden: Gaza is one of the many fronts of "World Jihad"By Walid PharesTo Usama Bin Laden, the confrontation in Gaza is not a local national issue but it is part of what he coins as world Jihad against the Kuffars (infidels), or more precisely the “Crusader-Zionist enemy.” This stark ideological reminder... Discussion about the feasibility of a Gaza demilitarizationBy Walid PharesAs the Israeli Government has decided to commit to a unilateral cease fire in Gaza, and in light of the US-Israeli agreement on blocking the flow of weapons to Hamas; also in light of a NATO exploration of a... A Plan for Gaza: Demilitarization and InternationalizationBy Walid PharesAs the UN Security Council was voting for Resolution 1860 calling for a cease fire in Gaza, for the stopping of the flow of weapons to Hamas and for the withdrawal of Israeli forces, I had sent a memo to... Strategic Reading in the Gaza Conflict (Part 2): An Eight Points AssessmentBy Walid PharesAfter having advanced ten questions about the ongoing conflict in Gaza, at the onset of the Israeli military operations against Hamas (December 28, 2008 on CTB) and as Israel chose to commit ground forces inside the enclave, here is... Shadow of Iran Looms Large Over GazaBy Walid PharesThe Israeli air raids on Hamas’s infrastructure along with troop movements around Gaza’s enclave and the shelling of Israel by the jihadist organization are both troubling developments in the Middle East but they are certainly neither new nor surprising. Dramatic... Ten Top Questions about the ongoing Israel-Hamas confrontationBy Walid PharesFollowing are ten top questions needed to engage in strategic discussion of the ongoing Israel-Hamas confrontation in Gaza. These items can be altered if ground developments would take different directions in the next days or weeks. 1. What is... WMD Strikes "highly or less" likely over the next five years? US Report discussedBy Walid PharesAn intelligence assessment, the "Internal Homeland Security Threat Assessment for the years 2008-2013, obtained by the Associated Press projected several "dramatic" developments. Among these projections that Terrorism directed against the US will "continue to be driven by instability in the... Jihad by the Shoe: Who Was Behind it and why?By Walid PharesAs I observed the immediate aftermath of the shoe throwing incident in Baghdad, I noted that the most striking effect occurred among the Western public, and particularly within the United States. Commentators and regular citizens were asking themselves again,... New York Office Building used by Iranian regime, seized by FedsBy Walid PharesThe US Government seized control last Wednesday of a New York City office building partially owned by a company with ties to the Iranian government. The Treasury and Justice Departments move is aimed to end a flow of cash used... OIC's "Defamation" declaration could be used by Jihadi Terror networksBy Walid PharesOver the past nine months, a major campaign promoted by member-states in the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and its Secretariat General has been aiming at forcing a declaration on "defamation of religion" on the United Nations. The OIC,... A Belgian Victory over al Qaeda: More lessons to be learnedBy Walid PharesAgence France Presse and the Associated Press are reporting that Belgian authorities have arrested 14 suspected Al Qaeda terrorists including a jihadi who was allegedly planning a suicide attack. Sixteen raids were executed by 242 police officers in Brussels and... Guantanamo’s Jihad: The Show Begins…By Walid PharesAl Qaeda’s great moment for propaganda has arrived, just as I predicted it would when I wrote about this in June. The Guantanamo trials will provide leading figures in the 9/11 massacre their “moment” to deliver a blow to America’s... After Mumbai: Deciphering the HorizonsBy Walid PharesAs the crisis between India and Pakistan is drawing the attention of the international community and the diplomatic efforts of the United States, public opinion has shown an increased interest in the Jihadi agenda in India. In this regard the... International support to India and Pakistan against Jihadi terrorBy Walid PharesAs Governments and private sector analysts are now decrypting the secrets of the Mumbai Jihadi operation and as diplomats are hurrying to head off a crisis between the two Asian nuclear powers, the counter terrorism community within Democracies is focusing... Mumbai Terror attacks: Urban Jihad comes to IndiaBy Walid PharesAs we write this short early assessment of the Terror attacks in Mumbai, events are still unforlding in the financial capital of the sub Indian region. Counter Terrorism units are battling armed elements inside several buildings including the Taj Hotel... Future Prisoners of war: International Law or criminal courts?By Walid PharesUpon the ongoing debate about the release of Guantanamo detainess or their processing through US criminal courts, a heavy fact is still unaddressed: future prisoners of war. If indeed the United States is and will continue to be at War... ZAWAHIRI: JIHAD WILL CONTINUE DESPITE OBAMABy Walid Phares(Co-Editor's Note: Walid Phares was interviewed on C-SPAN on November 20 about this tape - watch here.) As observers were awaiting the release of the "official" al Qaeda position regarding the election of Barack Obama as the new President of... Hizballah Calls for Referendum on its Weapons?By Walid PharesThis week, a Hezbollah official said his organization would call for a referendum in Lebanon over the Iranian-backed militia. This unprecendented statement signals a new stage in Hezbollah's gradual moves to dominate the country's defense and security apparatuses. After having... First Unofficial Obama Positions on New War Strategies: A DiscussionBy Walid PharesIn an effort to engage in an early discussion of the forthcoming Administration's policies regarding the War Strategies, I have reviewed and analyzed comments made by sources representing the national security team to the Washington Post about the "new strategies"... Al-Qaida-Iraq's Message to the New "Rulers of the White House"By Walid PharesReactions to the election of a new U.S. president are fusing from across the Arab and Muslim world. Reflecting the fundamental interests of the various regimes and movements, the most radical groups - including al-Qaida - have been sending messages... EMP: The Next Iranian strategic threat to the US Mainland?By Walid PharesOver the past seven months I have been interacting with US Homeland Security and European defense officials and experts on a the potential next threat to the West, more particularly against mainland America. The signature of that strategic menace is... Al Qaeda's Propaganda Aims to Affect US Election and future StrategiesBy Walid PharesA recent Associated Press report and a Washington Post article reported that al Qaeda's web sites have expressed a strategic preference of their organization for the next President of the United States. The Washington Post analysis, observing that multiple sites... France's War with JihadisBy Walid PharesIn the Western debate on how best to counter the rise and expansion of the Jihadi movement, particularly the Salafists, within liberal democracies, European experiences are important because of the sheer numbers of militants and the dissemination within many urban... OPEC War against America’s Economic Independence?By Walid PharesAccording to economic analysis the severe financial crisis ravaging the US and hitting the international community on all continents has its economic roots in two major realms: One was the overbearing political pressure put on Wall Street to release loans... Let the Dissidents Challenge the JihadistsBy Walid PharesPrague, September 16, 2008 At the invitation of the Prague Security Studies Institute (PSSI), a think tank for international relations in the Czech Republic, I delivered a lecture on “Jihadist Strategies against Europe: Background, Projections and Options.” The event was... Bombings in Lebanon and Syria are part of a Master Campaign?By Walid PharesThe chain reaction seems to be set for a wider series of bombings, Terror attacks and security developments in Lebanon and Syria. Today a car bomb killed a number of Lebanese soldiers in Northern Lebanon, just a day after an... Syrian Mukhabarat Perhaps Responsible for Today’s Car-Bomb AttackBy Walid PharesA car bomb, most likely a truck, exploded today in Syria on the highway leading to the Airport killing more than 17 and wounding many others. In the hours following the blast a media blitz came out of Damascus and... Henry Jackson Society discussion of the Confrontation in London: Independence from Petro Dollars is KeyBy Walid PharesDuring this summer lectures-tour in Europe, I have discussed my most recent book The Confrontation: Winning the War against Future Jihad at the invitation of the Henry Jackson Society, a London-based Project for "Democratic Geopolitics." In one of the discussion... Jihadi Hellish message to PakistanBy Walid PharesAs shown by world networks, the hellish flames ravaging the Mariott Hotel in Islamabad seemed like a vision of the Apocalypse. That's at least how many survivors of the Terror attack that massacred more than 60 and wounded hundreds have... To contain Jihadism you need PluralismBy Walid PharesPrague, September 16, 2008 As part of my current European lectures and briefings tour in Europe which began this week at the European Parliament in Brussels I presented a lecture to the Center for International Security in Prague on the... Hezbollah and Sudan's Salafi Regime ConvergeBy Walid PharesThe convergence between Jihadi Khomeinists and Jihadi Salafists seems to be developing as strategists and terrorism analysts are debating the near future of the global jihadi movement. Moving fast to reach out to the Islamist regime in Khartoum, the Iranian-backed... Ten Questions about al Qaeda and its Jihadi nebulousBy Walid PharesAt the eve of the this year's anniversary of 9/11, World Defense Review (WDR) conducted an interview with me on the current debate about al Qaeda and its Jihadi nebulous. The conversation took place with Thomas Smith, military expert and... Iran’s Fantasy: A Renewed Cold War between "Infidels" Russia and AmericaBy Walid PharesFollowing is a short commentary I wrote about the Iranian regime strategic opportunity to dodge the international sanctions and the rise of its own opposition, seized through the ongoing tensions between the Russian Federation and NATO. The main point in... How the Jihadi Propaganda Machine Will Win the Guantanamo TrialsBy Walid PharesJihadism in the 21st century has plans for all types of situations, including Mujahada (Jihadi activity) in a courtroom when needed. This is now what the world will witness during the trials of the al Qaeda detainees in Guantanamo, Cuba.... How to measure al Qaeda's defeatBy Walid PharesIn an article published in the Washington Post on Friday May 30, CIA Director Michael V. Hayden is quoted as portraying al Qaeda movement as "essentially defeated in Iraq and Saudi Arabia and on the defensive throughout much of the... Nasrallah's speech: Hezbollah Ruled, the West was FooledBy Walid PharesIn the next days a major battle in the War of Ideas will be unfolding worldwide and particularly through the international media. We are now witnessing a massive campaign by Hezbollah's strategic communication machine (as our Western jargon likes to... Nasrallah's speech: The Explosive Bottom LineBy Walid PharesHere is a summary of the main points made by Secretary General of Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah this week in Beirut, after the invasion of (mostly Sunni) West Beirut, the attack against (mostly Druze) southern Mount Lebanon and after the... Usama's Message: Good Jihadists v. Bad JihadistsBy Walid PharesIn his latest audio released by as-sahab (media arm of al Qaeda), the organization’s Zaeem (supreme chief) elaborates on the difference between the pure Jihadists and those Islamists who lost their way and determination to continue the fight in the... Hezbollah's Communication Network Confirms Its Terror GoalsBy Walid PharesAn intelligence map released by a French web site, referencing Lebanese sources, shows the extensive communications network established by Hezbollah throughout Lebanon. These closed telephone circuits are operationally independent of government networks. The Lebanese Ministry of Telecommunications has no link... Lebanon's "300"By Walid PharesWhile the West is busy living its daily life, a beast is busy killing the freedom of a small community on the East Mediterranean: Lebanon. Indeed, as of last week, the mighty Hezbollah, armed to the teeth with 30,000 rockets... Hezbollah’s Beirut’s BlitzBy Walid PharesAs many among us have warned several times over the past year, and many articles later, Hezbollah has indeed waged its expected blitzkrieg against the democratically elected Government of Lebanon. Within 24 hours, the pro-Iranian super-militia blocked all accesses to... Bin Laden’s threat uncovers Jihadist message for EuropeBy Walid PharesIn an audiotape posted on Internet, Osama Bin Laden threatened Europe with punishment because of its “negligence in spite of the opportunity presented to take the necessary measures” to stop the republishing of the Danish cartoons. It also menaced the... New Book: The Confrontation: Winning the War Against Future JihadBy Walid PharesThis is to introduce my new book The Confrontation: Winning the War against Future Jihad which has been released today In my first post 9/11 book, Future Jihad: Terrorist Strategies Against the West, I attempted to explain the roots, the... Mughniyah's strike: A Benchmark in the Counter Terror WarBy Walid PharesThe killing of Imad Mughniye in Damascus, what ever is the context and whom ever are the executors, is a benchmark in the war between the Iranian Terror networks and their enemies. Mughniye has led the Iranian and Hezbollah operations... Chad's Future Taliban enters capital while the West is asleepBy Walid PharesAs Americans are debating who among their candidates for the primaries can best confront the Jihadists or at least preempt their offensives worldwide, future Jihadi forces have in one day invaded an African country (under European protection), a key location... This Last "State of the Union" should prepare for the future..By Walid PharesThe last State of the Union Address of President George Bush must prepare the nation for the future not only state the perceived achievements. It must lay out the grounds upon which the next President would build the future stages... "Syria's Jihadists and Hezbollah are two arms of one body"By Walid PharesFollowing the bombing of a US embassy car in Beirut this week many analysis were made available about the authors of this terror attack. Several thesis struggled with what they coined different and opposed possibilities. One main option being Hezbollah... Hezbollah's Billion PetrodollarsBy Walid PharesA few weeks ago, articles published around the world reported that Hezbollah is undergoing two major changes. Both portend greater violence from the Iranian-sponsored global terrorist network. The first change is a shift in leadership responsibilities. A report published initially... The Jihadi preemptive strike against Bhutto's war of ideasBy Walid PharesFormer Pakistani Prime Minster Benazir Bhutto was murdered because of herpotential actions in Pakistan, by the combined forces of jihadism in that country. In short, they executed her to pre-empt her future war of ideas. This was the bottom line... 2007: A Global Assessment of the ConfrontationBy Walid PharesThe conflict we call the War on Terror still continues at the end of 2007 and all indications are that its battlefields are expected to spread further, and escalate, in the upcoming year. The following is a global assessment of... Syrian and Iranian Axis Terrorize their oppositionBy Walid PharesWhile Petrodollars Propaganda showers networks in North America, the Middle East and Europe in order to weaken the resolve of democracies to confront the Iranian and Syrian regimes; and while "lobbies" in the West accelerate their campaigns to break the... Lebanon's officers under "axis" Terror attack?By Walid PharesOn December 12 a top Lebanese Army commander, Brigadier General Francois Hajj, was killed in a Terrorist bombing in the suburb of Baabda southeast of Beirut. Hajj, 54, who was close to army commander Michel Sleiman and tipped to be... Algeria's bombings: al Qaeda strike at French-Algerian rapprochement?By Walid PharesHere are few remarks about the bombings in Algeria today: An Al Qaeda link? Most experts in Algeria and the Arab world believe this terror campaign is either inspired or ordered by al Qaeda in the Maghreb. Even if the... Misestimating Iran's Nuclear StrategiesBy Walid Phares"IT'S THE MISSILES NOT THE FISSILE" The release to the US Congress of the NIE Iranian threat report has unleashed a wave of discussions streaming directly into the debate about the war on terror. From there, obviously, the ripple... Bin Laden and Future Jihad in EuropeBy Walid PharesWhat is interesting about the latest audio message of Usama Bin Laden, carried by al Jazeera, is its delayed argument. Strangely he is trying to convince the Europeans - seven years later - that they are wrong to have followed... US Measures aim at the heart of the Iranian RegimeBy Walid PharesAfter Andy Cochran's posting, here is a quick comment on the Designation of Iranian Entities and Individuals for Proliferation Activities and Support for Terrorism Today's documents revealing the US financial measures taken against Iran's military power hits the heart of... A Caliph's frustration with his emirsBy Walid PharesYes, Bin Laden’s latest audiotape aired on al Jazeera is somewhat unique. Not in its ideological party line or in the Salafi doctrinal roots. That hasn’t changed nor is it expected to. Surely, in a previous speech he inserted some... Are Syria and Iran Manipulating Turkey on Iraq?By Walid PharesPKK is the Kurdish Worker’s Party that adopted violence in its struggle against Turkey. As the Turkish Parliament recently voted to authorize a limited invasion into Northern Iraq to fight the PKK militias, one can see the rising shadows of... Note on Turkey Kurdistan TriggerBy Walid PharesThe Turkish army is mobilizing to move inside Iraqi Kurdistan, and Turkish experts say the invasion may go as deep as 60 KM inside Iraqi Kurdish lands. The objective is to uproot the fighters of the PKK, but the Turks... Holy War and Anti War: An Axis against NatureBy Walid PharesThe oddest of all factional relationships is the open alliance between the Jihadists and the so-called "antiwar" neo-Left movement in the West. The jumble of causes thrown together is mind-bending: globalization hobnobs with the caliphate, class struggle with Wahabism, proletariat... As expected, Iran's media edited out criticism of AhmedinijadBy Walid PharesEt voila, as expected, the Iranian official media edited out the stories about the Ahmedinijad visit to Columbia University. President Bollinger's "harsh" questions were deleted and the Iranian President's quotes lionized. As I told Fox News and a number of... Is Al Qaeda Iraq a Threat to Sweden?By Walid PharesThe leader of al Qaeda in Iraq recently offered a bounty encouraging the assassination of a Swedish cartoonist and his editor for having published drawings deemed insulting to the religion of Islam. Omar al Baghdadi, in an audio statement said... Ghanem was killed by the Syro-Iranian “axis” - Chapter 7 is a "Must"By Walid PharesAs I projected on June 12 on this site (after the assassination of Walid Eido), this is another assassination conducted within the campaign launched by the Syro-Iranian axis to reduce the majority in Parliament and obstruct the election of a... Four questions on al Qaeda's threat to SwedenBy Walid PharesPosted on Jihadi web sites, a declaration by the commander of al Qaeda Iraq, Omar al Baghdadi promised to pay 100,000$ for anyone who would assassinate Swedish Cartoonist Lars Vilks, who published an "offensive cartoon" of Prophet Mohammed in the... On the Sixth anniversary of 9/11: Ten questions for the futureBy Walid PharesAt this sixth anniversary of the Jihadist attacks on America, a better understanding of the past can lead us to a clearer analysis of future trends. Such analysis opens up the way for a series of critically important questions. 1.... The 'Bin Trotsky' Video and the Jihadi Failure in IraqBy Walid PharesHas Osama bin Laden turned into Osama bin Trotsky? As I was watching bin Laden reading carefully from his prepared speech, I couldn't help but notice the dramatic drifting in the rhetoric from Salafi Jihadism to a new brand of... Iran Plan for IraqBy Walid PharesThis is a part one of a series on "Freedom Lines," adapted from seminars conducted for the U.S. House of Representatives' Caucus on Counter Terrorism, summer 2007. It addresses the various plans in the region regarding Iraq, Lebanon and beyond.... The Tampa Bombers: Jihadists or "Beach Boys?"By Walid PharesSix years after 9/11, the mainstream reading of the war on Terror still circles around the essence of the conflict. Two young men indicted for charges of possession of explosives aren't yet perceived as part of an Urban Jihadist campaign... An Idealistic Alternative to the Saudi Arms DealBy Walid PharesThe US Government is considering a new gigantic arms sale to the Saudi Kingdom, up to 20 billion dollars' worth of complex weaponry. The proposed package includes advanced satellite-guided bombs, upgrades to its fighters, and new naval vessels, as part... Why Military Jihad is illegal in Modern TimesBy Walid Phares(PS: This is an essay in the field of the War of Ideas related to concepts crucial to the Jihadist movements.) One of the strangest, but not unexpected, battles of words and ideologies is over the claims made about the... Preventing the West from Understanding JihadBy Walid PharesIn the years that followed 9/11, two phenomena characterized the Western public's understanding of the terrorists' ideology. The first characteristic stemmed from the statements made by the jihadists themselves. More than ever, Islamist militants and jihadi cadres didn't waste any... The cells are already here, while more are comingBy Walid PharesThe current media rush to interpret what the US Government is releasing in terms of potential infiltration by an al Qaeda cell (or cells) to strike this summer is warranted but still unfocused. ABC News and AP have reported new... A Hezbollah Coup Attempt This Summer?By Walid PharesThis week, MEMRI issued a report entitled "Possible eruption of violent crisis in Lebanon after July 15." The report either cites or quotes previous reports published by Lebanese and Arab media, both pro and anti-Syro-Iranian. Following are my thoughts on... The Car Bomb Jihad: Is Britain seeing clearly?By Walid PharesWith each revelation made in Britain and in the West about a foiled plot or after an actual attack, a shower of questions is raised within the mainstream media, some of which contradict the other. The June 29 British success... Palestinians: "Taliban" versus "Mujahideen"?By Walid PharesPS: This is an article published last week Most analysts tend to agree (as of the end of June 2007) that a new reality has transformed the geopolitics of the Palestinian territories to the disadvantage of all parties claiming to... Lebanon, Gaza, the Broader Syro-Iranian OffensiveBy Walid PharesThe latest dramatic military and terror events in Gaza and Lebanon can be viewed from a regional geopolitical perspective: A Syro-Iranian axis offensive on its (their) primarily western front stretching along the Mediterranean coast. .. In previous analyses I have... Syro-Iranian massacre of Lebanese PoliticiansBy Walid PharesWith the assassination of Lebanese MP Jebran Tueni in December 2006, months after the murder of political leaders George Hawi and Samir Qassir during the summer, the Syro-Iranian terror war room had opened a bloody hunt against the democratically elected... The Syrian-Jihadist "Highway" in LebanonBy Walid PharesA curious "debate" is growing rapidly among a number of Western-based analysts about the "impossibility" of the existence of Syrian Jihadi-Salafist links. More particularly, some analysts went to the extent of describing the existence of links between the Syrian Mukhabarat... Fighting in Lebanon - Latest AnalysisBy Walid PharesA second note from May 25, 2007 on Fatah al Islam clashes with the Lebanese Army, posted by W. Thomas Smith Jr.... "Lebanon Brave little force"..till when?By Walid PharesOn May 22, W. Thomas Smith JR reported notes about the ongoing fight in northern Lebanon and posted them on NRO. I am reposting them on CTB. This was a week ago. I will post a more recent note as... Al Qaeda's New Front in LebanonBy Walid PharesYesterday in northern Lebanon, a group named Fatah al Islam conducted several attacks against the Lebanese Army, killing (up to) 25 soldiers and losing (up to) 15 members in addition to civilian casualties. The fighting is still raging at this... British Minister Fails the War of IdeasBy Walid PharesIn a speech on British policy on Terrorism, the international development secretary of the UK failed the basic understanding of the ongoing War on Terror. M Hilary Benn, a candidate for Labor Party deputy leadership said "President George Bush's concept... Algiers Terror "Ghazwa": It is a global war with Terror, in different battlefieldsBy Walid PharesToday's suicide attacks in Algiers leaves us with the following thinking points: 1. The Salafi Group for Preaching and Combat (with its new name) joined al-Qaeda few months ago. It is now waging "Jihad" against the Algerian state, civil society... Admedinijad's "Plan B" - The Circus ContinuesBy Walid PharesWith the decision to release the 15 British sailors, the Ahmedinijad Circus resumes its tales. Morphing from a “long story” to a “sensational scoop” the powerful Khomeinist propaganda machine has produced a better end to the hostage crisis: release them... A Jihadi Circus in Tehran and the 15 sailorsBy Walid PharesSince day one of the planned operation to snatch British sailors from Iraqi (or international waters), the Pasdaran (Revolutionary Guards) “Kitchen” in Tehran, had already drawn multiple scenarios for the following weeks and potentially months to come. Indeed the regime,... Royal Navy "incident": The larger plan of Teheran's regimeBy Walid PharesThe capture of British Navy servicemen by Iranian forces is not simply an incident over sea sovereignty in the Persian Gulf. It is a calculated move on behalf of Teheran's Jihadi chess players to provoke a "projected" counter move by... London warning: A new step in Jihad TerrorBy Walid PharesLast Thursday a security report from the UK may have been a low level announcer of a new benchmark in Jihadi Terrorism. British Police said it arrested nine, including an Amjad Mahmoud, for “allegedly plotting” what authorities called “Iraq-style kidnapping.”... Redirecting Iraq’s campaignBy Walid PharesIn short, President George W. Bush’s plan for “redirecting” the Iraq campaign is logical, in line with the war on terror and targets the correct enemies of Iraq, of democracies and of the United States. But the plan needs to... Excerpts from Future Jihad's international versionBy Walid PharesFollowing are excerpts from Future Jihad's international paperback version: "Terrorist Strategies against the West" as published in World Defense Review and Family Security Matters this week. The new chapter summarizes the global trends and battlefields of the Jihadists worldwide.... HS Future Terrorism Task Force findings: "Salafi Jihadism is the main threat"By Walid PharesThe Task Force on Future Terrorism formed by the Homeland Security's Advisory Council (HSAC) released its findings today in Washington DC, in the presence of Secretary Chertoff, other US leaders and the media. In his remarks, Task Force chairman Lee... Jihad Versus Education in HS TodayBy Walid PharesFollowing is the HS Today (Homeland Security Today Journal) cover story "Jihad Versus Education." An analysis of the impact of Jihadi influence and ideology on US Education and recommendations to the US Government, executive branch and Congress. Posted on Walid... Iraqization is right, but surrendering to fascist regimes is wrongBy Walid PharesWithout any doubt, the Iraq Study Group report will become the center of a major debate on US foreign policy and the War on Terror. It contains significant components of possible successes but also recipe for disasters. It is important... HizbAllah's Offensive in Lebanon: Day ThreeBy Walid PharesOn the third day of HizbAllah’s campaign to takeover the Lebanese Government, more sectors from civil society began to rise. But they weren’t rising with the pro-Iranian militia in as much as they were rising to oppose its move. However... HizbAllah's Offensive in Lebanon: DayTwoBy Walid PharesIn its second day, HizbAllah’s offensive in Lebanon against the democratically elected Government has maintained pressures on various levels. Following are the main axis of activities: HizbAllah’s deployment By mid week end, several thousands of HizbAllah’s members, cadres and officers... HizbAllah offensive in Lebanon: Day OneBy Walid PharesAfter serious warnings delivered by HezbAllah secretary general, Hassan Nasrallah since early November, the generalized offensive to bring down the Cedars Revolution-backed Government has begun. As of the early hours of Friday December 1, 2006, thousands of HizbAllah members and... al Qaeda wants an "American Madrid"By Walid PharesThe Washington Times. November 22, 3006 The latest audio by al Qaeda's Iraq commander -- posted 48 hours after the midterm elections -- sends a clear signal to the readers of the jihadi strategic mind: Al Qaeda and its advisers... Response to the Terrorist assassination of Pierre GemayelBy Walid Phares"Removing Lahoud and applying Chapter 7" The assassination of Minister Pierre Gemayel in Beirut is another war crime against the democratically elected Government and Parliament of Lebanon, and another strike in the Terror War waged by the Syrian regime... On Iraq: Listen carefully to General AbizaidBy Walid PharesAs the debate in the United States is still raging on the Iraq War – and as many believe that the last legislative elections were a message from the American public to change the course in that conflict – the... Comments on Iran al Qaeda potential connectionBy Walid PharesIn three interviews on MSNBC today, I have discussed the potential connection between al Qaeda and the Iranian regime. The analysis was prompted by articles in the British press claiming that Ahmedinijad has instructed his services to develop an influence... Hezbollah's offensive in Lebanon has begunBy Walid PharesAccording to sources and contacts – as well as statements made in Lebanon over the past few weeks – all analysis indicates that Hezbollah is on the verge of an all out offensive in Lebanon to crumble the "March 14"... Al-Muhajir's audiotape: an important salad bowlBy Walid PharesOn 10 November, the website of the Islamic Renewal Organization, a Saudi dissident group headed by Muhammad al-Mas'ari and based in the United Kingdom, posted several links to a new audio message issued by Shaykh Abu-Hamzah al-Muhajir, AKA Abu-Ayyub al-Masri,... Future Terrorism: Mutant JihadsBy Walid PharesThe Fall 2006 issue of the Journal of International Security Affairs published my article "Future Terrorism: Mutant Jihads." The JISA also published articles by esteemed collegues from the CTB. In this piece I attempted to provide a global assessment of... THE CALIPH-STROPHIC DEBATEBy Walid PharesPublished by George Mason University's History News Network HNN. It seems that the US is having a hard time winning the hearts and minds of Arabs and Muslims, but an equally serious problem can be observed in the intellectual circles... The Continued Misunderstanding of the Salafi Jihad ThreatBy Walid PharesIn an article titled "Al Qaeda finds new partner: Salafist group finds limited success in native Algeria" (The Washington Post, October 5, 2006) by Craig Whitlock, Western sources, including French and American, assert that the Salafist Group for Call and... Testimony: Intercepting Radicalization at the Indoctrination stageBy Walid PharesThe Subcommittee on Homeland Security at the US House of Representatives held a hearing on an important theme: "The Homeland Security implications of radicalization.” I testified under the title: “Intercepting radicalization at the indoctrination stage.”My remarks covered the following themes:... On the latest video address by Dr Zawahiri, the "Prime Minister" of Jihadism..By Walid PharesIn its latest video, As Sahhab TV production featured “Prime Minister” Dr Ayman Zawahiri addressing the Umma on matters of Jihad and aqida (doctrine). Or at least this was the image the sophisticated field-studio wanted to project to the viewers.... A Patient Enemy: On 9/11 America entered a war that the Terrorists had already begunBy Walid Phares(Text of an essay-assessment at the fifth anniversary of September 11) As we have marked the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America, and we review the half a decade of war on terror since, the central question that... US embassy: Assad allows attack, offer "protection" and aim at confusionBy Walid PharesAccording to well informed Syrian sources, today's Terrorist attack against the US embassy in Damascus is one of the "Machiavellian" Assad operations. Let's remind ourselves that the Syrian regime's senior strategists and intelligence officers were trained by the sophisticated "intox"... Projecting Future Jihadi Terrorism Five Years After 9/11By Walid PharesI testified yesterday before the U.S. House International Relations Subcommittee on International Terrorism and Nonproliferation, which held a hearing titled, "Five Years Later--Gauging Islamist Terrorism." You can read the prepared statements of the chairman, Rep. Ed Royce, and the other... The "Azzam-Zawahiri" tape: a longer reading..By Walid PharesPS: I've posted a quick analysis of the "Azzam al Amriki" (AKA, Adam Gadhan) few days ago. This is the longer version reading of the 45 minutes tape. It include the short one plus additional thoughts. Because of web links,... The "Azzam" Threat: A prelude to Future Jihad in AmericaBy Walid Phares(EDITOR's NOTE, 9/3/06: The transcript of the video is on Laura Mansfield's website.) The video tape issued by al Qaeda’s “as-sahhab” production, in which Ayman Zawahiri introduces Jihadist Adam Gahdan to the world as a senior speaker to the American... ON THE AXIS OF JIHADISMBy Walid PharesBy Walid Phares and Behrooz Bahbudi The Washington Post Because for 11 years years, the American public wasn’t informed about the threat that lead to September 11 and because the classrooms and newsrooms of the United States were not educated... Arrest of 12 Passengers on Netherlands-India Flight Merits Further InvestigationBy Walid PharesTwelve passengers on a Northwest Airlines flight from Amsterdam to Mumbai, India were arrested today after passengers and crew noticed suspicious behavior over Germany, with the plane escorted by Dutch F-16s. Why is this important and why should it be... Iran Poised To Be "Mother of All World Threats"By Walid PharesI gave an interview to NewsMax.com that reflects my current analysis and predictions for the Middle East. An excerpt follows, and you can see the entire interview here: For anyone who still thinks the Israeli-Lebanon war is just a border... London: The "Shoe Bomber Factory" again?By Walid PharesQuick reaction: The British security reports about a plot to destroy airliners traveling from London to the US and the decision by UK authorities to ban passengers hand bags on board brings back the whole question of the "factory" again,... Lebanon's Government is hostage to HezbollahBy Walid PharesIn an interview with Neil Cavuto on Fox News I argued that Hezbollah will continue to receive supplies and support from Iran via Syria through the Lebanese-Syrian borders, which do not exist. Hezbollah's deadliest and long range weapons are most... REUTERS' HIJACKING LEBANON'S ANSWER TO THE UN?By Walid PharesA few hours after a Franco-American draft for a UN Security Council resolution was released, pro-Hezbollah lobbies and allies launched a campaign to hijack the response of Lebanon to the United Nations. As noted by seasoned observers the campaign started... Note on the UN Security Council Resolution Regarding Israel-Hezbollah ConflictBy Walid PharesThe current consensus within the United Nations Security Council on the resolution to address the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is the result of a review of four positions and the selection of the middle way between all the latter:... Meanings: Saad Bin Laden at the Lebanese Syrian borders?By Walid PharesIn an MSNBC interview with Tucker Carlson yesterday, I commented on the report by a German publication that Iranian authorities have "released Saad Bin Laden from his house arrest in Iran to be assigned at the Lebanese Syrian borders." My... Main current Israeli targets in LebanonBy Walid PharesFrom an analysis of the observation of Israel's air campaign in Lebanon and its limited incursions in the south at this stage, and based on reporting from Lebanon's military and security sources and analysts, it appears that the strategic targets... HIZBOLLAH’S IRANIAN WAR IN LEBANONBy Walid PharesWhen Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, secretary general of Hezbollah held his press conference to declare his new victory over his enemy, Israel, he was triggering –probably without knowing- a new era in the history of Lebanon and the region. “We will... The Lebanon Evacuation WindowBy Walid PharesAs I have witnessed previous evacuations in Lebanon for about two decades, and as I am monitoring the ongoing evacuations of Western and American citizens by US and European military, I was able to establish a security map through which... To Repeat: Are We Ready for Hizbollah Attacks in the US?By Walid PharesBack on April 5, in "Are You Ready for Hizbollah's Preemptive Terror?" I warned that "The Terror War in Lebanon is a prelude to the upcoming (or highly likely) Hizbollahi Jihad against the US and other democracies, in the same... Hizbollah’s War for Iran and SyriaBy Walid PharesSayed Hassan Nasrallah, in his press conference yesterday, declared a war that many in Lebanon believe was in line with Iran and Syria’s strategies. Last night on al-Hurra TV, I developed the real 4 reasons for this war across the... The Jihadist War Against IndiaBy Walid PharesIs this the beginning of the Jihadi war on India? Yes and no. Yes it is a jihadist war on India, but no, the trains’ bombings weren’t the beginning of that war. Unlike the U.S., Spain, and the UK, the... Amir Andalousi: Casanova or a Jihadi on a mission?By Walid PharesNot that it is strategically relevant, but the story of Amir Andalousi life is surfacing in Beirut's press. However, before we dive into its hollywoodian dimension, keep in mind the political context in Lebanon. Those who made the arrest of... The New York Jihad flood starts in Lebanon?By Walid PharesAmir Andalousi More information has transpired about one of the designated participants in the alleged plot, which according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, was to bomb the Holland Tunnel, connecting New Jersey with Manhattan, with the ostensible goal... Jihad then more Jihad: Bin Laden's Iraq and Somalia ordersBy Walid PharesOsama bin Laden In an audiotape aired on al Qaida's "Media production site," As Sahab, Al Qaida's leader Usama Bin Laden issued his expected "guidelines and instructions" to the Jihadists in the region and around the world regarding Iraq... AS SAHAB ANNOUNCES A BIN LADEN VIDEO ON SOMALIABy Walid PharesAs Sahab Productions announced that a Video message by UBL"is coming" without a specific date. The announcement in the web site Marquee cites a message addressing the Jihadists in Iraq and Somalia. Chat rooms and other al Jazeera panels have... 21 points in Maliki's program could confront terrorism in IraqBy Walid PharesIn an interview with Radio Free Iraq, I reported that up to 21 points proposed in Prime Minister Maliki's program could become a solid base for an Iraqi war on Terror, if well implemented. The formation of a council for... Zawahiri Tape: Taliban exposes plans and concernsBy Walid PharesAl Qaida number two, Dr Ayman Zawahiri issued a new tape calling on the Afghans to "rise against the Infidels (Kuffars) and their agents (the Karzai Government)." Following are few points of analysis and evaluation: 1) Attacking the US for... Zarqawi's elimination: "Was it killing the future leader of al Qaida?"By Walid PharesThe first question some skeptics asked in the early hours of June 8, 2006 was: Is the elimination of chief terrorist Abu Mus’ab al Zarqawi in Iraq a victory? Of course it is. The man who personally executed and ordered... al Jazeera's commentators: "Zarqawi's death won't stop al Qaida"By Walid PharesReacting to the killing of Abu Mus'ab al Zarqawi in Iraq, pro-Jihadi commentators on al Jazeera rushed to assert that the "death of Zarqawi won't weaken al Qaida but will actually unify the organization." Abdelbari Atwan, the editor of al... The "Mahakem al Islamiya" are connected to al QaidaBy Walid PharesWith the latest news confirming the control of Somali capital Mogadishu by the "Union of Islamic Tribunals" (UIT) a new era of Jihad has begun in the Horn of Africa. From my observation of the development of Islamists movements in... From London to Toronto: Dismantling Cells, dodging their ideologyBy Walid PharesParis and London, June 3, 2006 Over the past nine months, speeches by Usama Bin Laden, Ayman Zawahiri, other Jihadi cadres and the documents found after the arrest of Terror-architect Abu Mus’ab al Suri all put the West and democracies... MOUSSAOUI: WRONG COURT, WRONG DEBATE..By Walid PharesShould we be surprised by the watershed debate following Zacarias Moussaoui’s trial ending? Not really. The jury rendering of its recommendation is not unusual throughout the American legal war with Terrorism: For the five years court struggle to try al... "TROUBLES" BEHIND THE ZARQAWI VIDEO?By Walid PharesNew York, April 25, 2006 Zarqawi's new videotape comes one day after the Sinai's attacks and two days after Bin Laden's "state of the world Jihad" audiotape aired on al Jazeera. Many questions are fusing: Why now and is there... BIN LADEN'S "STATE OF JIHAD" SPEECHBy Walid PharesOne more time Al Jazeera pomotes an Usama Bin Laden speech. After airing portions of the Bin Laden audiotape al Jazeera posted large fragments of the “speech” on its web site. This was the longest version possible we were... New Bin Laden Tape: Ten Main PointsBy Walid PharesAl Jazeera aired audiotape-fragments it said was from Bin Laden. In it, the leader of al Qaida made the following main ten points: 1. Hamas: Despite the fact that we (including Ayman Zawahiri) warned (Muslim Palestinians) not to take part... ARE YOU READY FOR HIZBOLLAH'S PREEMPTIVE TERROR?By Walid PharesWalid Phares In an article titled Attacking Iran May Trigger Terrorism in the Washington Post, journalist Dana Priest says U.S. Experts wary of Military Action over Nuclear Program. The gist of the piece is clear: If or when the US-... Jill Carroll is free; the reasons will be known soonBy Walid PharesJill Carroll's release is a reason for joy and relief among her family and the public. Any hostage freed from the Jihadists or any other terrorists is excellent news. The next stage, now, is to understand why she was kidnapped,... U.S. Treasury Department Designates Hizballah's Media Arms as Terrorist EntitiesBy Walid PharesThe U.S. Treasury Department today designated the al-Manar television operation, al Nour Radio, and the Lebanese Media Group, parent company to both al-Manar and al Nour Radio, as Specially Designated Global Terrorist Entities. Under Secretary Stuart Levey made it clear... A JIHAD WINDOW AT THE EMIRATES GATE?By Walid PharesWalid Phares The controversy about the UAE-based company projected to take over operations in a number of US seaports, quickly and unfortunately- dove into domestic politics. The issue was turned into trusting or not the will and the capacity of... THE CARTOONESQUE JIHAD?By Walid PharesWalid Phares - PART TWO - Brussels, the European Parliament, London, the House of Commons. This piece was authored in conjunction with the presentation of... THE CARTOON OFFENSIVE...By Walid PharesWalid Phares - Brussels, the European Parliament - PART ONE - "In my religion" said Imam abu Laban, leading Muslim cleric of Denmark , drawing images... Zawahiri's message: "your -US- assessment is wrong, we're winning"By Walid PharesWalid Phares The new Zawahiri videotape released by al Jazeera today shows a sophistication in the propaganda war waged by the Jihadists worldwide against the US and its allies. Designed to "crumble" the morale of the American public and "boost"... The Hamas Gate..By Walid PharesWalid Phares January 26, 2006 As soon as the Palestinian commission for elections declared Hamas as a winner of the legislative elections in Gaza and the West Bank, a hurricane of questions slammed international media, Governments, politicians, and analysts. Among... Osama's unmistakable messageBy Walid PharesI posted on January 19 with my initial interpretation of the new Bin Laden tape. Now, a longer analysis: In his last audiotape, aired at the discretion of al Jazeera a few days ago, the lord of al Qaeda seemed... Six Messages From the New Bin Laden TapeBy Walid PharesBin Laden has sent the US and the West his options for "Future Jihad." He is sending a notice to the Ameican people. We will analyze that. But why is he doing this now and what does he expect as... al Qaida aim at a "reverse no fly zones" in Iraq?By Walid PharesWalid Phares The several attacks against US helicopters in Iraq in January 2006 show a new trend to establish a deterrence against air power in the Jihadi areas of operations. In my last interview with MSNBC's Chris Jensing Monday, I... Beware of the other Jihadi blitzkrieg..By Walid PharesWalid Phares "Hezbollah successfully recruits computer scientists and is very effective in telecommunications and in encrypting their messages in order to defeat national security agents in Canada and the U.S.," he said." Globe and Mail (Canada). December 20, 2005 Well,... Catch them, but do not watch them!..By Walid PharesSpying on al Qaida in America by Walid Phares "Use their systems, passports, citizenship, laws, traditions, books and media, create internal divisions among them, and inflict defeat on the kuffars [infidels], for in the current balance of power, all we... Syria: General Kanaan's "assisted" suicide?By Walid PharesWalid Phares Top news on al Jazeera and in the Arab world, the officially dubbed "suicide" of Brigadier General Gaazi Kanaan, Syria's interior minister is a high indicator of storms to come Report. The Security General had ruled Syrian occupied... Thawahiri?s last letter: Al Qaeda and Iraq; an old project..By Walid PharesWalid Phares When US media showed significant interest in the Thawahiri letter addressed to Abu Mus'aab al Zarqawi (see for example The Washington Post on October 7), I attempted to monitor the "Jihadi Chat" regarding the so-called letter. To my... NY Subway Threat: The Terrorists optionsBy Walid PharesWalid Phares The first question that comes to mind is about the discrepancy between Washington and New York. Is it about analysis of the information, or is it disagreement on translations, context and credibility? Is it a conflict of expert... After Bali, New York a "recidivist" target, but awaiting evidenceBy Walid PharesWalid Phares Several indicators, including exchanges on the chat rooms (on the ansar among others) over the past days, show a strategic intention, or let's call it an intense focus on "recidivism." What was portrayed as "the success of the... Bush's speech: Finally the "ISM" word was uttered!By Walid PharesWalid Phares Finally, four years after the bloodiest Jihadi attack on the Western Hemisphere, and perhaps worldwide, the President of the United States named the enemy: He used the "ISM" word. It was lastly uttered.. In his speech this morning... Blood in Bali: The strategic questionsBy Walid PharesWalid Phares Summary of analysis: The Bali II bombing's most salient dimension is "terrorism recidivism." Compare it to a second Mohammad Atta team hitting Manhattan's skyscrapers next September: the immediate reaction of New Yorkers would be disbelief. But beyond the... Newsweek's speedy conclusions lead to analytical crashBy Walid PharesWalid Phares An interesting Newsweek story this week -that references CT Blog among its sources- claim scoring a point against what it paints as a questionable Bush administration portrayal of Abu Azzam. In short, the authors of the article, Michael... Walid Phares: "Al Qaida's TV" won't replace al Jazeera, it is the official archivesBy Walid PharesThe piece was first posted on FDD blog at link Writing in the Washington Post (article), Daniel Williams announced that al Qaida has launched its own news bulletins via Internet. He referred it to an Italian news agency called Adnkonois,... Jihadists: Katrina, an al Qaida soldier..By Walid PharesWalid Phares When I posted my latest comments on FDD blog on September 1, titled "Allah punished New Orleans," I didn't expect Zarqawi and the Jihadist bloggers to enlist Hurricane Katrina as a "sister" in al Qaida. But they did,... Jihadists: "Allah punished New Orleans"By Walid PharesWalid Phares allahu daraba al kafireen wal fasiqeen fi new orleen, wallahu daraba al mushrekeen el shiia fil iraq Allah hit the infidels and the depraved in New Orleans, and Allah hit the Shiia apostate in Iraq. -al ansar... Walid Phares: LEBANON SECURITY ARRESTS COULD LEAD TO SYRIA AND HIZBOLLAHBy Walid PharesToday, the Lebanese Government accepted a UN investigation commission request to have a number of former security chiefs brought in for interrogation in the Hariri assassination. The three directors detained were: Maj. Gen. Jamil Sayyed, the former chief of General... Walid Phares: War of Ideas on al JazeeraBy Walid PharesIn a forum along with two Islamist intellectuals on al Jazeera, I told the audience that Thawahiri's tape in reaction to Dr Rice's speech at the American University in Cairo shows that al Qaida is afraid from the spread of... Walid Phares: Second Warning: Assad in TehranBy Walid PharesAgence France Press. AFP. TEHRAN - Iran's new President Mahmood Ahmadinejad welcomed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Tehran on Sunday, vowing to strengthen ties between the two countries brought together by "shared threats." "Syria represents the frontline of the Muslim... Walid Phares: Danger at the Horizon: Hizbollah in TehranBy Walid Phares"Hezbollah has shown it is skillful and wise in politics as it is powerful and displays initiative in the field of Jihad and resistance," Khamenei told Hezbollah chief Hasan Nasrallah, the student agency ISNA reported "Today, the United States has... WALID PHARES: CAIR must condemn al Qaida and Jihadism..By Walid PharesIn a public relations campaign triggered today, an active American Muslim organization, the Council for American Muslim Relations CAIR released a political commercial (PSA) on national networks responding to what it believes has become surging inquiries about violence and religion.... LONDON ?S JIHAD RAIDBy Walid Phares"Ghazwat London Two words that said it all: The Londons Jihad raid. A title that was used by all al Qaidas declaration to define what has happened in the British capital on July 7. In the 48 hours that followed... A Jihad mentor arrested in Jordan - News agency misses the messageBy Walid PharesWalid Phares, Senior Fellow, Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, Washington When I was watching Isam Mohammad Taher al-Barqawi, also known as Sheik Abu Mohammed al-Maqdisi being interviewed on al Jazeera on July 5, just before he was arrested -in... By Walid PharesCHOICES OVER IRAQ: QUESTIONS IN PERSPECTIVE Walid Phares President Bush is set to address the nation at 8 PM tonight from the historic headquarters of the 82d Airborne Division in North Carolina. His remarks are... Iran Khumanists seal off the fortressBy Walid PharesPhares on al Hurra: Iran's Khumainists seal off the fortress Washington DC, al Hurra TV, Mideast Newswire, 1:15 PM. June 25, 2005 In an interview with al... Some Legislators have some explaining to doBy Walid PharesPhares on Radio America today: Legislators must tell us how to win the war on terror before they measure tactical success" Washington DC, Radio America, BQ 2:45 PM. Mideast Newswire Senior Fellow with the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies... |