Translations of this item:
When the September 11 attacks occurred, I was in Fresno, Calif., researching my M.A. thesis on the Battle of Yarmuk, one of the first yet little-known battles between Christendom and Islam, waged in 636 A.D. That battle, in which the Arab invaders were outmatched and yet still triumphed, would have immense historical repercussions. A mere four years later, Egypt and Mesopotamia, and all the land between, would become Islamic. A century later, all the land between southern France and India would be added to the House of Islam.The next time I came across any reference to this pivotal battle was four years later, as I was translating the words of Osama bin Laden. Surprisingly, an event that seemed so distant, almost irrelevant, to the West was to bin Laden a source not only of pride but of instruction. For him it was not mere history but an inspiring example of outnumbered and under-equipped mujahedin who, through faith-inspired courage, managed to defeat the Western empire of Byzantium. When the Arab and Afghan mujahedin, including bin Laden’s nascent Al Qaeda — outnumbered and under-equipped — defeated the Soviet invaders, history was repeating itself.
Yet why would this band, so reminiscent of their seventh-century forebears, attack the United States, its onetime ally against the Soviets, and in such a horrific manner? What was its motivation?
Finding answers seemed easy enough. From the start, the Internet — unregulated, uncensored, unfettered — has been Al Qaeda’s primary mouthpiece. Then, as now, whenever Al Qaeda has wanted to communicate with the West, it has posted videotaped messages, some complete with English subtitles.
After the events of 9/11, my increased interest in Arabic language and history led me to enroll in Georgetown University’s Center for Contemporary Arab Studies. Before and during my studies at Georgetown, I avidly read any and all posted Al Qaeda messages. The group’s motivation seemed clear enough: retaliation. According to its widely disseminated statements, the West in general and the United States in particular had been — overtly and covertly — oppressing and exploiting the Islamic world. The accusations included: unqualified U.S. support for Israel at the expense of Palestinians; deaths of Iraqi children due to U.N. sanctions; U.S. support for dictatorial regimes in the Muslim world; and, most recently, Western occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq. Every single message directed to the West by Al Qaeda includes most of these core grievances, culminating with the statement that it is the Islamic world’s duty to defend itself. “After all this, does the prey not have the right, when bound and dragged to its slaughter, to escape? Does it not have the right, while being slaughtered, to lash out with its paw?” bin Laden asks.
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Even the 9/11 strikes are explained as acts of reprisal. After describing the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982, where several high-rise apartment buildings were leveled, reportedly leaving some 18,000 Arabs dead, bin Laden, in a 2004 message directed at Americans, said: “As I looked upon those crumpling towers in Lebanon, I was struck by the idea of punishing the oppressor in kind by destroying towers in America — giving them a taste of their own medicine and deterring them from murdering our women and children.”
Soon after relocating to Washington in order to attend Georgetown, I landed an internship, which later evolved into a full-time position, at the Near East Section of the African and Middle Eastern Division of the Library of Congress, where thousands of new books, serials, and microfilms arrive yearly from the Arab world.
Numerous Arabic books dealing with Al Qaeda passed through my hands in this privileged position. A good number contained not only excerpts or quotes by Al Qaeda but entire treatises written by its members. Surprisingly, I came to discover that most of these had never been translated into English. Most significantly, however, the documents struck me as markedly different from the messages directed to the West, in both tone and (especially) content.
It soon became clear why these particular documents had not been directed to the West. They were theological treatises, revolving around what Islam commands Muslims to do vis-à-vis non-Muslims. The documents rarely made mention of all those things — Zionism, Bush’s “Crusade,” malnourished Iraqi children — that formed the core of Al Qaeda’s messages to the West. Instead, they were filled with countless Koranic verses, hadiths (traditions attributed to the Prophet Muhammad), and the consensus and verdicts of Islam’s most authoritative voices. The temporal and emotive language directed at the West was exchanged for the eternal language of Islam when directed at Muslims. Or, put another way, the language of “reciprocity” was exchanged for that of intolerant religious fanaticism. There was, in fact, scant mention of the words “West,” “U.S.,” or “Israel.” All of those were encompassed by that one Arabic-Islamic word, “kufr” — “infidelity” — the regrettable state of being non-Muslim that must always be fought through “tongue and teeth.”
Consider the following excerpt — one of many — which renders Al Qaeda’s reciprocal-treatment argument moot. Soon after 9/11, an influential group of Saudis wrote an open letter to the United States saying, “The heart of the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims is justice, kindness, and charity.” Bin Laden wrote in response:
As to the relationship between Muslims and infidels, this is summarized by the Most High’s Word: “We renounce you. Enmity and hate shall forever reign between us — till you believe in Allah alone.” So there is an enmity, evidenced by fierce hostility from the heart. And this fierce hostility — that is, battle — ceases only if the infidel submits to the authority of Islam, or if his blood is forbidden from being shed, or if Muslims are at that point in time weak and incapable. But if the hate at any time extinguishes from the heart, this is great apostasy! Allah Almighty’s Word to his Prophet recounts in summation the true relationship: “O Prophet! Wage war against the infidels and hypocrites and be ruthless. Their abode is hell — an evil fate!” Such, then, is the basis and foundation of the relationship between the infidel and the Muslim. Battle, animosity, and hatred — directed from the Muslim to the infidel — is the foundation of our religion. And we consider this a justice and kindness to them.
Bin Laden goes so far as to say that the West’s purported hostility toward Islam is wholly predicated on Islam’s innate hostility toward the rest of the world, contradicting his own propaganda: “The West is hostile to us on account of … offensive jihad.”
In an article titled “I was a fanatic … I know their thinking” published by the Daily Mail soon after the London and Glasgow terrorist plots, Hassan Butt, a former jihadist, helps explain the Islamist dichotomy between the propaganda of reciprocity and the theology of eternal hostility toward the infidel: “When I was still a member of what is probably best termed the British Jihadi Network … I remember how we used to laugh in celebration whenever people on TV proclaimed that the sole cause for Islamic acts of terror like 9/11, the Madrid bombings, and 7/7 was Western foreign policy.”
One is reminded of the captured video showing bin Laden laughing and gesticulating soon after the 9/11 strikes, boasting that many of the hijackers weren’t even aware that they were on a suicide mission. Butt continues:
By blaming the government for our actions, those who pushed this “Blair’s bombs” line did our propaganda work for us. More important, they also helped draw away any critical examination from the real engine of our violence: Islamic theology. … As with previous terror attacks, people are again saying that violence carried out by Muslims is all to do with foreign policy. For example, on Saturday on Radio 4’s Today program, the mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, said: “What all our intelligence shows about the opinions of disaffected young Muslims is the main driving force is not Afghanistan, it is mainly Iraq.”
Whatever position one takes as to why Al Qaeda has declared war on America, one thing is clear: We must begin to come to terms with all of Al Qaeda’s rhetoric, not just what is aimed specifically at Western readers. We must particularly come to better appreciate the theological aspects that underpin radical Islam. As Butt puts it:
The main reason why radicals have managed to increase their following is because most Muslim institutions in Britain just don’t want to talk about theology. They refuse to broach the difficult and often complex truth that Islam can be interpreted as condoning violence against the unbeliever — and instead repeat the mantra that Islam is peace and hope that all of this debate will go away.
When news of The Al Qaeda Reader leaked to the press in 2005, some on the left questioned whether the book would be a pseudo-scholarly attempt to demonize Muslims. Others on the right worried that unfiltered exposure to the radical beliefs and propaganda of bin Laden and his cohorts might unintentionally lead to more converts or sympathizers.
My reply is simply this: Whatever one’s position in regard to the “war on terror,” understanding the ideas of our enemy is both a practical necessity in wartime and a fundamental liberal value. It is my hope that both sides in this bitter debate will profit from a deeper acquaintance with these works. In any case, it simply will not do to dismiss Al Qaeda as an irrational movement without ideas
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This needs to be read and understood by everyone. Thank you Raymond.
To start with I want to clarify my own position and opinion. Eye for an eye makes the world go blind! Having said that I am sure I don’t need to confirm that I am against any and every kind of violence, no matter where from it is originated. All terrorist activity we have been experiencing is caused by America’s actions and activities – often covert activities – around the world. I lived in the M. East in the 50’s and the PRO-American attitude was unbelievable. American cars, American cigarettes, American Drinks, fashion, and clothing. Slowly it started changing because America started changing. The first incident of this change was in Iran when the then Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadengh mati9nalized all Iranian Petroleum assets. British Petroleum interests were badly affected. England sought the help of the US – their allies from WWII! Military action against Iran was too risky as there was the threat of the Soviet Union into taking action on behalf of Iran. CIA agent Kermit Roosevelt (grandson of Theodore Roosevelt) was sent to take action there, through payrolls and threats and enlisting many under payment to organise violent street demonstrations and riots, thus creating the impression that the PM was both unpopular and inept. The PM went down, and the pro-American Mohmmad Reza Shah Pahlavi became the unchallenged dictator. British Petroleum (BP) got what they wanted, their hands on Iranian oil! This was the beginning of the American financial conquering of many countries around the world – M. East, Asia, S. America. It is a long story to write here. I suggest that you have a look at this interview and hear the truth from the “horse’s mouth’’. John Perkins was a Financial Assassin. Let him tell you the facts firsthand. You will be disgusted.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLc3ehhPIKA (copy this link and place it in your Internet viewer)
America’s attitude changed and damaged many countries for the benefit of a handful of US companies and their owners. People also changed and realised that America is not their friend anymore, but their enemy. And that’s what has been happening. The problem is that is not just America that is paying the price – in fact America is paying the minimum – is the rest of the world that suffers. Iraq was invaded under false pretences, Libya was attacked because Ghaddafi started trading in Euros and not in US$. And do you think that the Ukraine war is what is publicly presented? The US is fighting a PROXY war. Otherwise, they wouldn’t finance $43 billion worth of weapons to fight Russia. Their aim is to destroy Europe and the Euro, which has become a thread to the US$, which in reality is worth nothing. Before anyone makes a comment on the above, please watch the interview on the above link. It is an eye opener and indeed you should go around with eyes shut.
You present no facts, only innuendo and alleged threats.
What threats? Plus there are plenty of facts, and this posting accurately captures what the US did in Iran in the 50’s and later, plus John Perkins is as he says.
Your answer is quite superfuous! You are asking for facts! Did you watch the interview I inculded the link? If you did and you still state what you stated, then…. I would suggest that you watch it again, as yoou have missed hell of a lot.
To start with I want to clarify my own position and opinion. Eye for an eye makes the world go blind! Having said that I am sure I don’t need to confirm that I am against any and every kind of violence, no matter where from it is originated. All terrorist activity we have been experiencing is caused by America’s actions and activities – often covert activities – around the world. I lived in the M. East in the 50’s and the PRO-American attitude was unbelievable. American cars, American cigarettes, American Drinks, fashion, and clothing. Slowly it started changing because America started changing. The first incident of this change was in Iran when the then Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadengh mati9nalized all Iranian Petroleum assets. British Petroleum interests were badly affected. England sought the help of the US – their allies from WWII! Military action against Iran was too risky as there was the threat of the Soviet Union into taking action on behalf of Iran. CIA agent Kermit Roosevelt (grandson of Theodore Roosevelt) was sent to take action there, through payrolls and threats and enlisting many under payment to organise violent street demonstrations and riots, thus creating the impression that the PM was both unpopular and inept. The PM went down, and the pro-American Mohmmad Reza Shah Pahlavi became the unchallenged dictator. British Petroleum (BP) got what they wanted, their hands on Iranian oil! This was the beginning of the American financial conquering of many countries around the world – M. East, Asia, S. America. It is a long story to write here. I suggest that you have a look at this interview and hear the truth from the “horse’s mouth”. John Perkins was a Financial Assassin. Let him tell you the facts firsthand. You will be disgusted.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLc3ehhPIKA (copy this link and place it in your Internet viewer)
America’s attitude changed and damaged many countries for the benefit of a handful of US companies and their owners. People also changed and realised that America is not their friend anymore, but their enemy. And that’s what has been happening. The problem is that is not just America that is paying the price – in fact America is paying the minimum – is the rest of the world that suffers. Iraq was invaded under false pretences, Libya was attacked because Ghaddafi started trading in Euros and not in US$. And do you think that the Ukraine war is what is publicly presented? The US is fighting a PROXY war. Otherwise, they wouldn’t finance $43 billion worth of weapons to fight Russia. Their aim is to destroy Europe and the Euro, which has become a thread to the US$, which in reality is worth nothing. Before anyone makes a comment on the above, please watch the interview on the above link. It is an eye opener and indeed you should go around with eyes shut.
You present no facts, only innuendo and alleged threats.
What threats? Plus there are plenty of facts, and this posting accurately captures what the US did in Iran in the 50’s and later, plus John Perkins is as he says.
Your answer is quite superfuous! You are asking for facts! Did you watch the interview I inculded the link? If you did and you still state what you stated, then…. I would suggest that you watch it again, as yoou have missed hell of a lot.
God’s implacable foe uses men to work evil in the world. God’s sacrifice of Christ Jesus to atone for our sins fulfilled the law he gave Moses and provides all who recognize our Savior as God the opportunity to stand unblemished on judgment day. God’s ways are imponderable. Many times before Resurrection Day He allowed the children of Israel to be conquered or exiled, and once he washed the world clean – leaving only Noah’s family and the creatures of earth to start again.
It is hard to believe that our maker wants his followers to allow the votaries of Mohammed to impose their evil culture on the whole world without a fight. Our culture may be decrepit and sinful, but that is no reason to allow an overtly evil throng to conquer it. We must work to know, tell, and do God’s Word. That cannot mean we must surrender to evil.
God’s implacable foe uses men to work evil in the world. God’s sacrifice of Christ Jesus to atone for our sins fulfilled the law he gave Moses and provides all who recognize our Savior as God the opportunity to stand unblemished on judgment day. God’s ways are imponderable. Many times before Resurrection Day He allowed the children of Israel to be conquered or exiled, and once he washed the world clean – leaving only Noah’s family and the creatures of earth to start again.
It is hard to believe that our maker wants his followers to allow the votaries of Mohammed to impose their evil culture on the whole world without a fight. Our culture may be decrepit and sinful, but that is no reason to allow an overtly evil throng to conquer it. We must work to know, tell, and do God’s Word. That cannot mean we must surrender to evil.
“where several high-rise apartment buildings were leveled, reportedly leaving some 18,000 Arabs dead”? I had no luck finding any reference to this death of 18,000 Arabs? Raymond Ibrahim is a man I respect totally, but there’s something not right here?
“where several high-rise apartment buildings were leveled, reportedly leaving some 18,000 Arabs dead”? I had no luck finding any reference to this death of 18,000 Arabs? Raymond Ibrahim is a man I respect totally, but there’s something not right here?
Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.
Sun Tzu
Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.
Sun Tzu