[Jerusalem Post] Jonathan Spyer - Al-Qaeda-type Salafi Islam is rising in popularity within the ranks of Hamas, particularly in the movement's Izzadin Kassam Brigades. The growth of Salafism within Hamas is part of a larger pattern of increasingly extreme Islamic piety and practice in Gaza. The key tactical planner of the Brigades, Nizar Rayyan, is a known supporter of Salafism. Rayyan is believed to have formulated Hamas' operational plan for the takeover of Gaza in July 2007, and is in charge of weapons production for the Brigades. Most of the five brigade commanders of Izzadin Kassam are also Salafis. Salafi supporters within Izzadin Kassam are organized, and are known to have made contact with the al-Qaeda leadership. The writer is a senior research fellow at the Global Research in International Affairs Center, IDC, Herzliya.
2008-12-03 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive