(Institute for Contemporary Affairs/Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Lt. Col. Jonathan D. Halevi - The new Iraqi Sunni resistance organization Al-Jam'iya al-Salafiya al-Mujahida offers a radical Islamic platform that contains many points in common with al-Qaeda. It views Americans not just as modern crusaders waging a religious war in the name of Christianity against Islam, but as an infidel people who believe in a new infidel religion - democracy - that is striving to achieve world hegemony. On this basis, the September 11 attacks are seen as "blessed" and worthy actions in which the "enemies of Allah" were defeated, actions which brought hope and vitality to those forces seeking the awakening of Islam throughout the world. Support from Saudi Arabia could be of key importance to the group, both as a source of inspiration and ideological authority and for raising funds to support Al-Jam'iya's activities.
2003-08-05 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive