“Facta Non Verba”- Controversial Study Details Islamic Extremist Objectives July 11, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.Tags: al qaeda, Al shababb, ASU, CSC, Islamic Extremism, James Arlandsen, Qur'an, risk, security, terrorism
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The Arizona State University Center for Strategic Communication (CSC) released a controversial report this week that analyzes extremist writings and provides an opinion on the goals of extremists. As one of my favorite past times is beating up on “research” I will do the same here.
The study analyzed over 2,000 extremist writings from Al Qeada, Al Shababb and others. According to the report CSC says: “We conclude that verses extremists cite from the Qur’an do not suggest an aggressive offensive foe seeking domination and conquest of unbelievers, as is commonly assumed. Instead they deal with themes of victimization, dishonor, and retribution. This shows close integration with the rhetorical vision of Islamist extremists” (emphasis added). The first issue is that the study simply looks at “verses cited” from the Qur’an without delving into the more esoteric aspects of communication. It should be noted that writings by Al Qeada are propaganda. Propoganda is defined as: “…a form of communication that is aimed at influencing the attitude of a community toward some cause or position. Propaganda is usually repeated and dispersed over a wide variety of media in order to create the chosen result in audience attitudes.” Reading propoganda alone without analyzing the context or actions is dangerous. History is filled with relevant examples that don’t need repeating in this post. While the “verses cited” may not suggest an aggressive offensive foe, the actions certainly do. Between 2004 and 2000 Al Qeada claimed 313 attacks killing over 3,000 people. I may be a bit sensitive but an average of 6.5 attacks per month killing an average of 62.5 people per month for 4 years certainly seems to suggest an aggressive offensive foe. (more…)
“Al Qeada’s Arab Spring”- Guest Post by Charlie Jacobs June 19, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.Tags: al asqa, al qaeda, Arab Spring, charlie jacobs, inspire, security, terrorism, ummah
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This is a guest post by Charlie Jacobs. Charlie is completing his Master’s Dissertation and he had commented on a previous post. He has some interesting information and insight so I have invited him to publish a post. He has a brand new blog you can read here. Enjoy!
In the Fifth Edition of its English-language online magazine released in March 2011 al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula decided to discuss the Arab Spring. The main areas of discussion were the events of the Arab Spring, the Western view of ‘al-Qaeda’s Arab Spring’ and where the revolutions should head next.
The Tsumani of Change
“The friends of America and Israel are being mopped out one after the other.” Al-Qaeda’s view of the Arab Spring is viewed through the trans national prism of defeating the influence of its enemies within the Islamic world. The fall of Mubarak was historic for the region but was also “a day that exposed America’s two-faced policy on democracy.” (more…)
“A Victory?…for Democracy?”…Muslim Brotherhood Wins Egyption Presidency June 17, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in News, terrorism.Tags: al qaeda, Arab Spring, Egypt, Election, mark consulting group, Mohammad Morsi, Salafi, terrorism
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It was just announced that the Muslim Brotherhood’s Mohammad Morsi was leading and expected to win the Egyption presidency in the first election since the removal of Hasni Mubarak from the Egyptian presidency. Egypt was one of the countries that revolted in the Arab Spring of 2012. Interestingly, Mr. Morsi is being elected in a democratic election. What is the significance? Many in the US have labored under the belief that if given the choice ALL people would choose a government similar to the US. In 2003, at the National Endowment of Democracy, President George Bush said:
“This freedom deficit … has terrible consequences for people in the Middle East and for the world. In many Middle Eastern countries, poverty is deep and it is spreading. Women lack rights and are denied schooling, whole economies remains stagnant while the world moves ahead,” Bush said. (more…)
“Al Qeada is Promoting!”- Job Duties Probably Include Getting Killed by Hellfire missiles June 8, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in News, terrorism.Tags: Abu Yahya al-Libi, al qaeda, hellfire, mark consulting group, markconsultinggroup.com, missiles, SEALS, terrorism
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After killing Osama Bin Laden in 2011, the US embarked on a mission to remove any heir apparants that may have been waiting in the wings. With this weeks’ killing of Abu Yahya al-Libi, the US has now killed 4 of the top 5 candidates for the #2 spot in Al Qeada. Like any company in need of a new C-level to support their operations, the terrorist organization is now looking for a new #2 for their organization. There are at least five names believed to be considered with several who have lived in the US and one American being considered. While likely a very good job for an up and coming terrorist, it should be noted that one major job responsibility is probably going to include getting blown up by Hellfire missiles.
“The Weakest Link”- Insider Foils Underwear Bomb Plot May 8, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in Risk & Risk Management, terrorism, Uncategorized.Tags: al qaeda, Chris Mark, mark consulting group, operational security, security, terrorism, underwear bomber
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I have written extensively about the weakest link in any security program being the actual people responsible. While we understand this point from a “good guys” perspective, it is just as true for our adversaries. MSNBC reported today that the underwear bomber who was supposed to blow up a jet liner this month had been working for US and our Allies since day one and was a paid informant. As stated on MSNBC: “An insider who worked with the United States and an allied security service to thwart an al-Qaida bomb plot hatched in Yemen was the man picked to carry out the suicide attack on a U.S.-bound airliner, U.S. and Yemeni officials tell NBC News. An unidentified Yemeni government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the supposed suicide bomber was working for Western intelligence “from day one.”
The interesting point of this story is that it does not matter whether we are talking about nuclear facilities, cybersecurity, or counter terrorism, the human element always plays a role and is always the most unpredictable. While the group that sent the man on his suicide mission clearly believed he was a ‘true believer’ willing to give his life for their cause, it appears that he had another agenda. This is the challenge with security. Trust but verify is a mantra that rings true in all aspects of security. Thank goodness the group that tried to blow up the airliner acted on faith and not solid security principles.
Global Security, Privacy, & Risk Management 