By 60 MINUTES & TOM QUIGGIN
Added: Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:00:00 UTC

Jihadists And "The Narrative"

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A former member of a Muslim extremist group tells Lesley Stahl the reason for the increase in home-grown jihadists like the U.S. Army major accused of shooting 13 at Ft. Hood is an ideology called "the narrative," which states America is at war with Islam.

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Understanding al-Qaeda’s Ideology for Counter-Narrative Work

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Abstract

In order to counter the process of radicalization, it is necessary to understand the attraction of the narrative or the “messages” of al-Qaeda and its inspired followers. This article, based on a combination of wide ranging research and front line experience[1], examines the key points in al-Qaeda’s ideology and its narratives which have gained so much attention and following. Central to this ideology are eight main themes or concepts which appear consistently in the narratives of al-Qaeda. These have been used to indoctrinate and twist young minds, many of them feeling attracted to such violent ideas. Based on a better understanding of the ideology and the underlying concepts of radical narratives, counterterrorism efforts can be enhanced by more effectively targeting the counter-narrative message.

Introduction

Al-Qaeda (and its ideology) did not spring from the ground wholly formed in 1988/1989 as it is sometimes portrayed. Much of what passes for al-Qaeda’s own views owes its origin to others who came before them. In addition, the concepts and ideas that underlie al-Qaeda’s body of literature have continued to develop after the initial foundations in the late 1980s. Individuals such as Hassan Banna and Sayyid Qutb laid much of the earlier groundwork. Especially Sayyid Qutb’s works such as Social Justice in Islam and Milestones are required reading for understanding the early thinking of jihadists.

In order to comprehend the current ideology and objectives of al-Qaeda, it’s necessary to dwell on a number of their key works. Al-Qaeda and its adherents, like most revolutionary and terrorist organizations, have gone to considerable lengths to ensure that their message has been sent out both to their followers and their enemies. In terms of “propaganda” that is sent to its enemies, al-Qaeda has been both prolific and clear. There have been a series of messages to the “Crusaders” which detail the objectives of al-Qaeda. Prominent among these are the 1996 Declaration of War against the Americans Occupying the Land of the Two Holy Places and the 1998 Jihad against Jews and Crusaders World Islamic Front Statement.

At the same time, al-Qaeda and its adherents have published an extensive series of books and essays that are primarily intended for Muslim audiences. No attempt has been made to hide these works, but neither are they distributed as broadly as the “propaganda” that al-Qaeda intends for Western consumption. It should be noted that most of its documents have proven to be consistent over time; but these have evolved in a manner that parallels al-Qaeda’s operational realities. In other words, they are worth reading as they are an accurate reflection of belief structures and resulting practice.
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