Al-Sahab

Christopher Anzalone, Foreign Policy, AFPAK Channel, Al Qaeda's media plays follow the leader, 25 Oct 2010 "In the span of a few days earlier this month [Oct 2010], al Qaeda Central's (AQC) Al-Sahab (Clouds) Media Foundation released a series of video and audio messages from Osama bin Laden and prominent U.S.-born spokesman Adam Gadahn on the severe flooding and resulting humanitarian crisis in Pakistan. This spate of releases strongly resembles the strategic response of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) to severe flooding in 2009 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and the year before in the eastern Hadramaut region of Yemen. This response leads the reader to question whether AQC's current media response to the flooding in Pakistan is perhaps even modeled after AQAP's earlier response, which in turn raises the larger question of to what degree, if any, AQC is still the model to follow, particularly in terms of media production, or whether it has instead begun to copy successful media campaigns by its regional affiliates like AQAP. "

Gadahn video released

AP, American al-Qaida spokesman urges attacks in US, 24 Oct 2010 "A U.S.-born spokesman for al-Qaida on Saturday urged Muslims living in the United States and Europe to carry out attacks there, calling it a duty and an obligation. In a 48-minute video posted on militant websites, Adam Gadahn directed his appeal to Muslim immigrants in what he called the "miserable suburbs" of Paris, London and Detroit, as well as those traveling to the West to study or work."

aQ and gender

Murad Batal al-Shishani, BBC News, Is the role of women in al-Qaeda increasing?, 7 Oct 2010 "In the last week of September, the As-Sahab Foundation, which disseminates al-Qaeda messages and propaganda, released a video clip showing a group of militants launching mortar attacks on Pakistani army sites."

'Osama bin Laden recording'

BBC News, 'Osama Bin Laden' tape on relief work, 1 Oct 2010 "A new audio message purporting to come from al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden is on Islamist websites, say reports."

CNN, Purported bin Laden message focuses on relief issues, 1 Oct 2010 "The message, which appeared on jihadist forums Friday, strongly urged Muslims to help Muslims by investing in infrastructure projects and developing awareness programs, such as how to deal with issues like water pollution."

SITE Institute, Bin Laden Speaks on Relief Work, 1 Oct 2010 [subscription needed]

'Battle of 'Aafia Siddiqui.'

Views from the Occident (Twitter Specials): "Battle of 'Aafia Siddiqui": Al-Qa'ida Central Releases Video of Attack on Pakistani Military Post in Landi Kotel, 24 Sep 2010: "Al-Qa'ida Central's (AQC) media outlet, the Al-Sahab (The Clouds) Media Foundation, has released a short video entitled 'Battle of 'Aafia Siddiqui.'"

Adam Gadahn video

AP, Al-Qaida spokesman sets peace conditions with US, 21 June 2010 "The 24-minute video follows an earlier message released in March and was posted on militant Web sites Sunday. Adam Gadahn said the Democrats' loss in January of the Massachusetts Senate seat underlined Obama's falling popularity."

The video is widely available online. It contains an extensive 'commentary' on President Obama, and draws on film clips of US military veterans.

Umayma al-Zawahiri on jihad

Nelly Lahoud, jihadica.com, Umayma al-Zawahiri on Women’s Role in Jihad, 26 Feb 2010 "In December 2009, al-Sahab released a missive entitled “Letter to My Muslim Sisters” (risala ila al-akhawat al-muslimat) by Umayma al-Zawahiri - Ayman al-Zawahiri’s wife. The letter is addressed to three categories of Muslim women."

Commentary on aQ

Leah Farrall, All Things Counter Terrorism, Al Qaeda’s As Sahaab brand value slipping? is commented on at Internet Hagahan, Whither the as-Sahab brand? [thread picked up at jihadica.com]

Libyan Islamic Fighting Group

Jarret Brachman, Why the LIFG’s Revisions are Falling on Our Deaf Ears, Sep 21, 2009 "Today’s blog is a plea to my readers who are in positions to influence counterterrorism policy with regard to al-Qaida. For once, the Libyans are doing something right and everyone else is standing around staring at their shoes. In short, this is the most significant development in the war on terror this year and, well, nobody knows – and if they know – they don’t seem to care. Not only does it matter that the senior leaders of an organization formerly in bed with al-Qaida are now renouncing al-Qaida, but the biggest story here is this:

"ABU YAHYA AL-LIBI’S OLDER BROTHER, ABU IDRIS, IS AMONG THE SIGNATORIES ON THE LIFG’S REVISIONS. IN OTHER WORDS, THERE IS AN “OLDER BROTHER SCOLDS YOUNGER BROTHER” STORY HERE THAT IS BEING TOTALLY MISSED. THIS ISN’T INFO-OPS – IT’S REAL LIFE." [that's Dr Brachman's emphasis!].

This is a useful post, which provides background detail on an issue that is somewhat underreported (greater attention being given to Harrach (below). It also points to other related articles, including Thomas Hegghammer, Libyan Jihad Revisions [which itself points to kitab al-dirasat al-tashihiyya, “the Book of Correctional Studies”, being published on oealibya.com]. Clearly, it needs some further detailed analysis.

Osama bin Laden recording + implications/analysis

VOA, New Bin Laden Tape Calls Obama Powerless to Stop Afghanistan War, 14 Sep 09 "The latest audio recording, attributed to Bin Laden, again attempts to justify al-Qaeda's September 11, 2001, terror attack on the United States as being part of the group's quest for the liberation of Palestine.

"The tape was provided by an American-based firm, IntelCenter, which monitors terrorist propaganda. It says the 11-minute video shows a still picture of bin Laden while audio of the address plays."

Times Online, Osama bin Laden’s tired ravings go on. But who is listening?, 15 Sep 09 "There was a time when a videotape of his rantings was a sensation. In the first two years after 9/11, his calls for global jihad inspired frustrated followers across the Muslim world and taunted the Bush Administration for its failure to find him. Intelligence agents scrutinised the rocky backdrop to his videotaped rantings on al-Jazeera for clues to his whereabouts. Governments agonised over his continuing malign hold over al-Qaeda’s global franchise.

"Few now care. The message has become repetitive..."

Available through the usual channels.

Also see The Lede (NYT), Bin Laden’s Reading List for Americans "While Oprah’s seal of approval on a book cover is sought after in America, Osama Bin Laden’s is, to put it mildly, not. On Monday, the authors of three books apparently recommended to American readers by the leader of Al Qaeda in his latest communique might be wondering how one goes about returning an unsolicited endorsement to a shadowy militant who has been in hiding for eight years."

This refers to Jarret Brachman's article for Foreign Policy, The Next Osama "Much ofal Qaeda's evolution over the last eight years is embodied in one man, SheikhAbu Yahya al-Libi, director of al Qaeda's jurisprudence committee and a likely successorto Osama bin Laden. Young, media-savvy, ideologically extreme, and masterful atjustifying savage acts of terrorism with esoteric religious arguments, AbuYahya offers the global al Qaeda movement everything that its old guard cannot."

Gadahn video: analysis and opinion

Comments/early analysis on Gadhan video:

Thomas Hegghammer, jihadica.com, The Gadahn Factor, 14 Jun 09, "Gadhan’s speech is relatively succinct, clear and commonsensical. What we are seeing here is basically Anglo-Saxon rhetorical principles applied to jihadi propaganda. We are also seeing new examples and arguments brought in to refresh the somewhat repetitive global jihadi rhetoric. Gadahn, in other words, is doing more for al-Sahab than improving their English translations."

Jarret Brachman, New Gadahn Video: “My Grandpa Was a Zionist” "Gadahn’s new video, “Let’s Continue our Jihad and Sacrifice” ... is out this weekend. Some terrorism analysts, like Evan Kohlmann, have just had enough of ‘Azzam al-Amriki.’ I’m actually of a different mind than Kohlmann – rather than wanting to turn off Gadahn’s microphone, I think we should turn it up."

Evan Kohlmann, Dear As-Sahab: Please Take Away Adam Gadahn's Microphone, 13 Jun 09 "Were Al-Qaida's leadership to read this, they could perhaps dismiss these criticisms by explaining it away as merely a "crusader" attempt to rain on Al-Qaida's parade, no matter who the messenger. Yet, for those who would defend Gadahn on this basis, there is a clear, recent example of an effective American mujahid who has appeared on video and who admittedly does have a certain distinct "Che Guevara"-style appeal. I speak here of "Abu Mansour al-Amriki", the erstwhile star of a recent propaganda video produced by the Shabaab al-Mujahideen Movement in Somalia. While Abu Mansour certainly displayed his own set of eccentricities--including rapping freestyle about Al-Qaida and terrorism--he fits much more closely into the mold of an Ibn-ul-Khattab or an Usama Bin Laden. Abu Mansour speaks softly, carefully, and deliberately. He offers deference to others, and in a tone that suggests coolness and confidence, not frothy rage. He is shown fighting in the field, hiding from the enemy, and without any sense of script or pretension. In a word, in contrast to the constantly posturing Gadahn, Abu Mansour appears genuine. Not the least of all, his incredible pronunciation of Arabic makes Adam Gadahn's Quranic recitation sound by comparison like someone banging trash cans together."

Also receiving sustained comments on bulletin boards and fora elsewhere (which I'll be writing about in due course).

Also see WorldNetDaily, Adam Yahiye Gadahn "Azzam": Let's Continue Our Jihad and Sacrifice - English Text "

Somalia

AP, Bin Laden rallies Somali militants in Web message, 19 Mar 09 "Al-Qaida's chief Osama bin Laden denounced Somalia's new president, who was elected as part of a peace push in the lawless African country, and urged in a new audio recording Thursday on the Internet for Somali militants to topple him.

"The 11-and-a half minute recording was released by al-Qaida's media arm As-Sahab and posted on militant Web sites known as clearing houses for Islamic messaging."

al-Libi

al-Libi

CBS News, Al Libi Urges Jihad Against Newly Elected President in Somalia, 13 Feb 09, "Senior al Qaeda leader Abu Yehya al Libi, called the newly-elected Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed “a traitor and a conspirator” and urged militants to attacks his regime. The statement came, in a new video tape released by al Qaeda’s media wing As Sahab on a number of militant Islamist Internet forums Friday."

aQ

AP/MSNBC, U.S.: Suspect made videos glorifying al-Qaida, 28 Oct 08 "One of Ali Hamza al-Bahlul's videos depicted the 2000 suicide bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen and was shown at terrorist training camps in Afghanistan to inspire recruits, Army Maj. Daniel Cowhig, lead prosecutor in the second Guantanamo war crimes trial, said in opening statements."

aQ Video

John Ozimek, The Register, Has the war on terror scored a virtual victory?, 22 Sep 08 "Score one for the good guys – if, that is, you believe that some websites are just so wrong that they are fair game for a takedown. Alternatively, bemoan the demise of a voice that you may not agree with, but which at least gave you the opportunity to understand better what the other side in the “war on terror” are thinking." Commentary on al-Sahab/al-Ekhlaas 'release' of recent aQ video.

aQ video update

AP/msnbc.msn.com, Al-Qaida threatens more attacks in new video: Release comes more than a week after anniversary of 9-11 strikes, 20 Sep 08 "The video was issued Friday, more than a week after the seventh anniversary of the attacks. The delay in release, apparently due to problems in the militant Web sites where al-Qaida posts its videos, raised questions among counterterror specialists over whether the terror network's long-powerful propaganda machine was faltering."

Also see Reuters, Web problems hit release of al Qaeda 9/11 video, 22 Sep 08 "The delay of the much-touted 87-minute video, caused in part by the main Islamist websites crashing, has thwarted al Qaeda's yearly celebration of its attacks on U.S. cities in 2001."

counterterrorismblog.org, Al-Qaida's 9/11 Anniversary Video Release Delayed Due to Technical Problems, Human Errors, 17 Sep 08 "Today, As-Sahab finally seems to have recovered from its paralysis, and announced the belated distribution of packaged copies of the video "Results of 7 Years of the Crusades." Ironically, this time, the problem would not be technical, but rather the result of human error. Much to the chagrin of Al-Qaida's media gurus, the announcement from As-Sahab (care of the Al-Fajr Media Center) included the wrong password for the packaged video--meaning that users can download but not actually view the film. The solution is as simple as re-publishing the correct password--but nearly 12 hours after the announcement was first issued, As-Sahab still has yet to correct its error. Dozens of users, writing in Arabic, English, and other languages, have flooded extremist chat forums to discuss their frustrations over the password issue. After several hours passed and no response came from As-Sahab or the Al-Fajr Media Center, one user complained impatiently, "We are still waiting...""

ABC News, New al-Qaeda tape surfaces (and explanatory article) "Al Qaeda also showed a video it said was captured from a US bounty hunter, Keith "Jack" Idema, as he appeared to threaten to kill an Afghani citizen during an interrogation."

aQ

Washington Post/MSNBC, Al-Qaeda develops powerful online voice, 24 Jun 08 "Every three or four days, on average, a new video or audio from one of al-Qaeda's commanders is released online by as-Sahab, the terrorist network's in-house propaganda studio. Even as its masters dodge a global manhunt, as-Sahab produces documentary-quality films, iPod files and cellphone videos. Last year it released 97 original videos, a sixfold increase from 2005. (As-Sahab means "the clouds" in Arabic, a reference to the skyscraping mountain peaks of Afghanistan.)"

al-Sahab

AP/USA Today, Al-Qaeda taps tech-savvy militants, 8 Mar 08 "In an Internet age, al-Qaeda prizes geek jihadis as much as would-be suicide bombers and gunmen. The terror network is recruiting computer-savvy technicians to produce sophisticated Web documentaries and multimedia products aimed at Muslim audiences in the United States, Britain and other Western countries."