Musings on biblical studies, politics, religion, ethics, human nature, tidbits from science
When this is required reading for all “coalition of the willing” political leaders and no-one in power can make a public statement or foreign policy decision without having passed a test on their comprehension of it we will at last begin to see the beginnings of rationality and humanity in our dealings with the Middle … Continue reading “Al-Qaeda: Casting a Shadow of Terror / Jason Burke (2003). A short review”
We have posted on Jason Burke’s books on Islamist terrorism (The New Threat: The Past, Present and Future of Islamic Militancy and Al-Qaeda: Casting a Shadow of Terror) so I was interested in read what Jason had to say about the recent terrorist attack in The Guardian, “What does Christchurch attack tell us about rightwing … Continue reading “Rightwing Terrorism in Context”
Continuation of notes from Al-Qaeda: Casting a Shadow of Terror by Jason Burke. 3rd element: the idea, the worldview, ideology of ‘al-Qaeda’ and those who subscribe to it. Bin Laden does not have power to issue orders that are instantly obeyed. Bin Laden does not kidnap young men and brainwash them. People voluntarily travelled to … Continue reading “Part 6 of “Al-Qaeda: Casting a Shadow of Terror””
Continuation of notes from Al-Qaeda: Casting a Shadow of Terror by Jason Burke. 2nd element: “a network of networks” — a wider circle consisting of other militant groups linking with al-Qaeda What these links are not: They are not a vast international network of groups answerable to bin Laden or the al-Qaeda inner hardcore. There … Continue reading “Part 5 of “Al-Qaeda: Casting a Shadow of Terror””
continuing my notes from Jason Burke’s “Al-Qaeda: Casting a Shadow of Terror” . . . . Al-Qaeda’s “mature years”: 1996-2001 Bin Laden provided “a central focus for many . . . disparate elements. This was not a formation of a huge and disciplined group, but a temporary focus of many different strands within modern Islamic … Continue reading “Part 4 of “Al-Qaeda: Casting a Shadow of Terror””
continuing my notes from Jason Burke’s “Al-Qaeda: Casting a Shadow of Terror” . . . . 1993 New York World Trade Center bombing Ahmed Ajaj was detained for this attack and in his bag was a manual titled “Al Qaeda”. American investigators translated this (correctly) as “the basic rules”. It was not a group. American … Continue reading “Part 3 of “Al-Qaeda: Casting a Shadow of Terror””
continuing my notes from Jason Burke’s “Al-Qaeda: Casting a Shadow of Terror” . . . . Bin Laden enters Sometime between 1988 and 1989 bin Laden set up a militant group in Peshawar. It consisted of no more than a dozen men. The group was inspired by the teachings of Azzam and were distressed by … Continue reading “Part 2 of “Al-Qaeda: Casting a Shadow of Terror””
Not having time to do all the reviews I would like I have decided to do chapter reviews from selected books instead. Opting to start on Jason Burke’s Al-Qaeda chapter 1 because I was not happy with my superficial review of the whole book earlier. There is simply too much information of value in this … Continue reading “Part 1 of “Al-Qaeda: Casting a Shadow of Terror””
Continuation of notes from Al-Qaeda: Casting a Shadow of Terror by Jason Burke. Why do the misconceptions about Al-Qaeda persist? Reason 1: It is convenient and reassuring to think of al-Qaeda as a traditional terrorist group. It promises an sure victory once the organization is defeated. Reason 2: Repressive governments can avoid international criticism by … Continue reading “Why the misconceptions about Al-Qaeda?”