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Dissention in the Ranks?
The recent statements and arrest of Zarqawi's mentor, Isam Mohammad Taher al-Barqawi (a.k.a Sheik Abu-Mohammed al-Maqdisi) exposes dissention in the ranks of al Qaeda's leadership. Just prior to Barqawi's internment, he conducted an interview for al Jazeera, ostensibly to criticize his protégé Zarqawi, but in actuality to communicate the need to reorganize and rethink the methods being used to fight the infidel. Walid Phares explains the context of Barqawi's interview, as well as some very real problems with al Qaeda's strategic operations. Al Maqdisi [Barqawi] wasn't primarily convincing al Zarqawi to limit, reduce or stop suicide operations. He was - through al Jazeera - trying to inform others around the Arabic speaking world about the ultimate goal of suicide attacks. read the rest! In Salafi strategic thinking, you are allowed to criticize the 10% of the action to legitimize its 90%. Al Maqdisi [Barqawi] indeed stated that his âbrotherâ Abu Musâaab is going âtoo farâ in waging âamaliyat istishadiyaâ (suicide operations) without a central plan. When you follow the interview thoroughly (and it can be done by going back to the tape), you understand that the main message sent by al Maqdisi is to regroup, re-center and articulate better road maps. The bottom line of his media burst is to address all Salafis worldwide and retrace the path. If you follow the bigger picture of the inner world of the Jihadists, through hours of tedious listening to the chat rooms and following the debates on the web, youâd understand that the masters of the movement worldwide, are perturbed. Since the democratic elections in Afghanistan and Iraq, waves of questions are fusing the Wahabi universe. âHow come millions of Muslims are casting their votes, even after we show them the right path,â shouts Jihadi in the chat rooms. In response, Zarqawi sinks further in boundless Terror. But the mentors of the movement are concerned: There is a problem in the mind of the Jihadists. One of the âmentorsâ steps in. In short, al Qaeda's strategy is not working very well. Particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan, where the majorities reject al Qaeda's violence and ideology, and demonstrate this at the ballot box. Ideologues like Barqawi recognize that without clearly defined goals that have a chance of succeeding, the abject violence such as that conducted by Zarqawi is a drain on resources and support from the Muslim world. Barqawi offers Zarqawi sound strategic advice â husband your forces and strike at a time and place where the proper impact can be achieved. But Zarqawi views his words as an effort to divide al Qaeda: "do not follow the path of Satan that leads to your destruction. Beware, our noble sheik, of the trick of God's enemies to lure you to drive a wedge in the ranks of the mujahedeen⊠why would you make for the enemy a path against you brothers?" This statment can be interpreted as a warning to Barqawi not to interfere in the direction of his campaign to bleed Iraq dry. Barqawi should take care as Zarqawi is a ruthless operator. Killing a fellow jihadi perceived as creating divisions within jihad is certainly not out of character for Zarqawi. He sanctions the murder of Muslim children on a regular basis in Iraq. Posted by: Bobby 2005-07-14 |
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