Noorhaidi Hasan
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195369212
- eISBN:
- 9780199871179
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195369212.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society, Islam
Using the backdrop of the bloody communal warfare between Muslims and Christians that erupted in the islands of the Moluccas in the eastern part of Indonesia in January 1999, this chapter examines ...
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Using the backdrop of the bloody communal warfare between Muslims and Christians that erupted in the islands of the Moluccas in the eastern part of Indonesia in January 1999, this chapter examines why thousands of young men, roughly half of whom were university students and graduates between 20 and 35 years old, were so eager to welcome the call for jihad and to risk their lives by venturing to the front lines to fight against Christians. In what way does their collective activism reflect a process of cultural interactions between the local and the global, the hegemonic and the subaltern, and the center and the periphery? It is argued that the determination of Salafi youths to join Laskar Jihad to fight in the Moluccas is more a form of rational choice in their attempt to negotiate identity, and thus claim dignity. Their acts can be conceptualized as drama, a sort of performative practice of youths to demonstrate, in the face of powerful opponents, a hitherto marginalized power and to challenge the hegemonic global order.Less
Using the backdrop of the bloody communal warfare between Muslims and Christians that erupted in the islands of the Moluccas in the eastern part of Indonesia in January 1999, this chapter examines why thousands of young men, roughly half of whom were university students and graduates between 20 and 35 years old, were so eager to welcome the call for jihad and to risk their lives by venturing to the front lines to fight against Christians. In what way does their collective activism reflect a process of cultural interactions between the local and the global, the hegemonic and the subaltern, and the center and the periphery? It is argued that the determination of Salafi youths to join Laskar Jihad to fight in the Moluccas is more a form of rational choice in their attempt to negotiate identity, and thus claim dignity. Their acts can be conceptualized as drama, a sort of performative practice of youths to demonstrate, in the face of powerful opponents, a hitherto marginalized power and to challenge the hegemonic global order.
Yezid Sayigh
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198296430
- eISBN:
- 9780191685224
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198296430.003.0026
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
There had been numerous demonstrations and confrontations during the year 1987, the latest in response to the death of four members of the little-known Islamic Jihad. The occupied territories were ...
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There had been numerous demonstrations and confrontations during the year 1987, the latest in response to the death of four members of the little-known Islamic Jihad. The occupied territories were again electrified on 25 November, when a lone PF-GC guerrilla flew over the Lebanese-Israeli border in a motorized hang-glider and killed six soldiers, and wounded seven at an IDF camp near Kiryat Shmona before being killed himself. To the highly visible threat of Israeli encroachment was added the effect of Israeli policies since 1967 on the local economy. In short, the patterns and skills of revolt were already in place by the start of the intifada. Although the spread of education and unemployment were necessary conditions for rising nationalism in the occupied territories, they did not predetermine political leadership, organizational structure, or ideological preference.Less
There had been numerous demonstrations and confrontations during the year 1987, the latest in response to the death of four members of the little-known Islamic Jihad. The occupied territories were again electrified on 25 November, when a lone PF-GC guerrilla flew over the Lebanese-Israeli border in a motorized hang-glider and killed six soldiers, and wounded seven at an IDF camp near Kiryat Shmona before being killed himself. To the highly visible threat of Israeli encroachment was added the effect of Israeli policies since 1967 on the local economy. In short, the patterns and skills of revolt were already in place by the start of the intifada. Although the spread of education and unemployment were necessary conditions for rising nationalism in the occupied territories, they did not predetermine political leadership, organizational structure, or ideological preference.
Abdulaziz Sachedina
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195139914
- eISBN:
- 9780199848935
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195139914.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, Islam
In Muslim culture, the restoration of relationships has traditionally required some measure of retribution, tempered with pardon. The Koran and the Tradition have treated retribution as a ...
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In Muslim culture, the restoration of relationships has traditionally required some measure of retribution, tempered with pardon. The Koran and the Tradition have treated retribution as a prerequisite for restoration. In creating and maintaining relationships that would lead to a just society, the principle of coexistence among individuals and communities requires Muslims to rediscover and implement a missing dimension in a political society: restoration through forgiveness and compassion. In spite of its emphasis on forbearance and forgiveness, the Koran permits the use of force under specific circumstance in keeping with pre-Islamic Arab tribal culture, which had institutionalized the military to defend tribal security. In introducing the injunction legitimizing the limited use of force through the instrumentality of jihad, the Koran was thus responding to moral-religious and political conditions prevalent in 7th-century Arabia.Less
In Muslim culture, the restoration of relationships has traditionally required some measure of retribution, tempered with pardon. The Koran and the Tradition have treated retribution as a prerequisite for restoration. In creating and maintaining relationships that would lead to a just society, the principle of coexistence among individuals and communities requires Muslims to rediscover and implement a missing dimension in a political society: restoration through forgiveness and compassion. In spite of its emphasis on forbearance and forgiveness, the Koran permits the use of force under specific circumstance in keeping with pre-Islamic Arab tribal culture, which had institutionalized the military to defend tribal security. In introducing the injunction legitimizing the limited use of force through the instrumentality of jihad, the Koran was thus responding to moral-religious and political conditions prevalent in 7th-century Arabia.
John France
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199693627
- eISBN:
- 9780191741258
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199693627.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
The great age of crusading in the Middle East, from 1095 to 1291, witnessed a collision between peoples inspired by rival religions, each of which had its own conception of Holy War. Crusading was ...
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The great age of crusading in the Middle East, from 1095 to 1291, witnessed a collision between peoples inspired by rival religions, each of which had its own conception of Holy War. Crusading was the sole reason the Latins had arrived in the East. For the Muslims, Jihad was a sacred duty which their alien elite used to bond the diverse peoples of the area to their rule. Contemporaries correctly noted that there was a special asperity in such warfare. In the great contest in the Middle East from 1095 to 1291 terrible things happened, but they happened in all wars, and even in the crusades surrender and capitulation were possible, albeit beset with difficulties. This was because neither side had the means to conduct unremitting warfare. Moreover members of the ruling classes on both sides wanted to be spared in the event of defeat or capture.Less
The great age of crusading in the Middle East, from 1095 to 1291, witnessed a collision between peoples inspired by rival religions, each of which had its own conception of Holy War. Crusading was the sole reason the Latins had arrived in the East. For the Muslims, Jihad was a sacred duty which their alien elite used to bond the diverse peoples of the area to their rule. Contemporaries correctly noted that there was a special asperity in such warfare. In the great contest in the Middle East from 1095 to 1291 terrible things happened, but they happened in all wars, and even in the crusades surrender and capitulation were possible, albeit beset with difficulties. This was because neither side had the means to conduct unremitting warfare. Moreover members of the ruling classes on both sides wanted to be spared in the event of defeat or capture.
Carole Hillenbrand
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748625727
- eISBN:
- 9780748671359
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748625727.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Islam
This chapter gives translations of Muslim accounts of the battle of Manzikert dating from the thirteenth century. All these narratives are in Arabic; some of them are written in ornate style. The ...
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This chapter gives translations of Muslim accounts of the battle of Manzikert dating from the thirteenth century. All these narratives are in Arabic; some of them are written in ornate style. The authors come from Central Asia, Iraq and Syria. Their accounts of the battle are presented in roughly chronological order. Each of these translations is accompanied by a detailed commentary, analysing their content, style and the specific context in which the author is writing.Less
This chapter gives translations of Muslim accounts of the battle of Manzikert dating from the thirteenth century. All these narratives are in Arabic; some of them are written in ornate style. The authors come from Central Asia, Iraq and Syria. Their accounts of the battle are presented in roughly chronological order. Each of these translations is accompanied by a detailed commentary, analysing their content, style and the specific context in which the author is writing.
Sherman A. Jackson
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- May 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780300196771
- eISBN:
- 9780300211061
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300196771.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, Middle East History
This chapter places the Gamā‘ah’s renunciation of political violence in historical context, including the evolution of the group itself, its key members, its ideological profile and organizational ...
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This chapter places the Gamā‘ah’s renunciation of political violence in historical context, including the evolution of the group itself, its key members, its ideological profile and organizational structure. It goes on to examine the reaction to the announcement to renounce violence, both within and without the Gamā‘ah, and the Gamā‘ah’s efforts to overcome these obstacles, including its exchanges with the blind Shaykh ‘Umar ‘Abd al-Raḥmān. It also includes a detailed analysis of the group’s sharī‘ah-justifications for its new position and some of the implications of that position, including the critique of radical jihadism overall and al-Qā‘idah. The Introduction also discusses the likely impact of the Gamā‘ah’s renunciation and its possible significance for Western observers and analysts.Less
This chapter places the Gamā‘ah’s renunciation of political violence in historical context, including the evolution of the group itself, its key members, its ideological profile and organizational structure. It goes on to examine the reaction to the announcement to renounce violence, both within and without the Gamā‘ah, and the Gamā‘ah’s efforts to overcome these obstacles, including its exchanges with the blind Shaykh ‘Umar ‘Abd al-Raḥmān. It also includes a detailed analysis of the group’s sharī‘ah-justifications for its new position and some of the implications of that position, including the critique of radical jihadism overall and al-Qā‘idah. The Introduction also discusses the likely impact of the Gamā‘ah’s renunciation and its possible significance for Western observers and analysts.
Mustafa Aksakal
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199755042
- eISBN:
- 9780199950508
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199755042.003.0014
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter examines the role jihad played in Ottoman war- and peace-making from the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca in 1774 to the Ottoman entry into World War I in late October 1914. During the “long ...
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This chapter examines the role jihad played in Ottoman war- and peace-making from the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca in 1774 to the Ottoman entry into World War I in late October 1914. During the “long nineteenth century” the Ottoman state utilized and developed the principles of jihad in ways that acknowledged new strictures in their relations with Europe. These strictures had put the Ottomans squarely on the defensive, and the call for religious solidarity in times of war became both a tool for mobilization and a mainstay of self-perception. At the same time, European powers beginning to tap into the geostrategic and commercial importance of the Middle East in the age of imperialism viewed jihad as a major threat that could unite Muslims worldwide and undermine Europe’s global reach. Both of these issues came together in a dramatic way in the Jihad Proclamation issued by the Ottoman government in November 1914.Less
This chapter examines the role jihad played in Ottoman war- and peace-making from the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca in 1774 to the Ottoman entry into World War I in late October 1914. During the “long nineteenth century” the Ottoman state utilized and developed the principles of jihad in ways that acknowledged new strictures in their relations with Europe. These strictures had put the Ottomans squarely on the defensive, and the call for religious solidarity in times of war became both a tool for mobilization and a mainstay of self-perception. At the same time, European powers beginning to tap into the geostrategic and commercial importance of the Middle East in the age of imperialism viewed jihad as a major threat that could unite Muslims worldwide and undermine Europe’s global reach. Both of these issues came together in a dramatic way in the Jihad Proclamation issued by the Ottoman government in November 1914.
Edward Ziter
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199586196
- eISBN:
- 9780191728754
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199586196.003.0016
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Literary Studies: Classical, Early, and Medieval
The well-known Syrian star of film and television, Jihad Saad, staged Antigone's Emigration in 2006 to a packed audience at the Damascus International Theatre Festival. The play — which literally ...
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The well-known Syrian star of film and television, Jihad Saad, staged Antigone's Emigration in 2006 to a packed audience at the Damascus International Theatre Festival. The play — which literally depicts a woman persecuted and forced into flight by war between two brothers — was performed in a city reeling from an influx of Iraqi refugees as the result of violence between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims. Using the line ‘who has no homeland has no grave in the earth’, this chapter focuses on the way the production depicted ‘authority's violent displacement of its opponents, systematically erasing any memory of resistance from the homeland and any memory of the homeland from those who resist’. It argues that the production implicitly transforms Antigone into a searing analysis of violence in the Arab world and its effects on women.Less
The well-known Syrian star of film and television, Jihad Saad, staged Antigone's Emigration in 2006 to a packed audience at the Damascus International Theatre Festival. The play — which literally depicts a woman persecuted and forced into flight by war between two brothers — was performed in a city reeling from an influx of Iraqi refugees as the result of violence between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims. Using the line ‘who has no homeland has no grave in the earth’, this chapter focuses on the way the production depicted ‘authority's violent displacement of its opponents, systematically erasing any memory of resistance from the homeland and any memory of the homeland from those who resist’. It argues that the production implicitly transforms Antigone into a searing analysis of violence in the Arab world and its effects on women.
James Toth
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199790883
- eISBN:
- 9780199332601
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199790883.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Islam
Chapter seven investigates three of Qutb’s most key concepts – the condition of Islamic ignorance, jahiliyya, the vision of God’s dominion, hakimiyya, and the process of going from one to the other, ...
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Chapter seven investigates three of Qutb’s most key concepts – the condition of Islamic ignorance, jahiliyya, the vision of God’s dominion, hakimiyya, and the process of going from one to the other, jihad – viewing them as vital parts of the revitalization approach to social movements introduced in chapter one. Jahiliyya means ignorance of Islam, either from before the Prophet Muhammad or, more recently, caused by secularism. It constitutes a critique of economic, political, social, and cultural modernity. Hakimiyya represents the goals the Islamic movement wishes to achieve. It is also elaborated in the remaining chapters, as the book examines the Islamic system, economy, and state. Jihad, or struggle, moves the umma community from jahiliyya to hakimiyya. There are three standard types, jihad of the heart, tongue, and hand. Qutb added a fourth, a jihad of the sword. Two other abstractions are discussed: the Islamic spirit – the determination of Muslims to achieve perfection – and the Islamic method – a more comprehensive strategic approach in contrast to the quotidian tactics of jihad.Less
Chapter seven investigates three of Qutb’s most key concepts – the condition of Islamic ignorance, jahiliyya, the vision of God’s dominion, hakimiyya, and the process of going from one to the other, jihad – viewing them as vital parts of the revitalization approach to social movements introduced in chapter one. Jahiliyya means ignorance of Islam, either from before the Prophet Muhammad or, more recently, caused by secularism. It constitutes a critique of economic, political, social, and cultural modernity. Hakimiyya represents the goals the Islamic movement wishes to achieve. It is also elaborated in the remaining chapters, as the book examines the Islamic system, economy, and state. Jihad, or struggle, moves the umma community from jahiliyya to hakimiyya. There are three standard types, jihad of the heart, tongue, and hand. Qutb added a fourth, a jihad of the sword. Two other abstractions are discussed: the Islamic spirit – the determination of Muslims to achieve perfection – and the Islamic method – a more comprehensive strategic approach in contrast to the quotidian tactics of jihad.
Eugene Rogan
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- September 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780197266045
- eISBN:
- 9780191851452
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197266045.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, Cultural History
The Ottoman Empire, under pressure from its ally Germany, declared a jihad shortly after entering the First World War. The move was calculated to rouse Muslims in the British, French and Russian ...
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The Ottoman Empire, under pressure from its ally Germany, declared a jihad shortly after entering the First World War. The move was calculated to rouse Muslims in the British, French and Russian empires to rebellion. Dismissed at the time and since as a ‘jihad made in Germany’, the Ottoman attempt to turn the Great War into a holy war failed to provoke mass revolt in any part of the Muslim world. Yet, as German Orientalists predicted, the mere threat of such a rebellion, particularly in British India, was enough to force Britain and its allies to divert scarce manpower and materiel away from the main theatre of operations in the Western Front to the Ottoman front. The deepening of Britain’s engagement in the Middle Eastern theatre of war across the four years of World War I can be attributed in large part to combating the threat of jihad.Less
The Ottoman Empire, under pressure from its ally Germany, declared a jihad shortly after entering the First World War. The move was calculated to rouse Muslims in the British, French and Russian empires to rebellion. Dismissed at the time and since as a ‘jihad made in Germany’, the Ottoman attempt to turn the Great War into a holy war failed to provoke mass revolt in any part of the Muslim world. Yet, as German Orientalists predicted, the mere threat of such a rebellion, particularly in British India, was enough to force Britain and its allies to divert scarce manpower and materiel away from the main theatre of operations in the Western Front to the Ottoman front. The deepening of Britain’s engagement in the Middle Eastern theatre of war across the four years of World War I can be attributed in large part to combating the threat of jihad.
Manlio Graziano
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- January 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780231174626
- eISBN:
- 9780231543910
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231174626.003.0010
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter presents some of the more common misunderstandings about Islam
This chapter presents some of the more common misunderstandings about Islam
Donald Holbrook
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- January 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780190856441
- eISBN:
- 9780190942939
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190856441.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Conflict Politics and Policy
On 16 June 2011, three days before his sixtieth birthday, Ayman al-Zawahiri was declared the new leader of Al-Qaeda, replacing the fallen Osama bin Laden. The veteran Egyptian jihadist had little of ...
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On 16 June 2011, three days before his sixtieth birthday, Ayman al-Zawahiri was declared the new leader of Al-Qaeda, replacing the fallen Osama bin Laden. The veteran Egyptian jihadist had little of his predecessor's charisma and enjoyed much less popularity, respect and celebrity. Yet, as scores of jihadi commanders from different organizations have succumbed to their enemies' missiles, bombs and bullets, Zawahiri has soldiered on. His tenure as Al-Qaeda's leader has been marked by some of its darkest and most challenging moments, which have threatened the viability and future of Al-Qaeda's central leadership. The gravest such development has been the emergence of Islamic State as a separate and rival jihadist entity. The best way to gauge Zawahiri's response to these threats is by studying the official statements and public communiqués that he has issued since taking the reins. This book provides the reader with professional translations of Zawahiri's key statements during his first five years as leader of Al-Qaeda. These official communications are introduced and contextualized to provide the reader with a comprehensive sourcebook, outlining the Al-Qaeda leadership's stance on the challenges to its existence since the death of bin Laden.Less
On 16 June 2011, three days before his sixtieth birthday, Ayman al-Zawahiri was declared the new leader of Al-Qaeda, replacing the fallen Osama bin Laden. The veteran Egyptian jihadist had little of his predecessor's charisma and enjoyed much less popularity, respect and celebrity. Yet, as scores of jihadi commanders from different organizations have succumbed to their enemies' missiles, bombs and bullets, Zawahiri has soldiered on. His tenure as Al-Qaeda's leader has been marked by some of its darkest and most challenging moments, which have threatened the viability and future of Al-Qaeda's central leadership. The gravest such development has been the emergence of Islamic State as a separate and rival jihadist entity. The best way to gauge Zawahiri's response to these threats is by studying the official statements and public communiqués that he has issued since taking the reins. This book provides the reader with professional translations of Zawahiri's key statements during his first five years as leader of Al-Qaeda. These official communications are introduced and contextualized to provide the reader with a comprehensive sourcebook, outlining the Al-Qaeda leadership's stance on the challenges to its existence since the death of bin Laden.
Alex Strick van Linschoten and Felix Kuehn (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- February 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780190908744
- eISBN:
- 9780190943264
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190908744.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Conflict Politics and Policy
Who are the Taliban? Are they a militant movement? Are they religious scholars? The fact that these and other questions are still raised with frequency is testimony to the way the movement has been ...
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Who are the Taliban? Are they a militant movement? Are they religious scholars? The fact that these and other questions are still raised with frequency is testimony to the way the movement has been studied, often at arm’s length and with scant use of primary sources. The Taliban Reader forges a new path, bringing together an extensive range of largely unseen sources in a guide to the Afghan Islamist movement from a unique insider perspective. Ideal for students, journalists and scholars alike, this book is the result of an unprecedented, decade-long effort to encourage the emergence of participant-centered accounts of Afghan history. This ground-breaking collection, ranging from news articles and opinion pieces to online publications and poems transcribed by hand in the field, sets the stage for a recalibration of how we understand and study the Afghan Taliban. It challenges researchers to forge new norms in the documentation of conflict and provides insight into the future trajectory of political Islamism in South Asia and the Middle East.Less
Who are the Taliban? Are they a militant movement? Are they religious scholars? The fact that these and other questions are still raised with frequency is testimony to the way the movement has been studied, often at arm’s length and with scant use of primary sources. The Taliban Reader forges a new path, bringing together an extensive range of largely unseen sources in a guide to the Afghan Islamist movement from a unique insider perspective. Ideal for students, journalists and scholars alike, this book is the result of an unprecedented, decade-long effort to encourage the emergence of participant-centered accounts of Afghan history. This ground-breaking collection, ranging from news articles and opinion pieces to online publications and poems transcribed by hand in the field, sets the stage for a recalibration of how we understand and study the Afghan Taliban. It challenges researchers to forge new norms in the documentation of conflict and provides insight into the future trajectory of political Islamism in South Asia and the Middle East.
Simon Staffell and Akil Awan (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780190650292
- eISBN:
- 9780190686499
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190650292.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Security Studies
Jihadist narratives have evolved dramatically over the past five years, driven by momentous events in the Middle East and beyond; the death of bin Laden; the rise and ultimate failure of the Arab ...
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Jihadist narratives have evolved dramatically over the past five years, driven by momentous events in the Middle East and beyond; the death of bin Laden; the rise and ultimate failure of the Arab Spring; and most notably, the rise of the so-called Islamic State. For many years, Al-Qaeda pointed to an aspirational future Caliphate as their utopian end goal - one which allowed them to justify their violent excesses in the here and now. Islamic State turned that aspiration into a dystopic reality, and in the process hijacked the jihadist narrative, breathing new life into the global Salafi-Jihadi movement. Despite air-strikes from above, and local disillusionment from below, the new caliphate has stubbornly persisted and has been at the heart of ISIS's growing global appeal. This timely collection of essays examines how jihadist narratives have changed globally, adapting to these turbulent circumstances. Area and thematic specialists consider transitions inside the Middle East and North Africa as well as in South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. As these analyses demonstrate, the success of the ISIS narrative has been as much about resonance with local contexts, as it has been about the appeal of the global idea of a tangible and realized caliphate.Less
Jihadist narratives have evolved dramatically over the past five years, driven by momentous events in the Middle East and beyond; the death of bin Laden; the rise and ultimate failure of the Arab Spring; and most notably, the rise of the so-called Islamic State. For many years, Al-Qaeda pointed to an aspirational future Caliphate as their utopian end goal - one which allowed them to justify their violent excesses in the here and now. Islamic State turned that aspiration into a dystopic reality, and in the process hijacked the jihadist narrative, breathing new life into the global Salafi-Jihadi movement. Despite air-strikes from above, and local disillusionment from below, the new caliphate has stubbornly persisted and has been at the heart of ISIS's growing global appeal. This timely collection of essays examines how jihadist narratives have changed globally, adapting to these turbulent circumstances. Area and thematic specialists consider transitions inside the Middle East and North Africa as well as in South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. As these analyses demonstrate, the success of the ISIS narrative has been as much about resonance with local contexts, as it has been about the appeal of the global idea of a tangible and realized caliphate.
Benjamin F. Soares
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748622856
- eISBN:
- 9780748670635
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748622856.003.0002
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, African Studies
This chapter elucidates the social and cultural foundations for the way in which Islam has historically been practiced in this region of West Africa and the relationship of different understandings ...
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This chapter elucidates the social and cultural foundations for the way in which Islam has historically been practiced in this region of West Africa and the relationship of different understandings of Islam to ideas about power and authority before the onset of French colonial rule. It focuses particularly on notions of hierarchy and charisma and emphasizes the centrality of exceptional charismatic leaders, Muslim saints, and and the relationship of such figures to Sufism.Less
This chapter elucidates the social and cultural foundations for the way in which Islam has historically been practiced in this region of West Africa and the relationship of different understandings of Islam to ideas about power and authority before the onset of French colonial rule. It focuses particularly on notions of hierarchy and charisma and emphasizes the centrality of exceptional charismatic leaders, Muslim saints, and and the relationship of such figures to Sufism.
Benjamin F. Soares
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748622856
- eISBN:
- 9780748670635
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748622856.003.0003
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, African Studies
This chapter discusses the history of Nioro du Sahel in Mali as a socio-political and religious space in the aftermath of the French colonial conquest, the development of colonial policies toward ...
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This chapter discusses the history of Nioro du Sahel in Mali as a socio-political and religious space in the aftermath of the French colonial conquest, the development of colonial policies toward Islam and Muslims (‘la politique musulmane’), and some of the major political economic changes associated with colonial rule. Changes in understandings of Islam and its practices in this setting can only be understood in relation to some of the complex social transformations that began under colonial rule and have continued in the postcolonial period.Less
This chapter discusses the history of Nioro du Sahel in Mali as a socio-political and religious space in the aftermath of the French colonial conquest, the development of colonial policies toward Islam and Muslims (‘la politique musulmane’), and some of the major political economic changes associated with colonial rule. Changes in understandings of Islam and its practices in this setting can only be understood in relation to some of the complex social transformations that began under colonial rule and have continued in the postcolonial period.
Thomas Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- February 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780190840600
- eISBN:
- 9780190943158
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190840600.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Conflict Politics and Policy
Why has the Taliban been so much more effective in presenting messages that resonate with the Afghan population than the United States, the Afghan government and their allies? This book, based on ...
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Why has the Taliban been so much more effective in presenting messages that resonate with the Afghan population than the United States, the Afghan government and their allies? This book, based on years of field research and the assessment of hundreds of original source materials, examines the information operations and related narratives of Afghan insurgents, especially the Afghan Taliban, and investigates how the Taliban has won the information war. Taliban messaging, wrapped in the narrative of jihad, is both to the point and in tune with its target audiences. On the other hand, the United States and its Kabul allies committed a basic messaging blunder, failing to present narratives that spoke to or, often, were even understood by their target audiences. Importantly, the book systematically explains why the United States lost this "battle of the story" in Afghanistan, and argues that this defeat may have cost the US the entire war, despite its conventional and technological superiority.Less
Why has the Taliban been so much more effective in presenting messages that resonate with the Afghan population than the United States, the Afghan government and their allies? This book, based on years of field research and the assessment of hundreds of original source materials, examines the information operations and related narratives of Afghan insurgents, especially the Afghan Taliban, and investigates how the Taliban has won the information war. Taliban messaging, wrapped in the narrative of jihad, is both to the point and in tune with its target audiences. On the other hand, the United States and its Kabul allies committed a basic messaging blunder, failing to present narratives that spoke to or, often, were even understood by their target audiences. Importantly, the book systematically explains why the United States lost this "battle of the story" in Afghanistan, and argues that this defeat may have cost the US the entire war, despite its conventional and technological superiority.
Ali Jihad Racy, Scott Marcus, and Ted Solís
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520238749
- eISBN:
- 9780520937178
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520238749.003.0009
- Subject:
- Music, Ethnomusicology, World Music
This chapter opens with a discussion of dual discourse in Arab music pedagogy in an interview with Ali Jihad Racy. It also presents the early background and career trajectory of Ali Jihad Racy's ...
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This chapter opens with a discussion of dual discourse in Arab music pedagogy in an interview with Ali Jihad Racy. It also presents the early background and career trajectory of Ali Jihad Racy's versatility as a performer-researcher which was found highly desirable when he joined UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles). For the last twenty years or so, the UCLA Near East Ensemble has been a prime context for teaching performance of Arab music. Certainly, Ali Jihad Racy's dual role, as a university professor and as a performer, did pose certain challenges. Situations that pulled him in different directions were always tense, but at the same time the duality provided a sense of fulfillment. However, both individuality and representation were manifested in the musical repertoires Ali Jihad chose to teach and in the methods of pedagogy that is preferred now. Another issue was teaching music as an experience, or as feeling. This chapter highlights the fact that at least two models have been followed in institutions. Each has its own validity. One is that you take a wide variety of classes and get exposed to many different ways of making music. Second is to also have room for the in-depth approach. According to Ali Jihad Racy it is an amazing feeling when the audience responds in culturally appropriate ways, because he feels such interactive behavior indirectly gives the performers a sense of the music's ecstatic or evocative nature.Less
This chapter opens with a discussion of dual discourse in Arab music pedagogy in an interview with Ali Jihad Racy. It also presents the early background and career trajectory of Ali Jihad Racy's versatility as a performer-researcher which was found highly desirable when he joined UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles). For the last twenty years or so, the UCLA Near East Ensemble has been a prime context for teaching performance of Arab music. Certainly, Ali Jihad Racy's dual role, as a university professor and as a performer, did pose certain challenges. Situations that pulled him in different directions were always tense, but at the same time the duality provided a sense of fulfillment. However, both individuality and representation were manifested in the musical repertoires Ali Jihad chose to teach and in the methods of pedagogy that is preferred now. Another issue was teaching music as an experience, or as feeling. This chapter highlights the fact that at least two models have been followed in institutions. Each has its own validity. One is that you take a wide variety of classes and get exposed to many different ways of making music. Second is to also have room for the in-depth approach. According to Ali Jihad Racy it is an amazing feeling when the audience responds in culturally appropriate ways, because he feels such interactive behavior indirectly gives the performers a sense of the music's ecstatic or evocative nature.
Simon Staffell
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780190650292
- eISBN:
- 9780190686499
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190650292.003.0004
- Subject:
- Political Science, Security Studies
The history of the jihadist movement in Egypt provides important lessons about its possible future trajectories. This chapter sets out the history of jihadism in Egypt from Al-Gama‘a al-Islamiyya ...
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The history of the jihadist movement in Egypt provides important lessons about its possible future trajectories. This chapter sets out the history of jihadism in Egypt from Al-Gama‘a al-Islamiyya (Islamic Group) and Egyptian Islamic Jihad in the 1980s and 90s, through the al-Tawhid w‘al Jihad and Al-Qaeda affiliate the Abdullah Azzam Brigades in the 2000s. The chapter then considers how jihadism has developed after the 25 January 2011 revolution. It examines the rise of IS in Egypt - the organizational changes involved and how these were accompanied by changes in ideology and narrative. By situating these changes in the context of the history of salafi-jihadism in Egypt, it argues that IS’s ability to gain a foothold, were in part due to their global narrative, but more notably were due to the way in which the Ansar Beit al-Maqdis/Wilayat Sina leadership were willing and able to adapt this narrative to the particularities of the Egyptian context. Egyptian jihadism has not historically accepted IS’s approach, and this may ultimately prove to be their downfall in the country.Less
The history of the jihadist movement in Egypt provides important lessons about its possible future trajectories. This chapter sets out the history of jihadism in Egypt from Al-Gama‘a al-Islamiyya (Islamic Group) and Egyptian Islamic Jihad in the 1980s and 90s, through the al-Tawhid w‘al Jihad and Al-Qaeda affiliate the Abdullah Azzam Brigades in the 2000s. The chapter then considers how jihadism has developed after the 25 January 2011 revolution. It examines the rise of IS in Egypt - the organizational changes involved and how these were accompanied by changes in ideology and narrative. By situating these changes in the context of the history of salafi-jihadism in Egypt, it argues that IS’s ability to gain a foothold, were in part due to their global narrative, but more notably were due to the way in which the Ansar Beit al-Maqdis/Wilayat Sina leadership were willing and able to adapt this narrative to the particularities of the Egyptian context. Egyptian jihadism has not historically accepted IS’s approach, and this may ultimately prove to be their downfall in the country.
Scott Atran
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520253476
- eISBN:
- 9780520934313
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520253476.003.0009
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
Suicide attacks have grown exponentially in recent years and result in roughly 50% of the casualties due to terrorism. This chapter examines the role of religion in motivating fundamentalist ...
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Suicide attacks have grown exponentially in recent years and result in roughly 50% of the casualties due to terrorism. This chapter examines the role of religion in motivating fundamentalist terrorism and provides some surprising findings from interviews with Islamic Jihad leaders and individuals who have committed themselves to suicide operations. It briefly outlines the consequences of moral beliefs for terrorist and antiterrorist activities. The chapter suggests that decision making based on moral beliefs or values creates risk/reward pathways that fall outside typically used risk-assessment frameworks based on economics, utility, or rational decision making.Less
Suicide attacks have grown exponentially in recent years and result in roughly 50% of the casualties due to terrorism. This chapter examines the role of religion in motivating fundamentalist terrorism and provides some surprising findings from interviews with Islamic Jihad leaders and individuals who have committed themselves to suicide operations. It briefly outlines the consequences of moral beliefs for terrorist and antiterrorist activities. The chapter suggests that decision making based on moral beliefs or values creates risk/reward pathways that fall outside typically used risk-assessment frameworks based on economics, utility, or rational decision making.
