Description
Springer, James L. Regens, and David N. Edger (all U. of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center for Biosecurity Research) correct the oversimplification of the capabilities, motivation, and intentions of their adversaries by analyzing systematically the actions and statements of the jihadists, especially al-Qa'ida, in order to understand their doctrines, strategies, and tactics. They cover philosophical foundations, strategic vision, organizational dynamics, recruitment and training, operations and tactics, future directions, and the challenge of credible intelligence. They conclude by suggesting how to forge a winning strategy to counter the global jihad. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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Jihadist ideology inspires a diverse and decentralized collection of radical groups to fight alleged enemies of Islam and to attempt to “restore” a holy caliphate to unite Muslim peoples across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Islamic Radicalism and Global Jihad provides unique insights into the philosophical foundations, strategic vision, organizational dynamics, and tactics of the modern jihadist movement—with specific attention to its primary driver, Al-Qa’ida. Springer, Regens, and Edger draw heavily on Arabic language sources seldom seen in the West to explain what jihadists want and how radical thinkers have distorted the teachings of Islam to convince followers to pursue terrorism as a religious duty. With sophisticated and systematic analysis, the authors lead their readers on a fascinating intellectual journey through the differing ideas, goals, and vulnerabilities of the jihadist movement as it has evolved over time. The authors also impart wisdom from their own professional experience with terrorism, counterinsurgency, and intelligence to provide scholars, students, counterterrorism professionals, and general readers with this accessible overview of key radical Islamic thinkers and today’s jihadists.
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