israel2bis

Iranian President Asks: "What Would Jesus Do?"

IRIB News (Iran) reports that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad delivered a speech in which he asked, "What would Jesus Christ do if he was among us now? How would he deal with the arrogant powers who claim to support human rights?" IRIB also reported that Ahmadinejad was optimistic about the future, saying: "Good news for all the world is that the time of threat and hostility will soon come to its end. It's not far from the time when Jesus Christ will reappear besides the Awaited Savior of the world, the Mahdi, and they will clear away the face of the world from oppression."

Baghdadis Take to Roofs to Avoid the Streets

With fear of personal violence in the streets of Baghdad, Baghdadis have built a new network of roads across their roofs. With many buildings connected with each other, and with flat roofs used for sleeping in the summer, Iraqis cross each other's roofs to go places. Even a local grocer has established his business on a roof.

London daily Al-Quds Al-Arabi (12/19/06)

In an interview to be published tomorrow in the London Arabic daily Al-Quds Al-Arabi, PLO Political Bureau head Farouq Al-Qaddoumi said, in response to being called "Iran's man" by PA President Mahmoud Abbas, that in the name of the Palestinian people, he congratulated Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Hizbullah, and whoever stood behind his people against the oppressor enemy.

He added that he still supported the armed struggle, and that President Abbas had never been a "revolutionary" and knew nothing about armed struggle and resistance. Al-Qaddoumi also said that he, together with "the brothers" in Damascus, represented 90% of the Palestinian streams.

Fatah spokesman Mahir Mikdad accused Al-Jazeera TV of bias in favor of Hamas because the station's general manager Wadah Khanfar leans towards the Muslim Brotherhood.

Mecca Social Development Committee: Fight Terrorism with Patriotism

The Mecca Social Development Committee, which belongs to the regional council, met in Jeddah to discuss the fight against terrorist thought and ways of instilling patriotism among students and the younger generation. The committee agreed to issue an anti-terrorism and pro-patriotism document to be signed by one million students and citizens. Committee Chairman Saleh Al-Turki said that confronting terrorism and defeating the terrorists' plans was the responsibility of all of society.

Damascus and Moscow to Discuss Strategic Dialogue

The London daily Al-Hayat reported that Russian diplomatic sources in Damascus said that today's meeting between Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and Russian President Vladimir Putin would focus on "strategic dialogue on the situations in Lebanon, Iraq, and the Palestinian territories, and would attempt to project the future of the Middle East in the next two years." According to the paper, Syria would be given "a green light to purchase six Russian airplanes at a cost of $600 million."

Al-Akhbar (12/19/06)

Former Lebanese minister Suleiman Franjieh, an opposition leader, announced that "the opposition" would no longer be satisfied with its demand for one-third of Cabinet seats plus another seat, but was now demanding that the number of its Cabinet seats reflect the opposition's percentage in the parliament. He added that the opposition would escalate its "democratic actions" after the holidays, "but in a qualitative way that would be different than demonstrating and sitting in the [public] squares."

Al-Tab’a al-Jadida (an Iraqi magazine published in London by Halim Salman)

The Headline Reads:

"Iraq is afraid of the world; the world is afraid of Iraq. How has this happened?

The Yellow Sign Reads:

"Terrorism is a stain of shame on the forehead of humanity."

Sudanese Islamists Fighting the Spread of Shi'ism

Sudanese Islamist groups are fighting the spread of Shi'ism in Sudan, accusing Iran of supporting prosletizing groups which have turned many villages into Shi'ite bastions.They have called on the Sudanese resident al-Bashir to close immediately the Cultural Section in the Iranian Embassy in Sudan.

In a related news item, the Algerian Ministry of Education suspended 11 Shi'ite teachers from teaching claiming that they are spreading Shi'ite thinking among students.

Supporters of Iranian President Decidedly Defeated

Supporters of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad were decidedly defeated in the municipal elections in Tehran. The speaker for the president tried to distance the president from the defeat by declaring that "the identity of the winners is of no concern to us." It should be recalled that Ahmadinejad's own sister actually headed his list in the elections in Tehran.

News Bytes

Al-Sharq Al-Awsat (12/19/06)

Tens or perhaps hundreds of Hamas activitists are receiving military training in Iran as Hizbullah's activists did before them.

Australia has put 13 Islamists on trial accused of conspiracy to commit terrorism. They are all connected with the Algerian-born extremist cleric Abdul Nasser Bin Braika who resides in Melbourne with assitants in Sydney.

Al-Zaman (12/18/06)

Iraqi Christians are traveling to neighboring countries to celebrate the holidays away from the violence.

Syrian and Iraqi Interior Ministers Discuss Security Cooperation

During talks, the Syrian and Iraqi Interior Ministers agreed that both countries would cooperate in fighting terrorism and organized crime by exchanging experience and information that would contribute to strengthening the security situation in both countries. The Syrian Interior Minister stated that Syria has taken measures to secure the borders between both countries by intensifying the observation posts and patrols at the borders, and arresting hundreds of people from different nationalities trying to enter Iraq through Syria.

February Surprise in Iran?

Government spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham here on Monday said that the Iranian nation will celebrate a nuclear victory during the Ten-Day Dawn ceremonies marking the anniversary of the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution (February 11-20).

Contradiction in Lebanese Press on Prime Minister Fuad Al-Siniora's Meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin

MEMRI released Special Dispatch No. 1400, about the discrepancies in two Lebanese papers about what took place during Prime Minister Fuad Al-Siniora's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Lebanese daily Al-Mustaqbal, which is affiliated with the March 14 Forces and the Lebanese government, claimed that the meeting was favorable to the Lebanese government position, and that Putin was determined to make all efforts to defend an independent, sovereign, and free Lebanon.

A totally contradictory report on the meeting appeared today in the pro-Hizbullah/Syrian Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar. According to this report, President Putin advised PM Al-Siniora not to provoke the Lebanese opposition by approving the creation of an international court in its present version and authorities. Moreover, according to Al-Akhbar, President Putin advised PM Al-Siniora that the assassination of former PM Al-Hariri "is not the first political assassination in the world."

Click here to read to the full report.

Islamic Disco - Seperate Dancing, No Alcohol, Cover Your Belly

MEMRI Baghdad reports that Kelantan, a state in northern Malaysia, has authorized the opening of a new "Islamic Disco" which will operate under the following three conditions:

1. No Alcohol
2. Men and women must be seperated
3. Women must cover their bellies

Syrian Contradiction - Arabic vs English Statements

The Washington Post: Syria's Foreign Minister Says There is NO Precondition for Negotiations

(December 14, 2006) In answer to the question whether the returning of the Golan Heights was a precondition that Syria is setting for negotiations, Foreign Minister Walid Al-Mu'allem said: "There is no precondition. A constructive dialogue has to start without preconditions." In answer to a question regarding whether President Al-Assad agreed with the views he expressed in the interview, Al-Mu'allem said: "I am the foreign minister of Syria... I am expressing his ideas."

Syrian Daily Teshreen: Bashar Al-Assad Says Anyone Who Wants to Start Peace Talks from Zero Does Not Want Peace

(December 17, 2006) In an interview with the Italian daily La Reppublica, Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad said: "The Madrid Conference was the only basis that was appropriate for peace talks. The principle of Madrid was clear: 'land for peace.' Much was achieved in the era of the Rabin government, and anyone who wants to start from zero does not want to achieve peace, as the meaning of this is that they do not agree to things that were already concluded."

Video Documenting a Series of Terrorist Attacks in Iraq

On December 17, 2006, Islamist websites posted an 11-minute video, produced by the media department of Al-Qaeda in Iraq, that presents a suicide bomber's final message. The message is followed by footage of several terrorist attacks and song with the following lyrics: "Blow them up, carve them up, and butcher them wherever you find them. Drive them all away and defeat them. Scatter them, harass them... bring disasters upon them with hatred, show them no mercy. They are a group of sinners who do evil in this world... Sign no truce with them and do not reconcile with them. Destroy them."

First Woman Elected to Parliament in UAE

The picture is that of the first woman to be elected to the parliament of the United Arab Emirates.

Secretary General of the Iraqi Ja'fari Shi'ite Committee Criticizes Iran

Ridha al-Ridha, the Secretary General of the Iraqi Ja'fari Shi'ite Committee, criticized Iran and its allies in the region. He mentioned Palestinian Hamas and Jihad Islami for not criticizing Iran, whose supported militias in Iraq are carrying out acts of violence against the Palestinians residing in that country. Finally, he said Hizbullah in Lebanon is leading the country to disaster.

Egyptian Foriegn Minister: No Nuke Power for Iran's Military

According to Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, while on a visit to Kuwait, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Abul Gheit said that Iran should not be permitted to acquire nuclear power for military purposes as this will introduce one more element of instability to the region.

Iranian Election Results - Setback for Ahmadinejad

Initial elections results in Iran are considered a setback for Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Iranian voters have opted for less radical personalities. Iranian analyst Ayatollah Shams al-Wa'idhim told Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, that there is considerable criticism among many social groups in Iran about the policies of Ahmadinejad.

Turkey to Control its Internet Access

According to the Turkish daily Zaman, "The Turkish Telecommunication Agency will set up an Internet Monitor Center to detect Internet abuses. Once the system is set up, both service providers and users will face heavy penalties if found guilty for inappropriate Internet activity."

Intel to Train 50,000 teachers in Saudi Arabia

Al-Sharq Al-Awsat reports that Intel has signed contracts with Saudi Ministry of Education to train 50,000 teachers in Saudi Arabia, and 1.5 million students will benefit from it.

Taliban in Turkey

According to the Turkish media, the "Global Initiative for the Struggle Against Militancy" was attended by Sunni religious leaders including Sheik Haris al-Dari, the head of the Iraqi Sunni Ulema Committee, who has ties to Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. The day before the meeting, columnist Ibrahim Karagul of the Islamist daily Yeni Safak - a mouthpiece of the AKP government - had written in his column that Taliban representatives were coming to a meeting organized by Turkey.

News from Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, December 15, 2006

Four Arab reporters, including one from the daily al-Sharq Al-awsat, were called unexpectedly to Dubai to board a U.S. military plane which landed on board the nuclear aircraft carrier U.S.S. Dwight Eisenhower, which was sailing “somewhere in the Arab Sea” [also known as the Persian Gulf]. The Eisenhower is accompanied by a cruiser and an attack submarine. The report did not say whether this was a message to someone from the "muscle-flexing" exercise.

“Reporters without Borders” called on Bashar al-Assad to release the Syrian journalist Michel Hilo who was arrested last May for signing a petition calling on the Syrian Government to undertake fundamental changes in its relations with Lebanon.

Iranian intellectuals have criticized the Iranian leadership for hosting the Holocaust Conference in Tehran this week because it gives critics a chance to compare Iran with Nazi Germany.

Sa’ad al-Hariri, the son of the late Rafiq al-Harriri, accused Hizbullah of camping outside the Lebanese government at the direction of Iranian authorities acting through their ambassador in Beirut.

Hamas Reveals Relations with IRA

Ahmad Yousuf, political advisor to Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniya, recently revealed that Hamas has relations with the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on Al-Aqsa TV, December 4, 2006.

An excerpt of this clip is available on MEMRITV.

Iran to Setup Holocaust "Studies" Foundation in BERLIN

On December 14, 2006 the Iranian news agency IRNA reported, in English, that participants of the Iranian Holocaust Denial conference, dubbed 'Holocaust: A Global Vision' had announced the establishment of a "world foundation for Holocaust studies" and unanimously appointed Presidential Advisor Mohammad–Ali Ramin as its Secretary General.

Ramin told IRNA that one of the plans of the foundation is to assign a committee to find out the truth about the Holocaust, noting that its main office will be in Tehran, and that it "will eventually be transferred to Berlin, once proper grounds are prepared."

Ali Ramin was the topic of a June 15, 2006 Special Dispatch by MEMRI based on a June 9, 2006 article in the reformist online daily Rooz. According to Rooz, Ramin was quoted as saying, "...the resolution of the Holocaust issue will end in the destruction of Israel."

Video Titled "The Expedition of Shaykh 'Umar Hadid"

On December 10, 2006 Islamist websites posted an 80-minute film titled "The Expedition of Shaykh 'Umar Hadid." (Since the film contains many disturbing images, MEMRI provides only an edited version of the film.) The film is from the Al-Qaeda Organization in Iraq's Media Department, and was distributed by Dar Al-Tibyan; the logos of these two organizations appear in the first scenes in the film. The film is subtitled in English and in several parts.

FOR THE SUMMARY, READ THE FULL ENTRY

Islamic State in Iraq Praises Attack on Brown & Root Condor in Algeria

On December 13, 2006, various Islamist websites posted a communiqué by the Islamic State in Iraq, praising the December 10, 2006 attack on a bus in Bouchaoui, Algeria, which was carried out by the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC).

Iraqi Committee to Review ISG Report

According to AAFAQ.org, a six-member committee made up of representatives from parliament, government and the national security agency is reviewing the ISG report. The committee is chaired by Adel Abdul Mahdi, the Vice President of Iraq.

From Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, December 14, 2006

Speaking in London, Iraqi Shi'ite leader Abdul Aziz al-Hakim said that Iraq has become a base for terrorism and no one is satisfied with the security situation. He added that there will soon be a change in the government to address this problem. Hakim denied carrying a message from Iran to President Bush or serving as an intermediatry between the U.S. and Iranian governments.

The Syrian Interior Minister indicated that one million Iraqis now live in Syria, including 648,000 as permanent residents, and another 225,000 on tourist visas.

MEMRI President Yigal Carmon's Presentation at Yad Vashem on "Holocaust Denial: Paving the Way to Genocide”

On December 14, 2006, MEMRI's President, Yigal Carmon, spoke at Yad Vashem's syposium, "Holocaust Denial: Paving the Way to Genocide." The video, the audio, the podcast, and the text are now available. Yad Vashem has more on the symposium "When we, at The Middle East Media Research Institute, collect and analyze the statements made by Ahmadinejad and others in the Iranian regime, we can distinguish two major goals, both of which lead to the same conclusion: the Iranian regime's Holocaust denial is not a manifestation of irrational hatred, but a premeditated and cold-blooded instrument to achieve its goals."

Breaking News - Israel Prevents Haniyah from Returning to Gaza

Al-Jazeera TV announced that Israel has closed the gateway between Egypt and Gaza to prevent Ismail Haniyah, the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Territories, from returning to Gaza. He was reportedly carrying with him a vast amount of money. During his visit to Iran a few days ago, Iranian President Ahmadinejad pledged $250 million to support the Hamas government.

(Update: Haniyah crossed into Gaza leaving the money behind with two delegation officials)

Taliban Claims Responsibility for a Suicide Attack on the Governor's Office in Helmand, Kandahar

On December 13, 2006, various Islamist websites posted a communiqué from the Taliban, in which the group claims responsibility for the December 12, 2006 suicide attack on the home and office of Muhammad Daud Safi, the governor of Helmand, Kandahar. The communiqué stated that the attack, called "Sitar Khan," was carried out by Hafiz Sami' Allah, a resident of the Helmand province, and that it took place "inside the governor's residence…" The communiqué added that the blast "completely destroyed the governor's residence… and it was confirmed that 10 of the police troops inside died while 20 other policemen were severely injured… [It was also established that] the governor of Washir district [in Helmand province] was killed in the explosion."

Turkish PM Erdogan to Have Dinner with Clinton

According to the Turkish daily Zaman, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be having dinner with former U.S. president Bill Clinton and it will reportedly take place at Clinton’s house.

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan will also meet with the Turkish prime minister.

Erdogan, co-president of the Alliance of the Civilizations, along with his Spanish counterpart Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, will not meet with U.S. President George W. Bush during the visit.

Hizbullah Rooting Itself in Southeast Turkey

On December 12, 2006 Turkish columnist Cuneyt Ulsever, of the mainstream wide circulation Hurriyet, wrote that the Hizbullah movement is rooting itself in Southeast Turkey and wins the hearts and the minds of the poor by providing them with food, health services, and education, while instilling in them the love and longing for sharia and martyrdom. Ulsever quotes some Turks from the region, who express readiness and desire to die for Sharia . He warns the government of the dangers of the widening network he calls “Hizbullah- a-la-Turca” and asks “who is financing Hizbullah’s activities in Turkey’s [impoverished] Southeast?”

The Islamic State in Iraq Congratulates the Military Victory of the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) in Dinsor, Somalia

In Iraq, Business Growing on Sale of Shrouds to Bury Dead

One of the growing businesses in the holy Shi’ite city of Najaf, is the sale of shrouds to bury the dead. Families bring their dead from all over the Arab and Muslim world for burial in proximity to the tomb of Ali, Mohammad’s cousin and son-in-law, and one of the most revered figures of Shi'ite Islam. It is based on a belief that such proximity reduces the pain of the grave for the dead. Some shrouds cost handsomely when well-to-do families demand hand-written verses from the Koran inscribed on the shrouds.

The Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) Claims Responsibility for the Attack on Brown & Root Condor

On December 11, 2006, Islamist websites posted a communiqué by the Algerian Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat, in which the latter claimed responsibility for the December 10, 2006 attack on a bus in Bouchaoui, Algeria. The bus was transporting employees of Brown & Root Condor, a company linked to the U.S. construction giant Halliburton.

News from MEMRI Baghdad Office

During a debate on the budget in the Jordanian parliament, two members got into a fight. Other members of parliament turned against media photographers and beat them. The speaker ordered the confiscation of the film. (update: the tape has apparently been broadcast by American media networks)

Muhammad al-Unaisi, Chief of the Yemeni Intelligence Service, announced a new method of controlling terrorists -- arranging marriages for them, to help them settle down.

Chechen Website Announces Abu Hafs' Successor

On December 10, 2006, a Chechen website supportive of the mujahideen announced that an individual named al-Muhannad is the successor of Abu Hafs Al-Urduni, the former commander of the Arab mujahideen in Chechnya who was killed by Russian commando units on November 26, 2006. According to the announcement, Muhannad has declared that [despite Abu Hafs' death] the mujahideen will continue their plans to oust the Russian occupation.

Islamic State in Iraq Responds to Baker-Hamilton Report

On December 9, 2006 various Islamist websites posted a response by the Islamic State in Iraq to the Baker-Hamilton report, published December 6, 2006. The message accuses the Baker-Hamilton Commission of aiming to carve Iraq into several secular states "to foil… any attempt to... [establish] an Islamic State in the form of a Caliphate in Iraq…"

Lebanon on Brink of Civil War - Mass Rally Scheduled to "Topple Government"

MEMRI has released a 6th report in the series: "Lebanon on the Brink of Civil War."

On December 6, 2006, the Lebanese National Opposition issued a communiqué calling for participation in a mass rally on Sunday, December 10, at 3 PM.

The Christian general Michel Aoun, head of the Free Patriotic Movement which is part of the Lebanese opposition, threatened to notch up the protest:

The report includes excerpts from the media on reactions from Hizbullah and Lebanese Opposition, Iran, Syria, and the March 14 forces.

Release Abdelkareem Soliman - Egyptian Blogger Arrested

A Reporters Without Borders report released in early November 2006 showed Egypt to be among the 13 countries with the gravest violations of freedom of expression on the Internet. Shortly after the report's release, on November 6, Egyptian blogger Abdelkareem Nabil Suleiman, known by his web pseudonym Kareem Amer, was arrested. In the last blog entry before his arrest, Suleiman harshly criticized Al-Azhar University, and predicted that he would be arrested for doing so.

Taliban Claims Responsibility for Suicide Attack on American Company in Kandahar

On December 7, 2006 Islamists websites posted an announcement by the Taliban in which the latter took responsibility for the December 6, 2006 suicide attack on U.S. Protection and Investigations, a firm operating in Kandahar. According to the announcement, the attack was aimed at "a foreign NGO" and was carried out by Taliban member Muhammad Daud. The message further states that at the time of the attack, "10 of the firm's employees were on the premises, along with [some] Afghan soldiers..."

Video Documenting Mortar Attack on U.S. Base in Iraq

On December 4, 2006, Islamist websites posted a one-minute video titled "Mortar Attack on an American Base in Al-Falluja [Carried Out By] the Salah Al-Din Al-Ayyubi Brigades." The video shows a group of jihad fighters preparing three mortars and then launching them.

Islamist Websites Post "Interview with Abu-Mus'ab Al-Zarqawi" (MEMRI Doubts Authenticity)

On December 6, 2006, Islamist websites posted a document titled "A Gift from Al-Furqan:[1] An Interview with Sheikh Abu Mus'ab Al-Zarqawi, May Allah Have Mercy Upon Him." The 32-page interview covers many topics: the early stages of Al-Zarqawi's life as a devout Muslim and jihad fighter; jihad in Iraq, views on Shi'ites (described as the Sunnis' bitter enemies), and the hypocrisy of the media.

Mujahideen Call to Shut Down Baghdad Universities in Order to Protect Students and Faculty from Muqtada Al-Sadr's Death Squads

On December 5, 2006, amid escalating conflict, Islamist websites posted a series of announcements issued by the jihad group Jama'at Ansar Al-Sunna stating that the universities and seminaries in Baghdad have become "hotbeds and nests for [Muqtada Al-Sadr's] death squads," and must therefore be shut down in order to protect faculty and students. One announcement warns students:

Death Threat Against Jordan's King Abdullah

An Islamist website recently posted a statement by the Islamic State of Iraq, titled "The Assembly of the Unsuccessful," which includes a death threat against King Abdullah II of Jordan. The document accuses the Arab governments, especially those of Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, of using Sheikh Hareth Al-Dhari to harm the mujahideen. The message ends with the following threat addressed to the King of Jordan:

Monthly Report on Jihad in Iraq

Somali Jihad Film

On December 3, Islamist websites posted a 27-minute edited version of a video titled "Badr Al-Somal," dealing with jihad in Somalia. The individuals who appear in the film speak in Somali, but the narration, captions, and songs, as well as the excerpts from speeches which accompany the footage, are in Arabic.

Islamist Website Presents First Issue of "Technical Mujahid Magazine"

On November 28, 2006, the Al-Fajr Information Center released the first issue of the Technical Mujahid Magazine. The magazine discusses various technical topics, such as security for electronic data and databases, using GPS, and video editing and production.

Footage from Jihad Rally in Azad Kashmir

On November 19, 2006, Islamist websites posted an eight-minute video showing footage from a jihad rally held in Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir (The Pakistani part of Kashmir), "in commemoration of Ghazi Shahabuddin and Khalid Ansari - killed May 6, 2004 in Indian Jammu and Kashmir." The video, which is subtitled in English, presents an address by Muhammad Yusuf Shah, identified as the commander of the jihad group Hizb Al-Mujahideen.

"The Islamic State in Iraq" Claims Responsibility for Downing an American F-16 Fighter Jet and a Black Hawk Helicopter

On November 28, 2006, the Islamic State of Iraq released a communiqué, via various Islamist websites, in which it claimed responsibility for the November 27 downing of an American F-16 fighter jet approximately 20 miles northwest of Baghdad. According to the message, the operation, a joint effort of the mujahideen of the Islamic State of Iraq and members of Jaysh Al-Mujahideen, followed recent instructions from Abu 'Omar Al-Baghdadi, the declared leader of the Islamic State in Iraq, to increase attacks on the "Crusaders' combat forces [in Iraq] and especially… their airplanes and helicopters."

Video Documenting Attack on Police Station in Al-Muqdadiya, Iraq

A 57-minute video, titled "Liberate the Suffering" (Fukku Al-'Ani), posted November 19, 2006 on Islamist websites, documents the March 2006 attack on the police station in Al-Muqdadiya, Iraq, during which some 30 jihad fighters escaped from the station. This is the first video (MEMRI has edited this version to remove graphic content) produced by Al-Furqan, the production company of the "Islamic State of Iraq."

Video of Jihad Fighters Firing on "Motorcade of American Intelligence [Personnel]"

On November 26, 2006, Islamist websites posted a nine-minute video titled "American Intelligence on the Streets of Baghdad." The video, produced by Al-Furqan, the production company of "the Media Ministry of the Islamic State of Iraq," includes scenes of masked jihad fighters crouching on a highway overpass and opening fire on what they claim to be "a motorcade of American Intelligence [personnel]."

Chechen Website Reports Death of Abu Hafs Al-Urduni

On November 27, 2006, a Chechen website supportive of the mujahideen announced the death of Abu Hafs Al-Urduni, a Jordanian-born jihad fighter described in the message as "a commander [of the mujahideen] in Chechnya." According to the message, Abu Hafs was killed Sunday, November 26, 2006, in a battle with Russian commando units. It should be noted that on October 16, 2006, Islamist websites posted a video in which Abu Hafs addressed the Muslims on the occasion of 'Eid Al-Fitr.

Video Showing UAV Allegedly Downed in Iraq

On November 21, 2006, Islamist websites posted a one-minute video titled "Interception of an American UAV," produced by Jama't Ansar Al-Sunna (the Group of the Supporters of the Sunna). The video shows a Thunder Tiger UAV, claimed to be an American military device intercepted by jihad fighters in Iraq.

Rockets Bearing the Name "Al-Zarqawi" Fired at U.S. Military Base in Afghanistan

On November 20, 2006, Islamist websites posted a three-minute video titled "Rockets Fired on the American Base in Khost, [Afghanistan]." The video is part of a series titled "The Americans' Holocaust in Khorasan," produced by the Al-Qaeda production company Al-Sahab. It shows several fighters setting up rocket launchers in a wooded area, inscribing "Al-Zarqawi" on the rockets, and then firing them.

The Mujahideen in Lebanon Respond to the Assassination of Pierre Gemayel

On November 21, 2006, various Islamist websites posted two announcements by the mujahideen in Lebanon pertaining to the assassination of Pierre Gemayel, a Lebanese cabinet minister and a strong opponent of Syrian influence in Lebanon. In the first message, the group depicts the assassination as a step in the greater plan of Hizbullah and the 'Alawi regime [i.e. Syria] to topple the Lebanese government.

In the second announcement, titled "There Will Be No [Political] Entity for the Shi'ites on Lebanese Soil," the group warns the Sunnis in Lebanon:

Islamic Army in Iraq Denounces Iraqi Government's Warrant for Arrest of Sunni Sheikh Hareth Al-Dhari

On November 19, 2006, Islamist websites posted a statement by the Islamic Army in Iraq denouncing the Iraqi government's decision to arrest prominent Sunni cleric Sheikh Hareth Al-Dhari, whom the statement says is secretary-general of the Association of Muslim Scholars in Iraq. The statement calls the decision to arrest Al-Dhari an offense to Sunnis and a blow to anyone striving to achieve national reconciliation under the difficult circumstances prevailing in Iraq.

Mujahideen in Lebanon Accuse Hizbullah, Iran, and Syria of Attempting to Wipe Out Lebanese Sunnis

On November 19, 2006, an Islamist website posted a statement by a group calling itself "The Mujahideen in Lebanon" accusing Hizbullah of attempting to wipe out Lebanese Sunnis and eradicate Sunni Islam in Lebanon. The statement says: "Death squads have already been formed in Beirut, on the instructions of the Iranian religious authorities. [These death squads], which are an 'Alawi [i.e. Syrian] political import, are waiting for the moment... to [start] killing our people and destroying [our] mosques, as is happening in Iraq on a daily basis."

The statement then urges Sunnis in Lebanon to prepare for confrontation with Shi'ite hostility, saying: "Today they [i.e. Hizbullah] wish to take over Lebanon by joining forces with the Crusaders of Lebanon, in order to completely eliminate the Sunni sect [in the country]. The Shi'ites must know that we are ready to stop them..."

Video Documenting Raid on Police Station in Bak, Afghanistan

On November 13, Islamist websites posted a three-minute video titled "The Bak Raid," produced by Al-Qaeda's production company Al-Sahab, showing what appears to be an attack on a police station in the city of Bak in southeast Afghanistan under the command of an individual named Abu Nasr.

Taliban: We Have Taken Arghandab District in Afghanistan

On November 13, 2006 Islamist websites posted an official Taliban announcement claiming that the organization has taken Arghandab district in southern Afghanistan.

According to the announcement, following a two-day siege, the mujahideen managed to capture the entire district, expelling all Afghani soldiers and causing U.S. forces to evacuate their base in the region.

Former Chief Prosecutor in Turkey: I Would Have Opened a Case in Order to Close Down AKP

The mainstream, high-circulation Turkish daily Hurriyet reported that in a televised program, the Former Chief Prosecutor of Turkey’s Constitutional Court, Vural Savas, claimed "There is a total occupation of state positions by fundamentalists... Had I been in duty, I would open a case in order to close the AKP [Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's party] down."

Savas quoted from Erdogan's 1995 speech:

New Cartoons from the Middle East

New Cartoons from the Middle East

Video of Female Suicide Bomber's Last Message

On November 12, 2006, an Islamist website posted a three-minute video featuring the last message of Mirfat Amin Mas'ud, a 19-year-old woman who carried out a suicide bombing at an IDF checkpoint in the Gaza Strip on November 6, 2006. After asking her parents to forgive her for undertaking martyrdom, Mirfat Amin addresses her extended family, saying: "My desire [to serve] Allah and His Messenger and to spill my blood for the sake of this homeland is much greater than my love for you."

"Voice of the Caliphate" Presents Video on Islamic State of Iraq

Turks Demonstrate for Hizbollah and Hamas

On the day commemorating Ataturk's death, Islamists in Turkey demonstrated in Istanbul against Israel and the Jews, and in support of Hizbollah and Hamas. They carried pictures of Hizbollah's leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Khaled Mashal. Signs and banners were also present that read "Israel must be eliminated" and "Israel must be destroyed"

Video Showing Jihad Units Training and Operating

Video of Mujahideen Training and Operating in China ("Eastern Turkestan")

On November 8, 2006, Islamist websites posted a 32-minute video showing mujahideen training and operating in the Xinjiang (Shing Yang) District in western China, referred to in the video as "Eastern Turkestan." Furthermore, the mujahideen call on all Muslims to wage jihad and free themselves from Chinese rule.

Mujahideen Discuss the Construction of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

On November 3, 2006, Islamist websites posted information on constructing UAVs. Forum participants on the websites debated whether the UAVs should be used to spy on the enemy, or should be loaded with explosives and used to target the enemy.

Open Letter on an Islamist Website Recommends Seizing Bodies of U.S., NATO Troops

On November 6, 2006, an Islamist website posted an anonymous open letter to the commander of Al-Qaeda in Iraq, Abu Hamza Al-Muhajir. The letter urges Abu Hamza and his mujahideen to seize the bodies of the American soldiers killed during their attacks to compel the Americans to release Muslim prisoners.

This method, says the letter, was used successfully by Hizbullah in its war against Israel, and should therefore be used both against the Americans in Iraq and against NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Islamist Video Featuring Al-Qaeda Member Abu Yahya Al-Liby

On November 2, 2006, Islamist websites posted an 18-minute video titled "Combat Not Compromise." In it, Abu Yahya Al-Liby, one of four Al-Qaeda members who escaped from an American prison in Baghram, Afghanistan in July 2005, eulogized Farouq Al-Iraqi, another of the escapees who was later killed in Iraq. In the film, Al-Liby went on to urge the mujahideen not to lose hope but to be patient and to join forces, and called on the Muslim 'ulama to join the ranks of jihad. The film, with English subtitles, was produced by the Al-Qaeda production company Al-Sahab. "This form of worship [i.e. jihad] can only exist through the blood of those who sacrifice their souls for [Islam]... Throughout the history of Islam, many heroes have been killed by the infidels and criminals, but [in spite of this] the flame of Islam will never be extinguished...

Jihad Video Encourages Suicide Bombings

On October, 10, 2006, an Islamist website posted a three-minute video titled "Blow Yourself Up," extolling suicide bombings and encouraging Muslims to blow themselves up. (update: graphic images of dead and mangled bodies have been edited out of this version of the film presented here) "[I swear by Allah]... in whose hand my soul rests, that you [i.e. the occupiers] will not live in peace and that the martyrdom [operations] will continue until you return to your homes, defeated and humiliated... Blow yourself up, and turn your limbs, as they fly through the air, into stars that guide the nation towards the safe path..."

The New Website of the Iraqi Sniper

Over the past several months, jihad organizations in Iraq have been posting videos on Islamist websites showing American soldiers being hit by sniper fire in Iraq. One of the most recent videos, posted by the Islamic Army in Iraq, is titled "The Sniper of Baghdad", and shows the training and operations of the organization's sharpshooter unit in Iraq, which is called the "Juba" unit. As part of the attempt to heighten the impact of the snipers in Baghdad, the Al-Buraq Media Organization has set up a website in Arabic and English (http://jubaonline.org). The Full Entry contains much more about the Juba Snipers.

The Islamic Army in Iraq Presents a New Missile

On October 31, 2006, the Islamic Army in Iraq presented its new surface-to-surface missile, the "Abeer," which has a head weighing 20 kg and a range of approximately 20 kilometers. The written message is followed by a seven-minute video According to the announcement, the missile is named after 'Abeer Al-Janabi, a 14-year-old girl from Mahmudiyya, a small town south of Baghdad, "whose chastity was violated by a Christian soldier."

Islamist Video of Attack on U.S. Army Base

On October 10, 2006, mortars fired by insurgents hit an ammunition depot at Falcon Army Base, a large U.S. military compound in Baghdad. The mortars set off a series of violent explosions and started a large fire, but no injuries were reported. On October 14, 2006, Islamist websites posted an eight-minute video titled "First Signs of Victory - The Fall of the Falcon [Army] Base." The video, produced by Al-Jaysh Al-Islami (The Islamic Army), takes responsibility for the October 10, 2006, attack on the U.S. Army base in Baghdad. "Kneel and thank Allah for this great boon.... [This] was a victory for all the loyal mujahideen in all the jihad groups in Iraq. More than that: It was a victory for the mujahideen throughout the world."

Secret Women's Prison in Iraq

Recently, Islamist websites posted a picture of what they describe as a secret prison for Muslim women in Iraq, which, they say, "is one of hundreds of prisons for women… [located] in Sunni cities [in Iraq]."

Mujahideen Use Laser Pointers to Disrupt Fighter Jets

Participants in discussion forums on the various Islamist websites have recently been discussing ways to disrupt the functioning of fighter jets and missiles. Suggestions include using laser pointers and distributing them to children transforming them "from stone-[throwing] kids into laser kids." "I tried it on two commercial jets and forced them to return to the airport... using only a single laser."

Islamist Website Reports Woman's Offer of Prize for Kidnapping an American Soldier in Order to Kill Him

An Islamist website reported that, on October 26, 2006, an elderly Iraqi woman offered a prize of 75 million dinar - about US $50,000 - to anyone bringing her a live American soldier in order to kill him. The website reported further that the woman, a resident of Al-Ramadi, had made the offer during Friday prayers at one of the city's mosques.

Mujahideen Call to Boycott "American" and "Zionist" Companies in Iraq

On October 26, 2006 an Islamist website posted a list of companies in Iraq which it labeled "American" and "Zionist."

Read the Full Entry for the appendix of companies labeled by the site as "American" and "Israeli." (The original message also details their websites, mailing addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and, in some cases, the names of their owners, but these details have been omitted here for reasons of safety).

Baghdad Sniper 2

On October 25, 2006, an Islamist website posted a 28-minute video called "Baghdad Sniper 2" ("Juba 2"). The video was produced by the Al-Jaysh Al-Islami Al-'Iraqi organization, and it was presented as a holiday gift to the believers in Allah's unity (ahl al-tawhid).

An edited 6-minute version of the film can be found here. MEMRI will not release the full version due to its graphic content. Read more about this video in the Full Entry.

Abu Mus'ab Al-Suri Urges Sunnis in Syria to Wage Jihad Against the 'Alawis

Abu Mus'ab Al-Suri, also known as 'Umar 'Abd Al-Hakim, is a senior Al-Qaeda operative who was exiled from Syria for involvement in the Syrian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, urges Sunnis who have converted to Shi'ism, in Syria and elsewhere, to repent:

Mujahideen Respond to "Mecca Charter"

On October 25, 2006 an Islamist website posted a response to the agreement known as "The Mecca Charter" (wathiqat Mecca) which was signed recently by Sunni and Shi'ite religious scholars in Iraq. The agreement calls upon all parties in Iraq to spare the lives and property of all Muslims in the country, to avoid harming religious sites, and to uphold the territorial unity of Iraq. An unknown Sunni group in Iraq, which identifies itself as Al-Radd Al-Mubin ("The Clear Reply"), responded to the charter:

Hamed Al-'Ali's Holiday Address to Muslims

In an audio recording of a sermon (khutba) by prominent Kuwaiti Salafi leader, Sheikh Hamed ibn 'Abdallah Al-'Ali, on the occasion of the Muslim holiday 'Eid Al-Fitr, Al-'Ali defines the goals of jihad and outlines the primary means of achieving them. Jihad, he states, is intended to "reestablish the Islamic Caliphate which will represent all Muslims around the world" and will adhere only to the rules of shari'a (Islamic law).

Video Documenting Car Bomb Attack

An Islamist website posted a six-minute video titled "The Abu Hajir Al-'Aziz Al-Muqrin Attack" featuring instructions for operating a car bomb. This image shows how the wires and operation switch are connected and displays the explosive charge at the back of the vehicle.

Abu Basir Al-Turtusi Calls on Tunisians to Revolt

In response to the Tunisian President Zin Al-'Abidin Bin's decision to enforce the law prohibiting women from wearing the veil (hijab) in the public sphere, Abu Basir Al-Turtusi, a Syrian Salafi ideologue in London, calls for the Tunisian people to "rebel against this infidel and apostate tyrant."

The Pursuit of Religious Knowledge is More Important Than Jihad

On October 22, 2006, an Islamist website posted an old fatwa by the U.K.-based Muslim scholar Abu Qatada Al-Falastini, a key Al-Qaeda operative currently in prison. The fatwa states that "the pursuit of [religious] knowledge (talab al-'ilm) is more important than [waging] jihad in the path of Allah..." and that "the state of [moral] decay [among Muslims today] stems from the fact that the mujahideen and other Muslims lack [sufficient religious] knowledge."

Holiday Video Calls for Jihad and Slaughter of "Crusaders"

The video calls on the Muslims to wage jihad against the "Crusaders." Several Al-Qaeda leaders and commanders, including bin Laden, Al-Zawahiri, Al-Zarqawi and a number of unidentified young men (who may be field commanders or intended suicide bombers) call upon the Muslims to join the jihad.

Jihad Video

The video from the Iraqi Sunni military organization Kata'ib Thawrat Al-'Ishrin ("The 1920 Revolution Brigades") was posted on the Al-Hesbah website on October 18, 2006.

Titled "Defenders of the Faith", the video shows scenes of destruction and killing it claims were perpetrated by the occupation forces, including shots of corpses lying in the streets and houses in flames.

Mujahideen Gather Information on Anchorage International Airport

Announcement of the Establishment of an Islamic State

On October 15, 2006, Islamist websites posted a video in which the Shura Council of the Jihad Fighters announced the establishment of an Islamic state in Iraq. The individual who delivers the message, whose face is obscured (see photo below), is identified in the video as "the official spokesman of the Islamic State."

Jihad Groups in Iraq Take an Oath of Allegiance

On October 12, 2006, Islamist websites posted a video showing six white-clad, masked individuals who, according to the websites, were taking a traditional Arab oath of allegiance known as hilf al-mutayyabin ("oath of the scented ones"). The websites claimed that the individuals taking the oath represent four jihad groups in Iraq - as well as "many of the sheikhs of the faithful tribes [in Iraq]." "We swear by Allah…that we will strive to free the prisoners of their shackles, to end the oppression to which the Sunnis are being subjected by the malicious Shi'ites and by the occupying Crusaders, to assist the oppressed and restore their rights even at the price of our own lives… to make Allah's word supreme in the world, and to restore the glory of Islam…"

Clashes Between Al-Qaeda in Iraq and Iraqi Mujahideen

Today an Islamic website posted a 17-minute video cassette showing a masked man called "Abu Osama Al-Iraqi" who presented himself as one of the commanders of the jihad in Iraq. In the cassette, he addressed Osama bin Laden with accusations against Al-Qaeda in Iraq and its commanders, and threatened that the Iraqi mujahideen would fight Al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Jihad Video Featuring American Soldiers Being Hit by Snipers

Islamist Website Calls to Disable German Websites Offensive to Islam