FDD

"Future Jihad, Terrorist Strategies Against America"

Washington, D.C. (Nov. 18, 2005) – Dr. Walid Phares, a Senior Fellow with the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, is the author of the newly released book, Future Jihad, Terrorist Strategies Against America, which examines the strategies that will be needed to defeat a new, more lethal strain of terrorism that now threatens America and the free world.

Read the full release here.  Read reviews of the book here.

CLIFF MAY: Terrorists Hit Amman

Suicide bombers attacked three hotels frequented by Westerners in the Jordanian capital of Amman.

Yes, they want to kill Americans and other westerners who stay at such hotels. But they also want to send a message to King Abdullah II and other Arab leaders. They are saying, in effect: You need to be afraid of us, not the Americans. You need to curry favor with us – if you want to stay alive.

Also: After the breakup of a terrorist plot in Australia, the Militant Islamists were no doubt feeling pressure to show they are still strong, still operational, that they have not been neutered. 

No one has yet claimed responsibility but Abu Musab al- Zarqawi, the Jordanian-born leader of al-Qaida in Iraq, is high on the list of suspects.

Keep in mind: If they could have done this in New York, Washington or Los Angeles – they would have. 

And whenever they can again, they will. Preventing that is an immense challenge, one that requires both defensive and offensive measures.

A story is here.

BREAKING: Suicide Bombing In Hadera, Israel

A suicide bombing has taken place in the coastal Israel town of Hadera.  At least 4 people have been reported killed, and scores injured.  Islamic Jihad has claimed responsibility for the attack.

JON SNOW: The Trial of Saddam Hussein

The first of what is likely to be a series of trials of Saddam Hussein is scheduled to begin tomorrow.  For a quick overview of the specifics, check out the latest FDD backgrounder.

What can be expected on the first day of the trial?  A formal reading of the charges and a statement by the defense.  The defense is expected to try to use the media as a propaganda tool and has stated that they intend to shift the focus of the trial from the charges against Saddam to a trial of American actions in Iraq.  The defense can also be expected to seek an adjournment within the first day or two of the trial, which the judges may grant, while they review defense motions for a delay of trial.

We'll be following the case closely, and posting news and analysis here.  Stay tuned...

NEWS ALERT: Al-Qaeda's Strategy Outlined in Letter From Zawahiri to Zarqawi

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence released a letter between two senior al-Qaeda leaders, Ayman al-Zawahiri and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, dated July 9, 2005. 

The letter is available here in both English and Arabic. The Washington Post has an article on the letter here.

And one informed observer sends this brief analysis:

Today the United States Government released a 6,000 word letter from al-Qaida’s number two leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, to the leader of al-Qaida in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. The letter was obtained in the course of counterterrorism operations in Iraq.

It is an extraordinary document. The Zawahiri letter provides a candid, chilling, and comprehensive view of al-Qaida's strategy in Iraq and their global aims. It also puts to rest any question about whether Iraq is a central front in the war on terrorism; the scope and scale of al-Qaida's ambitions; the extremist and malignant ideology that guides Islamic radicalism; and the stakes of this struggle.

The letter clearly states al-Qaida’s long-term strategy: (a) expel the United States and its Coalition allies from Iraq; (b) impose a radical Islamic government; and (c) use the territory as a base to expand its reign and attack Iraq’s neighbors and beyond.   

At the same time, the letter reflects Zawahiri’s concern that developments in Iraq are turning against al-Qaida. For example, the letter details Zawahiri’s concerns that Zarqawi’s violence is undermining public support for al-Qaida in Iraq.

CLIFF MAY: Al-Jazeera Signs David Frost

That was the week that was. I wish I were joking. Howard Kurtz’ Washington Post story (quoting me) is here.

Breaking News: Three More Days

The Iraqi National Assembly has put forward a draft constitution by today's deadline, but has announced that they will take three more days to hammer out some final details.  Apparent issues of conflict involve how to deal with Saddam era Baathists, the ongoing debate about federalism in Iraq, and the division of powers.

Major Anti-Terror Operation Underway in London

After a brief media blackout, information is beginning to trickle out about this, though much of it is conflicting.  According to witnesses, three men with backpacks were taken away by police and some shots were fired.  We'll continue to update as information becomes clearer.

Update: There has been at least one more raid in another section of town as well.

Update II:  Three of the four 7/21 suspects have apparently been apprehended.

Update III:  Looks like they got the fourth suspect as well today in Rome.

London Police Release Names of Two Terrorist Suspects

British police have released the names of two of the men whose pictures were distributed last week in connection with the London bombings.  The two men are Muktar Said Ibrahim, 27, also known as Muktar Mohammed Said, and Yasin Hassan Omar, 24.  New pictures of the suspects were also made available.

Alert: Blasts kill 83 in Egyptian Red Sea resort

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (Reuters) - At least 83 people were killed and 200 injured when car bombs ripped through shopping and hotel areas in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on Saturday in the worst attack in Egypt since 1981.

Link: Reuters