MEMRI reports that “the online magazine ‘The Voice of Jihad,’ which is published by Al-Qa’ida members in Saudi Arabia and describes itself as a ‘biweekly dealing with Jihad and the Mujahideen in the Arabian Peninsula,’ devoted its ninth issue to two main subjects: Osama bin Laden’s most recent speech, excerpts of which were broadcast on Al-Jazeera television, and the ongoing debate in Al-Qa’ida over attacks in Saudi Arabia.”
This issue illuminates the plans and thinking of these terrorists — as well as their continued use of Islamic theology and law to explain and justify their actions. By this method they gain recruits among young Muslims who are impressed by the implication that only they are the true, loyal Muslims who are fulfilling all of the Qur’an’s commands.
A few highlights:
A New Communiqué: ‘Young Mujahideen Seek Martyrdom As You Seek Life’
This issue of The Voice of Jihad features a communiqué dated January 20, 2004, written by Sheikh Abdallah Al-Rashoud. In it, Sheikh Al-Rashoud presents arguments opposing Islamist Sheikhs who have expressed disapproval of Al-Qa’ida attacks in Saudi Arabia, saying: “… Today the House of Saud is doing everything it can to fulfill the Crusaders’ demands and disarm the people of the Arabian Peninsula.
“This is another chapter in the deceitful series by the triple axis of corruption – the Jews, the Crusaders, and the House of Saud – whose aim is to bring the people of the Arabian Peninsula into a vicious cycle of weakness in a way that will affect their struggle with the occupying invaders, so that when they want to defend their religion and their honor, they will find nothing but stones and curses…
“Know you, House of Saud and your soldiers: Among the young Mujahideen of the Arabian Peninsula are those who seek martyrdom as you seek life. Many of them are awaiting today to carry out martyrdom operations, with the aim of fulfilling their obligation and dying… The throne of the House of Saud is on the rim of the volcano under which the pot is boiling…”
Commentary on Bin Laden’s Speech: ‘Anticipate a Large-Scale Attack In U.S.’
Excerpts from Osama bin Laden’s most recent speech are posted, followed by commentary by one of the leading ideologues of Al-Qa’ida in Saudi Arabia, “Louis Attiya Allah” (an alias) . . .
“… I sense that the Sheikh wishes to make us understand that what he is warning us of are actually events that he sees in his mind’s eye which will take place in the near future. Therefore, the Sheikh presented, for the first time in all his speeches, two issues: the issue of a Majlis Al-Hal wa Al-Aqd [Authoritative Council] and the issue of the Imam. I can almost swear that the Sheikh presented these two issues only because he anticipates the total collapse of the situation and the fall of regimes in the region as a result of some future events in which he and Al-Qa’ida will play a role…
“The issue of a Majlis Al-Hal wa Al-Aqd and the issue of the Imam” relate to the restoration of the caliphate. Osama and Co. want to unify the Islamic world under a single military/religious leader, who will wage offensive jihad against the West. This is just a pipe dream, but it is relevant because these groups are willing to commit violence to make it a reality.
“In this speech, Sheikh Osama looked like someone appealing directly to the clerics and the preachers who signed the communiqué [against] changing the school curriculum [in Saudi Arabia]… It is as if the Sheikh is saying to them: I am with you. I agree that America wants to eradicate our identity and remove our religion from us. But I criticize the thinking of some of you that any vestige of good remains in these rulers, or that they seek good and aspire to obtain it. . . .
“The Sheikh expects that the U.S. will directly attack the oil sources and will declare their occupation. This situation will lead to a total collapse of the regimes in the region… Anyone interested in correcting the situation of the [Muslim] nation must be prepared for this situation by establishing a council of clerics and preachers that will deal with the anticipated total collapse.
“In order to avoid anyone claiming that the Mujahideen are acting without taking into account the situation of the [Muslim] nation and without warning it, the Sheikh conveyed a hidden message, in which he told these preachers and clerics: You need to realize that these rulers are too contemptible to defend land, honor, and religion.
“We continue on our path and in our Jihad against America. We continue to strike at America and we expect that our next blow will cause the collapse of the situation [in Saudi Arabia] due to the vengeful response, the first result of which will be the direct occupation of the oil sources and America’s entrance [into Saudi Arabia] with the aim of changing the situation from its foundations.
“Therefore, you must prepare and anticipate this scenario. The responsibility and the mighty obligation expressed by establishing the Authoritative Council that will crown an Imam from among the Muslims who will manage the affairs of the direct confrontation with the Crusaders is incumbent upon you . . .