Here is a - know your
enemy - moment courtesy of Middle East Forum.
JRH 5/27/15
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Research on the Islamic State
By Aymenn Jawad al-Tamimi
various publications
April 1-May 15, 2015
Aymenn Jawad al-Tamimi, a research fellow at Middle East
Forum's Jihad Intel project, is one of world's leading
experts on the Islamic State (IS) group terrorizing Iraq and Syria, also known
as ISIS. The overwhelming majority of his writings and translations are too
detailed or esoteric for distribution to a general audience, so instead MEF
compiles periodic updates providing links and summaries for those who wish to
follow the groundbreaking work of this prolific researcher.
For other research summaries and more general interest
writings by Jawad al-Tamimi, click here.
Articles and Blog Posts
Is ISIS Islamic? (April 3)
Jihadology
Jawad al-Tamimi argues that IS documents and publications show respect for the four traditional schools of Sunni jurisprudence and that many of its actions, however heinous, "can find a place within the vastness of Islamic tradition."
Jihadology
Jawad al-Tamimi argues that IS documents and publications show respect for the four traditional schools of Sunni jurisprudence and that many of its actions, however heinous, "can find a place within the vastness of Islamic tradition."
Translations
Translation and Analysis of a statement from the Sunni
jihadist group Jamaat Ansar al-Islam, which was based primarily in
Iraq until its disintegration in the wake of last year's IS advance across the
north of the country, with elements of its Syria chapter continuing to operate
in a limited capacity. The statement eulogizes Abu Ahmad of Mosul, a leader of
the group's Iraq branch reportedly killed by IS.
Translation and analysis of a statement by Muqawama Suriya, a pro-Assad
militia led by Turkish-born Alawite Ali Kayali. The statement illustrates
"growing war weariness among pro-Assad circles" in the wake of recent
losses in Idlib province, notes Jawad al-Tamimi, while its emphasis on
"popular" and "national" forces "implicitly
acknowledges some of the increasing resentment in regime circles that the war
effort is too dependent on foreign irregular forces."
Translation and analysis of an interview with Akram
al-Ka'abi, the leader of Harakat Hizballah al-Nujaba (The
Movement of the Party of God of the Outstanding), or HHN, an Iranian-backed
Iraqi Shia militia that emerged in 2013, operating both in Iraq and in Syria
via multiple front groups. The interview sheds light on several aspects of HHN,
notably its open identification with Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and
ties with the Lebanese Shia Hezbollah movement.
"We have the Swords"- IS nasheed (May
2)
Translation of a musical chant (nasheed), produced by
IS's Ajnad Media Foundation. One of the "darker" nasheeds, according
to Jawad al-Tamimi, with lyrics such as "we sever off heads by the strike
of the sword."
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About The Middle East Forum
With roots going back to 1990, the Middle East Forum has
been an independent tax-exempt 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization based in
Philadelphia since 1994.
Mission
The Middle East Forum promotes American interests in the
Middle East and protects Western values from Middle Eastern threats.
The Forum sees the region — with its profusion of
dictatorships, radical ideologies, existential conflicts, border disagreements,
corruption, political violence, and weapons of mass destruction — as a major
source of problems for the United States. Accordingly, we urge bold measures to
protect Americans and their allies.
In the Middle East, we focus on ways to defeat radical
Islam; work for Palestinian acceptance of Israel; develop strategies to contain
Iran; and deal with the great advances of anarchy.
At home, the Forum emphasizes the danger of lawful
Islamism; protects the freedoms of anti-Islamist authors, activists, and
publishers; and works to improve Middle East studies.
Methods
The Middle East Forum realizes its goals through three
main mechanisms:
1. Intellectual: The Forum
provides context, insights, and policy recommendations through The East Quarterly, staff writings,
public lectures, radio and television appearances, and conference calls (see
below for details).
2. Operational: The Forum exerts an active influence through its
projects, including Campus Watch, Islamist Watch, Legal Project, Washington
Project, Apartheid Monitor, and Shillman/Ginsburg Writing Fellowship Program
(see below for details).
3. Philanthropic: The Forum
annually distributes US$1.5 million in earmarked donations through its Education
Fund, helping researchers, writers,
investigators, and activists around the world.
Activities
A Campus Speakers Bureau provides knowledgeable speakers capable of relating
accurate and balanced information regarding the Middle East and Islam to
American university students.
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