Palestinian Islamic JihadPalestinian Islamic Jihad

By: Nathaniel McDanelBy: Nathaniel McDanel

Lyndsey DennisLyndsey Dennis

Aralya PhinnithAralya Phinnith

IntroductionIntroduction

““The war will continue until Israel ceases The war will continue until Israel ceases to exist and the last Jew is eliminated from to exist and the last Jew is eliminated from the world. Israel is entirely evil and must the world. Israel is entirely evil and must be wiped off the face of the earth”be wiped off the face of the earth”

HistoryHistory

Harakat al-Jihad al-Islami al-Filastini or Harakat al-Jihad al-Islami al-Filastini or Palestinian Islamic Jihad was founded in Palestinian Islamic Jihad was founded in 1979 by Fathi Shqaqui and other extremist 1979 by Fathi Shqaqui and other extremist Palestinians in Egypt.Palestinians in Egypt.

Shaqaqi was influenced to create PIJ Shaqaqi was influenced to create PIJ during the Islamic Revolution in Iran and during the Islamic Revolution in Iran and that he believed if he could united Arab that he believed if he could united Arab and Muslim world that it would create a and Muslim world that it would create a greater Islamic state of Palestine and bring greater Islamic state of Palestine and bring about the downfall of Israel.about the downfall of Israel.

The Egyptian government expelled PIJ to The Egyptian government expelled PIJ to Gaza after they learned about their Gaza after they learned about their involvement with a radical who killed involvement with a radical who killed President Anwar Sadat in 1981.President Anwar Sadat in 1981.

The first active cells of Islamic Jihad The first active cells of Islamic Jihad surfaced in Lebanon where they surfaced in Lebanon where they conducted terrorist attacks against Israel conducted terrorist attacks against Israel and kidnapped westerners in Lebanon.and kidnapped westerners in Lebanon.

Islamic Jihad has strengthened in power Islamic Jihad has strengthened in power by forming alliances with other groups like by forming alliances with other groups like Hamas, Hezbollah and has links with Al-Hamas, Hezbollah and has links with Al-Qaeda. Qaeda.

One notable member of Palestinian One notable member of Palestinian Islamic Jihad was Ramzi Yousef who Islamic Jihad was Ramzi Yousef who attacked the World Trade Center in 1993, attacked the World Trade Center in 1993, and today a lot members make up Al-and today a lot members make up Al-Qaeda and are of Osama Bin Ladin’s inner Qaeda and are of Osama Bin Ladin’s inner circle like Ayman al-Zawahri and circle like Ayman al-Zawahri and Morhammad Atef Morhammad Atef

Who & Why

Finances

Suicide Bombings

Who & Why• PIJ recruitment and operations

- Much more secretive than other Terrorists groups.

- Reoccupation of Israelis in many Palestinian urban centers in first quarter of 2002.

PIJ now receives more volunteers.

• PIJ : Schools, Mosques, Social Services for the poor.

- Do not invest in the religious full time training of children.- Ideological framework of PIJ : Fundamentally Nationalistic and focused on the struggle vs. Israel.

United States Institute of Peace

Who & Why• Reasons why Individuals join PIJ

- To ensure Palestine’s safety. - Constant attacks by Israeli artillery.

- Economic Strangulation.

• Israeli’s former image of Suicide Bombers.

- Young Muslim men.

- Poorly educated.

- Constant harassment and humiliation.

- Religiously zealous.

Blanche, E. (2003). Cult of the kamikaze. Military & Government Collection, 334

Who & Why• Members of the PIJ

- Do not come from impoverished families.

- Not necessarily motivated by desperation or religious fervour.

- Affluent and well educated; at least at the general public level.

-Broad range of of social and professional background.

- Only religiously modest before, but after…

• Not crazed or disgruntled loners! ! !

Blanche, E. (2003). Cult of the kamikaze. Military & Government Collection, 334

Who & Why• Radical Leaders - *Indoctrination Methods*

“I think these groups are able to manipulate innate emotions… in much the same way that the fast food and porn industries manipulate innate desires… [This manipulation] creates a sincere commitment equal to the one a mother feels when she sacrifices herself for her child.” - Atran

Blanche, E. (2003). Cult of the kamikaze. Military & Government Collection, 334

Finances• Economic Jihad

-Concept: religious duty; if not by physically fighting Islam’s enemies then by funding.

- Quranic verse in Surah 9 Verse 41: “Fight with your possessions and your souls in the way of Allah.”

- Several Islamist Spiritual leaders emphasizes ‘Economic Jihad’ as a religious duty for all Muslims.

Levitt, M. (2005). Countering the theological case for ‘economic jihad’ is vital. The Washington Institute For Near East Policy. Retrieved from: http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/opedsPDFs/42a8bf8bbf6a6.pdf

Finances• Economic Jihad in America

- U.S. based PIJ members and supporters:

- Fundraising

- Propaganda

- Proselytizing activities

Mueller, R. S. (2005). Congressional Testimony. Federal Bureau of Investigations. Retreived from: http://www.fbi.gov/congress/congress05/mueller021605.htm

Finances• Economic Jihad

- PIJ activist Fawaz Damra called on supporters in U.S. to support Economic Jihad.

- Served as an officer of the Afghan Services Bureau – a non profit organization in Brooklyn.

- Contributed in fundraising for the PIJ.- Cleveland, Ohio 1991: conducted an auction for a medal in honor of a PIJ martyr, Nidal Zalloum.

Levitt, M. (2005). Countering the theological case for ‘economic jihad’ is vital. The Washington Institute For Near East Policy. Retrieved from: http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/opedsPDFs/42a8bf8bbf6a6.pdf

Finances• Charitable front organizations

- Disguised as humanitarian organizations/support.

- Donors are also well aware of ‘Economic Jihad.’

- Donors feel that are fulfilling a religious obligation.

Levitt, M. (2005). Countering the theological case for ‘economic jihad’ is vital. The Washington Institute For Near East Policy. Retrieved from: http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/opedsPDFs/42a8bf8bbf6a6.pdf

Finances• Iran

- Frequently meets with other Terrorists groups.

- Actively encourages destruction of peace processes.

- Provides money : 1million – 100million.

- Supplies arms, material support, training, and operational guidance.

Christopher, 1996. Fighting terrorism: challenges for peacemakers. United States Coast Guard. Retrieved from : http://www.uscg.mil/hq/gm/nmc/security/peace.htm National Commision of Terrorism. Countering the changing threat of international terrorism. United States Coast Guard. Retrieved from : http://www.uscg.mil/legal/homeland%5Flegislation/text/countering%5Fthe%5Fchanging%5Fthreat%5Fof%5Finternational%5Fterrorism.html

Finances• Iran

- Most active state supporter.

- Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps- Ministry of Intelligence and Security

- Planning and execution of Terrorists acts.- provide funding, training, weapons, logistical resources, and guidance.

National Commision of Terrorism. Countering the changing threat of international terrorism. United States Coast Guard. Retrieved from : http://www.uscg.mil/legal/homeland%5Flegislation/text/countering%5Fthe%5Fchanging%5Fthreat%5Fof%5Finternational%5Fterrorism.html

Finances• Al-Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden

- 1998 Ahmed al-Naggar.

“The funding of the organisation came [primarily] through financial support from the Saudi Osama Bin Laden.”

- Also now considered part of Al-Qaeda’s network.

- Funded by Bin Laden’s personal fortune since early 90’s.

Anoymous. (2001). Countering terrorism. Times-Newspapers. Retrieved from : http://www.infowars.com/saved%20pages/Prior_Knowledge/10_years_cell.htm

Suicide Bombings• Pioneered in early 80’s

- Lebanon’s Shi’ite Muslim extremist group Hizballah - inspired by Iran’s use of human minesweepers.

- 1994: PIJ along with other terrorists groups.

- 1996: 20% supported practice.

- Today: 70% support suicide bombings.

• Suicide bombings were controversial

- Swamped with volunteers.

Van Biema, D., Hamad, J., Moaveni, A., Radwan, A., Rees, M. (2001). Why the bombers keep coming. Military & Government Collection, 158.

Suicide Bombings• Jenin: Suicide bombing capital of the West Bank

- Long history of militancy. - Israeli-Palestinian war

- Izzadin Al Kassem

- Refugee camps as focal point of Palestinian resistance.

- PIJ are extremely popular in these areas.

- More than a dozen suicide bombers.

Hammer, J., Ephron, D. (2002). A war’s human toll. Newsweek, 139

Suicide Bombings• PIJ - most active in suicide bombings

- Influence has spread:Kurdistan, Pakistan, Kashmir, Chechnya, China, Turkey, and across Southeast Asia.

- $ 1,000 .- Easily transported

• Suicide bombings are very efficient

- Much more difficult to spot“ A suicide bomber is a two-legged missile. Once it’s launched, it’s very difficult to intercept.” - Uzi Landau, Israeli Internal Security Minister

Van Biema, D., Hamad, J., Moaveni, A., Radwan, A., Rees, M. (2001). Why the bombers keep coming. Military & Government Collection, 158.

PurposePurpose of the PIJof the PIJ

Opposition to Palestinian authority policy and Opposition to Palestinian authority policy and the sentiments of the majority of the the sentiments of the majority of the Palestinian populationPalestinian population

Concentrates entirely on armed revoltConcentrates entirely on armed revolt

GoalsGoals1)1) Destruction of the State of Israel (source of Destruction of the State of Israel (source of

moral and spiritual corruption)moral and spiritual corruption)

2)2) Liberation of Palestine & pan-Islamic revivalLiberation of Palestine & pan-Islamic revival

““Al-amaliyyah al-Al-amaliyyah al-istishhadiyyah”istishhadiyyah”

“The death of a martyr for the sake of Allah”“The death of a martyr for the sake of Allah”

What have they done?What have they done? 1990’s- tried to sabotage the Oslo peace process.1990’s- tried to sabotage the Oslo peace process. 2003- Tried to end “cease fire” (hudna) achieved by Israel & 2003- Tried to end “cease fire” (hudna) achieved by Israel &

Palestine'sPalestine's May 19, 2003- Shopping mallMay 19, 2003- Shopping mall

3 dead, 83 wounded3 dead, 83 wounded October 4, 2003- Maxim Restaurant October 4, 2003- Maxim Restaurant

21 dead, 60 wounded21 dead, 60 woundedThe PIJ claimed responsibility through a televised video cassette The PIJ claimed responsibility through a televised video cassette

and threatened that there would be thousands more. and threatened that there would be thousands more.

February 25, 2005- suicide February 25, 2005- suicide bombing attack in Tel Aviv. bombing attack in Tel Aviv.

5 dead, 50 wounded5 dead, 50 wounded

RecruitsRecruits PIJ has a student wingPIJ has a student wing Actively recruits women in Actively recruits women in

Northern West Bank Northern West Bank Universities, towns, and Universities, towns, and villages.villages.

Once a prospective suicide Once a prospective suicide bomber is found the bomber is found the organization invests organization invests considerable effort in considerable effort in convincing women that this convincing women that this activity does not contradict activity does not contradict Islamic principles nor “the Islamic principles nor “the daily duties of Muslim daily duties of Muslim women.women.

The suicide bomber responsible for the attack in Tel Aviv.

Women Suicide BombersWomen Suicide Bombers The shopping mall incident – 19 yr. old student Heiba The shopping mall incident – 19 yr. old student Heiba

Daragmeh detonated an explosive devise that was Daragmeh detonated an explosive devise that was strapped to her body.strapped to her body.

The Maxim restaurant – Hanadi Jaradat 29 yr. old The Maxim restaurant – Hanadi Jaradat 29 yr. old trainee lawyer. Her brother and cousin had been killed by trainee lawyer. Her brother and cousin had been killed by Israeli forces and she was not yet married. Israeli forces and she was not yet married.

“With the strength and heroism of Allah, I decided to become the sixth female suicide bomber to turn her body into shrapnel which will penetrate the heard of every Zionist settler in my country… (Al-Arabia TV, October 5, 2003)

Other helpersOther helpers

16 yr. old Tamer Khuweir - apprehended by 16 yr. old Tamer Khuweir - apprehended by Israeli security forces on March 9, 2004 as he Israeli security forces on March 9, 2004 as he prepared to carry out a suicide attack. Tamer’s prepared to carry out a suicide attack. Tamer’s brother claims he was brainwashedbrother claims he was brainwashed

Dr. Sami Al Arian- Computer engineering Dr. Sami Al Arian- Computer engineering professor at the University of Southern Florida. professor at the University of Southern Florida. Arrested on February 20, 2003 and indicted with Arrested on February 20, 2003 and indicted with 50 “terrorism” related charges. He is the North 50 “terrorism” related charges. He is the North American head of the PIJ. American head of the PIJ.

Plans for the FuturePlans for the Future Have not yet directly targeted U.S. Have not yet directly targeted U.S.

interests (although U.S. citizens have interests (although U.S. citizens have died in attacks), continue to direct died in attacks), continue to direct attacks against Israeli interests. attacks against Israeli interests.

Remains a relatively small Remains a relatively small movementmovement

According to opinion polls, only 4-5% According to opinion polls, only 4-5% of Palestinian population supports of Palestinian population supports PIJ because it lacks the institutional PIJ because it lacks the institutional networks like those built by Hamas. networks like those built by Hamas.

Enables PIJ to concentrate on Enables PIJ to concentrate on ideological goals and disregard ideological goals and disregard politics!politics!

ReferencesReferences

www.intelligence.orgwww.intelligence.org (February 2005) (February 2005)http://enwikipedia.orghttp://enwikipedia.orghttp://library.nps.navy.milhttp://library.nps.navy.mil (April 2005) (April 2005)http://www.ict.org.ilhttp://www.ict.org.ilwww.military.comwww.military.com

ReferencesAnonymous. (2001). Countering terrorism. Times-Newspapers. Retrieved from: http://www.infowars.com/saved%20pages/Prior_Knowledge/10_years_cell.htmBlanche, E. (2003). Cult of the kamikaze. Military & Government Collection, 334.Christopher. (1996). Fighting terrorism: challenges for peacemakers. United States Coast Guard. Retrieved from: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/gm/nmc/security/peace.htmHammer, J. Ephron, D. (2002). A war’s human toll. Newsweek, 139.Levitt, M. (2005). Countering the theological case for ‘economic jihad’ is vital. The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Retrieved from: http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/opedsPDFs/42a8bf8bbf6a6.pdf Mueller, R. S. (2005). Congressional Testimony. Federal Bureau of Investigations. Retrieved from: http://www.fbi.gov/congress05/mueller021605.htmNational Commission of Terrorism. Countering the changing threat of international terrorism. United States Coast Guard. Retrieved from: http://www.uscg.mil/legal/homeland%5Flegislation/text/countering%5Fthe%5Fchanging%5Fthreat%5Fof%5Finternational%5Fterrorism.html Oreck, A. (2005). Palestinian islamic jihad. Jewish Virtual Library. Retrieved from: http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Terrorism/PIJ.html

ReferencesUnited States Institute of Peace. (2002). Islamic extremist: how do they mobilize support. Retrieved from: http://www.usip.org/pubs/specialreports/sr89.htmlVan Biema, D., Hamad, J., Moaveni, A., Radwan, A. & Rees, M. (2001). Why the bombers keep coming. Military & Government Collection, 158.Weisberg, A. (2003). Islamic jihad. FrontPage Magazine. Retrieved from: http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/Readarticle.asp?ID=7614

The EndThe End