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Times Square and the evolving nature of radicalisation
I've avoided posting on the recent attempt to bomb Times Square as I'm not in Pakistan at the moment, and couldn't honestly say from London what Pakistanis think about it. However, a profile of suspect Faisal Shahzad printed in the New York Times brings up points which I think are worth expanding and putting into context.
Many people still believe that extremists must be poor and badly educated. It's almost the polite thing to believe because it seems we only have two options in explaining terrorism carried out in the name of Islam. If extremists aren't poor and angry then we have to find another common thread that might explain their ideas and actions, and the only other option seems to be Islam. Of course, this reading of events is the one preferred by bigots and so reasonable people would like to steer clear of it.
However, we have more than two options. Islamist extremism has had a long evolutionary process. It can be argued that it started in the late 1700s in Arabia, found its modern voice through Syed Qutb in 20th century Egypt and tested itself on the field of battle against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan. That fairly slow process was supercharged after 9/11 and the international events that followed. It is reported that Osama Bin Laden wanted the attacks on the United States to serve as a catalyst. To some extent he got what he wanted. What we are seeing now is the mainstreaming of Islamist extremism. The language and aims of Islamist extremism have become the premier mode of expressing anger at the world around you.
In the 1990s, when I was a teenager, the angry young men of London's inner cities were drawn to crime, the language of black supremacy movements in the US or radical leftwing politics. My favourite quote from a friend about Islam was "a bunch of Indian men in beards bowing to radiators". Now, to many of those young men's younger brothers and sons, Islam is a shadowy force capable of scaring "the establishment", "the man" etc.
What strikes me about the profile drawn up by the New York Times is not that Shahzad was from a well established and well connected professional Pakistani background, but rather that he seems to have made the same transition that I have seen taking place in Egypt, Sudan, inner city London and Pakistan. Shahzad came from a comfortable background and he and his family seemed on an upwards trajectory until something went wrong and he ended up facing "financial troubles". He then became sullen and withdrawn and "started talking more about Islam". My guess is that he wasn't talking about Ghazzali's classic The Alchemy of Happiness, or someother such work that is considered traditional Islam. Chances are that "talking more about Islam" means he was talking about war, invasion, drone attacks, Palestine, Kashmir and how the Western world was intent on making life miserable for Muslims.
A clue to this is in the observation of an acquaintance of Shahzad's:
"His personality had changed - he had become more introverted," Dr. Anwar said the classmate told him. "He had a stronger religious identity, where he felt more strongly and more opinionated about things..."
The genius of the al-Qaeda-type extremism that we see today is its ability to seize on the inner turmoil of a diverse range of people (from Texas to Brixton to southern Punjab) and link them to its central world view and then motivate them to take action to they believe will lead to change - change they are not likely to live to see.
During three months with radicals in London and six months in Pakistan as well as various trips to Palestinian refugee camps, I have marvelled at the genius of a simple and powerful message that needs only the most minimal promotion - taking full advantage of the modern world, it's viral and encourages recruits to "self start". "Dr. Anwar said he had asked the classmate whether this change had come through association with a group, and the friend said it seemed to be "on his own that he was learning all these things."
There's no one thing that results in someone trying to kill civilians in the name of Islam. Among the clever al-Qaeda messaging, the personal turmoil, individual personality and a host of other elements, there's the unavoidable connection to Pakistan.
Another family friend in Pakistan, Kifayat Ali, called Mr. Shahzad "emotional" and said that he used to carry a dagger around with him as a boy. He speculated that Mr. Shahzad had become enraged by the United States' military actions, fuelled by the Pakistani press blaring conspiracy theories and anti-American vitriol.
Pakistan is a country of 170 million people that used to value it's status as a US ally. Although, the government is still technically a key ally and relations between Islamabad and Washington seem to have improved, Pakistanis live amid violence and economic catastrophe much of which they blame - directly or indirectly - on US intentions towards their country. I work on a project that aims to remove the plank of religious legitimacy from the call of extremists in Pakistan. And in the past six months I have seen that we have our work cut out for us as that call finds followers and sympathisers in upper income urban areas as well as impoverished villages.
Preventing more Shahzads, underwear bombers, Ft Hood Shooters and Jihad Janes will involve challenging the wrong and simplistic view of the West as the ultimate source of all problems and of Islamist extremism as the only force capable of challenging it.
My take on this gentleman
My take on this gentleman and his "cause": http://wichaar.com/news/284/ARTICLE/20008/2010-05-07.html
[Sura 8:12] Recall that your
[Sura 8:12] Recall that your Lord inspired the angels: "I am with you; so support those who believed. I will throw terror into the hearts of those who disbelieved. You may strike them above the necks, and you may strike even every finger."
[Sura 8:17] It was not you who killed them; GOD is the One who killed them. It was not you who threw when you threw; GOD is the One who threw. But He thus gives the believers a chance to earn a lot of credit. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.
[Sura 9:5] Once the Sacred Months are past, (and they refuse to make peace) you may kill the idol worshipers when you encounter them, punish them, and resist every move they make. If they repent and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), you shall let them go. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
. He then became sullen and
. He then became sullen and withdrawn and "started talking more about Islam". My guess is that he wasn't talking about Ghazzali's classic The Alchemy of Happiness, or someother such work that is considered traditional Islam. Chances are that "talking more about Islam" means he was talking about war, invasion, drone attacks, Palestine, Kashmir and how the Western world was intent on making life miserable for Muslims.
So, in other words, his life turned to crap, and instead of dealing with it he got a massive victimhood complex about how the "world was out to get him and fellow muslims", which he then reinforced with all of the jihadist propaganda and the like.
by Emmanuel Goldstein "The
by Emmanuel Goldstein
"The aims of these three groups are entirely irreconcilable. The aim of the High is to remain where they are. The aim of the Middle is to change places with the High. The aim of the Low, when they have an aim -- for it is an abiding characteristic of the Low that they are too much crushed by drudgery to be more than intermittently conscious of anything outside their daily lives -- is to abolish all distinctions and create a society in which all men shall be equal. Thus throughout history a struggle which is the same in its main outlines recurs over and over again. For long periods the High seem to be securely in power, but sooner or later there always comes a moment when they lose either their belief in themselves or their capacity to govern efficiently, or both. They are then overthrown by the Middle, who enlist the Low on their side by pretending to them that they are fighting for liberty and justice. As soon as they have reached their objective, the Middle thrust the Low back into their old position of servitude, and themselves become the High. Presently a new Middle group splits off from one of the other groups, or from both of them, and the struggle begins over again. Of the three groups, only the Low are never even temporarily successful in achieving their aims. It would be an exaggeration to say that throughout history there has been no progress of a material kind. Even today, in a period of decline, the average human being is physically better off than he was a few centuries ago. But no advance in wealth, no softening of manners, no reform or revolution has ever brought human equality a millimetre nearer. From the point of view of the Low, no historic change has ever meant much more than a change in the name of their masters."
King: Hey, Taylor, how in
King: Hey, Taylor, how in the fuck you get here anyway? You look educated.
Chris Taylor: I volunteered for it.
King: You did what?
Chris: I volunteered. I dropped out of college, told 'em I wanted the infantry, combat, Vietnam.
Crawford: You volunteered for this shit, man?
Chris: Believe that?
King: You's a crazy fucker, giving up college?
Chris: Didn't make much sense, I wasn't learning anything. I figured why should just the poor kids go off to war and the rich kids always get away with it.
King: Oh, I see, what we got here is a crusader.
Crawford: Sounds like it.
King: Shiiit, you gotta be rich in the first place to think like that. Ever'body know, the poor are always being fucked over by the rich. Always have, always will.
We don't want Londonstani in
We don't want Londonstani in Fick's UDT/Recon shorts. No thank you.
Great post.
Great post.
This is an insightful post,
This is an insightful post, a reminder among other things that we've been dealing with alienation in rootless people and it consequences for public order for quite a while in the United States.
Nearly every city of any size in this country has a gang problem. Young people -- gang members are almost all young -- growing up in parts of society without strong and enduring social institutions go looking for them; lacking prospects for careers that can enable them to define themselves as successful by the criteria of the broader society, they seek groups that define success differently . Gangs are what they find.
The appeal of terrorism has a religious element and an international connection that the gang life does not. Also, it is likely to appeal to a certain kind of personality, one looking for an end that can be called worthy in some way, which is likely to make it attractive to a much smaller number of people than gangs. Finally, one obvious source of gangs' appeal is the economic opportunities they offer to men of limited education and marketable skills, not a factor in terrorism's appeal practically by definition. As Londonstani's post suggests, though, there are enough elements in common for some lessons drawn from America's experience with criminal gangs to be relevant to the problem of identifying Americans likely to be drawn to terrorism.
I have a real simple remedy.
I have a real simple remedy. Restrict immigration from Pakistan and other muslim lands to America, especially the intellectually dull sons of the elite. These are the dangerous ones.
He received a student visa to attend the Univ of Bridgeport, a diploma mill that accepts anyone with a pulse and a tuition check.
There was no reason for Faisal Shahzad to be in our country. He provided America with no "special" skills that we could not find in our own citizens.
for what it's worth, my
for what it's worth, my take:
http://sonofneocles.blogspot.com/2010/05/follow-up-to-earlier-post-maaji...
Gangs and gangsters are in
Gangs and gangsters are in it for money, it's easier to figure them out. Most high ranking street gangsters, shot callers, eventually move to the suburbs and send their kids to private schools. They're just taking another route towards the American dream.
Muslim terrorists however don't want money or the American dream, like Alfred told Batman, "some men just want to see the world burn". And when it's justified in the Qur'an (ie, Surats 8 and 9), then it's a lot easier to turn them. It's basically the Anarchy movement with an OK, thumbs up from Allah. Burn, baby, burn. What's there to figure out?
" If extremists aren't poor
" If extremists aren't poor and angry then we have to find another common thread that might explain their ideas and actions, and the only other option seems to be Islam. Of course, this reading of events is the one preferred by bigots and so reasonable people would like to steer clear of it."
Imagine if I called someone a bigot for stating that the anti-government beliefs of Timothy McVeigh were the reason he blew up the federal building. You would laugh in my face for believing that criticizing McVeigh's insane anti-federalism was inherently bigoted. Yet, when someone says that Osama Bin Laden blew up the WTC because of Islam, he is immediately labeled a bigot. Regardless of the merit of the claim, it has nothing to do with bigotry. It comes down to believing someone's philosophy drove them to commit an act of terrorism.
Disliking an idea (in this case the idea of Islam) does not make you a bigot. Islam is not a race, it is a set of ideas and beliefs, some of which I find morally repugnant. This does not mean I hate Muslims, just that I think the idea of Islam is inherently evil. I hate communism and fascism too, but no one calls me a bigot for hating those belief systems. What makes Islam a "sacred cow" when it comes to belief systems?
I hate Islam too, there I
I hate Islam too, there I said it.
and I watched the South Park episode with the Prophet Mohammed and was saddened they didn't go all the way like they do other religions on the show.
But I laughed my ass off. the Qur'an is violent, just read the darn thing!
Islam can mean many things,
Islam can mean many things, and most of contemporary Islam is peaceful (?it that changing?).
However: "Of course, this reading of events is the one preferred by bigots and so reasonable people would like to steer clear of it." Which bigots are you referring to, the Jihadi or non Muslims who think it's all about conquest?
In the US, it would be said you are simply trying to shut down debate by calling someone a bigot, and invoking charges of heresy against political correctness. That works in some circles, it lost it's force over here in 2009 pretty much completely. One year of the new administration is all it took.
When nearly all the evidence points one way as far as the motive of the terrorists - to include above all their endlessly stating it - when a thousand leaders of a host of many millions can't stop talking about it, and get authoritative scholars to endorse it, when they quote the Suras - at what point do you consider that it may not be your Islam, but it's their Islam, and of a long pedigree.
We have those debates over here now quite openly - now that Bush and Darth Cheney aren't here to quietly take care of Business the citizenry are quite engaged. Now it's quite acceptable for the media and public figures to say "waterboard them" or "fully interrogate them" or "find out what he knows first" before you worry about a trial or evidence. Not everyone agrees but the days of the unmentionable billion strong 1400 year old elephant in the drawing room are passe.
I've read the Koran. If I
I've read the Koran. If I were Muslim and pissed off, I'd be easily "radicalized" as well.
I love muslims, I love jews,
I love muslims, I love jews, I just love them both even more when they don't reside in America.
Anyone have any ideas where
Anyone have any ideas where Nigeria is going. since their President who was Muslim, just died?
I've got a feeling it's going to get much worse there.......much.
West Africa might just destabilize some more, but lets hope not.
Groups that see their lives
Groups that see their lives as being controlled externally are easier to radicalize. anyone that represents "the man" is a prime target for people like the times square bomber. his quality of life took a dive, he blames "the man", finds an excuse to commit his act, acts.
I don't get the reference
I don't get the reference "bowing to radiators." What does that mean?
You wrote "If extremists
You wrote "If extremists aren't poor and angry then we have to find another common thread that might explain their ideas and actions, and the only other option seems to be Islam. Of course, this reading of events is the one preferred by bigots and so reasonable people would like to steer clear of it." This is a sign of the madness of the times, when (for example) objection to Obama's healthcare program is called racist by people who should know better. Reasonable people, indeed. Our enemies have made some topics out of bounds to the point where they cannot even be talked about, by linking them to bigotry. I'm sorry that they seem to have gotten to you, too.
Blogger Lawrence Auster said it succinctly: "Western intellectuals of every stripe have found every conceivable reason why Muslims resort to Islamic extremism—except for the most obvious reason, the timeless and unchangeable teachings of Islam itself."
With more women in
With more women in managerial roles, more in graduate schools, Sex in the City 2, there's a whole lot to be angry about. In Islam, when you're angry, the best way to let it out is to go kill infidels. And the best part is it is all sanctioned by Allah.
يَا أَيُّهَا
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ لاَ تَتَّخِذُواْ الْيَهُودَ وَالنَّصَارَى أَوْلِيَاء بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاء بَعْضٍ وَمَن يَتَوَلَّهُم مِّنكُمْ فَإِنَّهُ مِنْهُمْ إِنَّ اللّهَ لاَ يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الظَّالِمِينَ
O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people.
(from the Sura of the Feast 5:51, the Qur’an)
إِلاَّ الَّذِينَ عَاهَدتُّم مِّنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَنقُصُوكُمْ شَيْئًا وَلَمْ يُظَاهِرُواْ عَلَيْكُمْ أَحَدًا فَأَتِمُّواْ إِلَيْهِمْ عَهْدَهُمْ إِلَى مُدَّتِهِمْ إِنَّ اللّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُتَّقِينَ
So when the sacred months have passed away, then slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captives and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush, then if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, leave their way free to them; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
(from the Sura of Repentence 9:4, Suras 8-9 (Sura 8, the Sura of the Battle Gains) are said to be one Sura and the last to be revealed. What is last revealed by "God", negates the past "feel good, peaceful" Suras, revealed in Mecca when the Prophet and his followers were still weak, politically and militarily, 15 to 20 yrs prior)
Great post. it is true that
Great post. it is true that more and more women involved managerial field, it reflects that the roles of women have changed.
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What strikes me about the
What strikes me about the profile drawn up by the New York Times is not that Shahzad was from a well established and well connected professional Pakistani background, but rather that he seems to have made the same transition that I have seen taking place in Egypt, Sudan, inner city London and Pakistan. Shahzad came from a comfortable background and he and his family seemed on an upwards trajectory until something went wrong and he ended up facing "financial troubles". He then became sullen and withdrawn and "started talking more about Islam". My guess is that he wasn't talking about Ghazzali's classic The Alchemy of Happiness, or someother such work that is considered traditional Islam. Chances are that "talking more about Islam" means he was talking about war, invasion, drone attacks, Palestine, Kashmir and how the Western world was intent on making life miserable for Muslims. forex robot
I live with near these people
I live with near these people and beleave me its not all like that,some is very good persons and they are more against all the terrorist more that us gov and people.forex signals
Right-wing politicians have
Right-wing politicians have successfully made their supporters fearful of Muslims. So long as there's something to be feared, the public can be distracted from the real problems.
Why aren't there any congressional hearings for the executives at big banks that led us so close to a depression? Why aren't there any congressional hearings on the politicians who supported invading Iraq on false intelligence? Surely invading a country unprovoked would make America less safe than these allegedly "uncooperative" American Muslim leaders could. download torrent
We have those debates over
We have those debates over here now quite openly - now that Bush and Darth Cheney aren't here to quietly take care of Business the citizenry are quite engaged. Now it's quite acceptable for the media and public figures to say "waterboard them" or "fully interrogate them" or "find out what he knows first" before you worry about a trial or evidence. Not everyone agrees but the days of the unmentionable billion strong 1400 year old elephant in the drawing room are passe. verified torrents
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Perhaps the tension
Perhaps the tension originates from the generic concept of social return with conventional return on investment or related. www.toowaydirect.com
Nice article, thanks for
Nice article, thanks for posting
Regards
Green Lipped Mussel
I don't want to think of
I don't want to think of negative things but this can happen. With all the problems in the world, anybody can do anything just to survive in this tough world.
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Nearly every city of any size
Nearly every city of any size in this country has a gang problem. Young people -- gang members are almost all young -- growing up in parts of society without strong and enduring social institutions go looking for them; lacking prospects for careers that can enable them to define themselves as successful by the criteria of the broader society, they seek groups that define success differently . Gangs are what they find.
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Nearly every city of any size
Nearly every city of any size in this country has a gang problem. Young people -- gang members are almost all young -- growing up in parts of society without strong and enduring social institutions go looking for them; lacking prospects for careers that can enable them to define themselves as successful by the criteria of the broader society, they seek groups that define success differently . Gangs are what they find.
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Thanks for the message
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