A Message to the Spanish People: The Neglected Threat by Qa`idat al-Jihad

THE PROJECT FOR THE RESEARCH OF ISLAMIST MOVEMENTS (PRISM) ^ | 18 March 2004 | Dr. Reuven Paz

[JohnathanRGalt]

A Message to the Spanish People: The Neglected Threat by Qa`idat al-Jihad

By Reuven Paz

(PRISM Series of Special Dispatches on Global Jihad, No. 2/2)

Introduction
Since the horrible series of explosions in train stations in Madrid on the 11th of March 2004, it is clearer now, a week after the attack, that the operatives belonged to Qa`idat al-Jihad or any other Islamist group affiliated with Global Jihad.

The most detailed statement against Spain so far on the background of the Iraqi issue, by elements of Qa`idat al-Jihad, appeared in December 2003, in an analysis of the situation in Iraq and the role of the Mujahidin there. The analysis, in a small book of 50 pages, was titled "Iraqi Jihad, hopes and thoughts: Analysis of the reality and visions for the future, and actual steps in the path of the blessed Jihad." [1]  The book was published in Islamist web sites on the Internet by "The information commission in support for the Iraqi people - the center of services for the Mujahidin."

The part of this book that dealt with Spain was analyzed by PRISM in a special dispatch in 13 March 2004. [2] 

A Message to the Spanish People

The above-mentioned booklet was not the only threat to the Spanish government that appeared in December 2003, following the deadly attack against the Spanish troops in Iraq. The Jihadi "news agency" Global Islamic Media (GIM) published in 8 December 2003 a more explicit threat, which hinted at the possibility of an attack against Spain outside of Iraq. [3]  The "Message to the Spanish People" was placed on the web site of GIM with a reference to the URL where the message could be downloaded in PDF format.[4]  But, the URL disappeared or closed down a short period afterwards. The message appeared also in another "Jihadi news agency"-Al-Farouq (http://alfarouqnet.tk )-but does no longer exist.

The same body that published the above-mentioned booklet issued the 4-page message to the Spanish people. But this time it was not through its "center of services for the Mujahidin," but by its "department of foreign propaganda" (Qism al-I`lam al-Khariji). These names of departments or offices, whether they really exist or there is nothing behind them, should remind us of the structure of Qa`idat al-Jihad in Afghanistan. They might be a reminder that the supporters of Al-Qaeda in Iraq have reorganized their group in the same manner.

The message to the Spanish people was written in a style that attempts at playing on the humanitarian feelings in order to raise sympathy towards the Iraqi people who suffered under Saddam's rule, but continue suffering under the American "liberating" occupation. Therefore, any country that assists the United States in occupying Iraq should be fought. There is no link to the Spanish elections for parliament in March 2004, but a most sever attack against the Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, who is regarded a "war criminal."

Several times in the message there are threats directed at Spain, with a reminder of the attack that resulted in the killing of seven "Spanish spies" in Iraq few days earlier. But, unlike in the booklet, which was published in December 2003, but was written in July 2003, the message hints at terrorist operations against Spain out of Iraq. These operations might "harm the reputation of Spain by supporting the American occupation, which might threaten the Spanish national security in the future." In another place the message says: "you will be responsible for what will occur in the region and in the world." And the message ends by saying: "The battalions of the Iraqi resistance and its supporters outside of Iraq are able to increase the dosage and will eclipse your memory of the rotten spies." The meaning is clear - the next attack will be much more painful.

Such a condensed hint should have alarmed the Spanish authorities, the United States, and its European allies, had they carefully and intensively read the ideological and political material published by the various elements of Global Jihad.

Conclusion
The message was not written in the usual style of Islamist Salafi-Jihadi groups. It lacks many typical elements of Islamist writings, which might remind us of the controversial messages of the Battalions of Abu Hafs al-Masri. Yet, we should keep in mind that many Islamist operatives have a poor knowledge of Islamic doctrines, and their style in writing such messages is far from that of the scholars that write or speak in the name of Qa`idat al-Jihad or Global Jihad. This factor should not been seen to decrease the authenticity of such messages.

The connection to Iraq within this message and the booklet on one hand, and the Moroccan possible involvement in the attacks in Madrid, should reinforce the assumption that these attacks were really carried out by Qa`idat al-Jihad, and according to a well planned strategy. So far, very little is known about the decision-making process of Al-Qaeda. Therefore, we cannot know yet if such an attack had been planned by orders from Osama bin Laden, Ayman Zawahiri, or any other leader of the group from Afghanistan. But, it actually does not matter anymore.

It seems that the operational focus and abilities of Al-Qaeda has shifted from Afghanistan to Iraq. Whether Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi is the commander of the group's operations in Iraq, or we are witnessing an Islamist resistance in Iraq composed of variety of Sunni Salafi groups, it seems that the global network is alive and capable of hitting the West according to a clear-cut strategy. The first priority of this strategy is now the Iraqi arena, which might also serve as a crucial element in recruiting support and sympathy in the Arab and Muslim world on one hand, and volunteers for the terrorist resistance on the other. Iraq also became an adequate substitute for the first traditional priority of Al-Qaeda-Saudi Arabia. The close proximity between the two countries enabled this situation. The first priority of Global Jihad in both countries is to impose the withdrawal of the American forces, and to prevent any Western cultural influence in that region.

Iraq might serve also as a greenhouse for a new generation of Islamists, who have not emerged from Afghanistan. Moreover, unlike Afghanistan, Iraq is an integral part of the heart of the Arab world and neighboring Saudi Arabia, the homeland of Islam. The struggle in Iraq combines not only Islamist feelings, but also national, anti-Shi`i, and anti-Western ones. We should not be surprised to find in the near future, the phenomenon of "Iraqi Alumni" spreading to other parts of the world, primarily Europe.

The possible involvement of Moroccans in the Madrid bombings is further evidence of the surprising elements that Al-Qaeda has in store for us. It seems that European security services placed too much emphasis on Algerian groups, which so far seem not to be directly linked to Al-Qaeda. Despite the cooperation of the Moroccan authorities in the war against global terrorism, they cannot oversee the growing Moroccan community of immigrant to Europe. Al-Qaeda is capable of recruiting operatives in Europe and not necessarily "importing" them from North Africa. Furthermore, previous arrests in Europe in recent years have shown that the involvement of Moroccan supporters of Global Jihad on European soil was quite large.

This message to the Spanish people should also teach us the lesson that we are dealing with people and groups that mean everything they write or say. Even though they are capable of using disinformation, knowing the effect of each audiocassette on Western intelligence services, the West should listen more carefully to their hinted threats and not neglect any piece of writing. This message should therefore serve as a ringing bell.

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A Message to the Spanish People

From

The Information Commission for the Help of the Iraqi People (The Department of Foreign Propaganda)

In the Name of Allah the Merciful

Peace upon those who follow the right path

To the Spanish people, who was cheated by its politicians that led him to a war that he has no interest in. To those who revealed a noble position against this unjust war. We send you this message in order to explain the facts and refute the lies, so you will be aware of the reality of the resistance and the reality of the Spanish military presence in Iraq. Telling the truth is our Islamic duty in order to show the people the right path between good and evil. Hence, each person will chose his way and is responsible for his decision. We are motivated to do so by the political misleading of the Popular Party and part of the Spanish Media.

We find the need to note several important elements about the situation in our occupied Iraq:

a. The Arab Socialist Ba`ath party has governed Iraq for many years by means of oppression, tyranny, and injustice. It did not differ between Sunni, Shi`i, Arab, or Kurd. Throughout these long years-especially during the Iraq-Iran war-we did not hear any criticism of this murderous regime from the Western world, led by the United States. On the contrary, the Americans were supplying it with arms and equipments. The war criminal Rumsfeld even met his good friend Saddam Hussein in order to assist his army in developing its military power. Human rights at that time were not on the Western agenda since Saddam was a friend and ally of the Americans.

But when Saddam occupied Kuwait, the charter of human rights suddenly showed up, and the voice of democracy was heard. The past friend turned into present enemy. A huge war started in order to push him out of Kuwait, so the oil of the Gulf would remain in the hands of the United States and its allies.

b. During the so-called war for the liberation of Kuwait the Americans and their tails killed tens of thousands of Iraqi soldiers, and thousands of civilians. They bombed the Al-Ameriyyah Shelter in Baghdad, where hundreds of women and children were burned to death. The Americans killed thousands of hungry Iraqi prisoners, and even refused to distribute milk for the babies. Yet, no one said it was a mistake or that these killings were acts of barbarism and violation of human rights.

The American master was not satisfied with all the blood he shed and started sucking what was left of the human rights of the Iraqis to quench his thirst. Therefore, there was a ten-year boycott, during which over one million and half of innocent children were killed. Their only crime was living in the period of "American freedom and human rights."

c. Following the September attacks, when the American economy started its dark days and the administration failed in the war against terrorism, little Bush decided to run forward. He found Iraq-rich with oil-to be an easy prey, after years of American freedom of siege and hunger. He wanted a quick and decisive war that will bring him glory through the sculls of innocent women and children.

d. Those who deny today the arbitrary and resist the American occupation are the same noble people that had suffered from Saddam's oppression and sacrificed many victims for their liberty. Al-Falujah is just an example for that. Many other people were harmed by the American occupation as a result of the disrespect for the values and honor of the Iraqi people, and other reasons such as the lack of electricity, water, security, or employment.

e. The criminal government of liars. The present government under Aznar took a leading role in the global hypocrisy, by combining lies and crimes. In the above mentioned there is a lot of clarification to many facts. But we should mention quickly some of the crimes of this government against our Iraqi people and the Spanish one:

• The call for participating in the liberation of Iraq and for the legitimacy of the occupation. These freedom and occupation that were achieved despite the opposition of the United Nations brought about killings and destruction to the Iraqi people, the stealing of its resources and ruining its history, by the American weapons of mass destruction. All this through the false claim of the possession of weapons of mass destruction by Saddam Hussein. The regime of Saddam has vanished and we are still waiting to see these weapons.  
• Aznar went on claiming the legitimacy of the occupation despite all the above said. He then lied about the presence of Spanish military forces, claiming that it was a humanitarian mission. In fact it was a cover of the nature of the occupation and support for the occupier against the owners of the land. It meant risking the life of the Spanish troops in Iraq, and harming the reputation of Spain by supporting the American occupation, what might threaten the Spanish national security in the future.

f. The position of the Spanish people. The Spanish people presented a positive stand in denying the American occupation and the participation of Spain in this unjust war. We witnessed the huge demonstrations that reflected the true Spanish position. Yet, we also witnessed the positions of the criminals in the Spanish government, led by the Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, The Minister of defense Federico Trio, and the Foreign Minister Ana Blazio.

Here we should explain the position of the Iraqi resistance about it:

Despite our recognition of the braveness of the Spanish people during the war and up till now, we have not sensed any serious effort to drop the government of the war criminals. We in Iraq have sworn to liberate our land, and we shall sacrifice for that our blood and souls. We swore to Allah to live in honor and freedom and rule ourselves. Nothing will stop us. Therefore, we declare that the responsibility for the occupation lies upon the participating armies and their people. If the Spanish people wishes to save the blood of its sons let them withdraw from Iraq alive before we send them as burned corps to their families, and before they are trodden under the feet of our children who witnessed the Americans treading their fathers.

If watching what happened to the Spanish spies hurt you, remember the thousands of Iraqis killed and injured by the Americans who were supported by your government. We regard whoever supports the American occupation as our enemy, and see the Spanish government responsible for the killing of each element of its forces in Iraq or outside of Iraq.

Even though we hate killing and war, we shall give everything we possess to defend our religion and our homeland, whatever the power of the rival is. Return to your country and live peacefully. Otherwise, the resistance will proceed until the withdrawal of the American forces and their tails.

If you want to be glorious and noble in history, you should support the weak and the poor, and withdraw immediately from Iraq. Otherwise, you will be responsible for what would occur in the region and in the world. It is time for everyone to take full responsibility.

All we want is to see the occupiers leaving our country in order that we could live like all the free people live on their lands, with independent will. Only by achieving that your blood and ours will be saved.

If the scene of the seven spies was not enough to activate your feelings and initiate you to save your sons, you push us towards increasing our resistance. The battalions of the Iraqi resistance and its supporters outside of Iraq are able to increase the dosage and will eclipse your memory of the rotten spies.

The Information Commission for the Help of the Iraqi People

The Department of Foreign Propaganda

Baghdad 3-12-2003
___________________________________________________________

[1] Iraq al-Jihad Aamal wa-Akhtar: Tahlil lil-Waqi` wa-istishraf lil-mustaqbal wa-khutuwat `amaliyyah `ala tariq al-Jihad al-mubarak, Published by Al-Hay’ah al-I`lamiyyah li-nasrat al-Sha`b al-Iraqi (Markaz khidamat al-Mujahidin). See on-line in:
http://www.e-prism.org/images/book_-_Iraq_al-Jihad.doc

___________________________________________________________

Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) Center
THE PROJECT FOR THE RESEARCH OF ISLAMIST MOVEMENTS (PRISM)

PRISM SPECIAL DISPATCHES
Volume 2 (2004), Number 2 (18 March 2004)
Director and Editor: Dr. Reuven Paz.

(PRISM Series of Special Dispatches on Global Jihad, No. 2/2)

The Project for the Research of Islamist Movements is part of the Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) Center. Site: http://www.e-prism.org Email: reupaz@netvision.net.il. All material copyright Reuven Paz unless otherwise stated. Credit if quoting; ask permission to reprint. GLORIA is part of the Interdisciplinary Center, Herzliya
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Abstract: This is a series of special dispatches that translate and analyze articles, reports, religious decrees, and other documents, written in Arabic by Islamist scholars, clerics, activists, or intellectuals, on major issues of interest.

[JohnathanRGalt]

Do You Yahoo!

Al-Qaeda does.

GlobalIslamicMedia, with over 5000 members, is one of many Yahoo Groups devoted to jehad, murder, extortion. The Yahoo groups abuse department does not enforce the Yahoo 'Acceptable Use Policy' against GIM.  This group is regarded by the worlds terrorism experts and the news media as the 'official voice of al-Qaeda'. The next attacks are discussed daily on Yahoo (several months in advance). Global Islamic Media published in December 8, 2003 a more explicit threat, which hinted at the possibility of an attack against Spain outside of Iraq. After the attacks occured, they were celebrated at this group.  

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Jehadi website ping: (let me know if you want on or off)

[Cindy]

LINKS OF INTEREST
http://www.truthusa.com/LinksOfInterest.html

[livius]

Supposdely a former member of the Iraqi intelligence service was involved in coordinating the Madrid bombing.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Supposdely a former member of the Iraqi intelligence service was involved in coordinating the Madrid bombing.

Not surprising.
However we have some excellent news here:

Report Details Saddam's Support for Terrorists Who Killed Americans

The above link is the FreeRepublic discussion thread.

The actual article is :

"Saddam Hussein’s Philanthropy of Terror"

It is a pdf document with substantial footnotes and put together by Dewey Murdock of the Hudson Institute.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

fyi

[Minutemen]

bump