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Journal of National Defense Studies, No. 6, May 2008
Istishad as an Ideological and Practical Tool
in the Hands of Al-Qaeda
Yoram Schweitzer *
Abstract: This paper presents Al-Qaeda's unique contribution to the spread of
the epidemic around the world through its position as a role model mainly for its
affiliates, Islamic terror groups and networks. It argues that one of the most urgent
and neglected elements in order to effectively counter the spread of this
phenomenon should be the consolidation of a united Islamic authoritative voice led
by Islamic scholars and highly esteemed leaders, intended to distance new cadres
from the extreme interpretation of Al-Qaeda and its like minded disciples to the
imperatives of Islam. The potential reserves of suicide terrorists are part of the
civilian population which must be addressed ideologically, religiously, and
socially, in addition to the security-oriented activity involved with thwarting
attacks. Part of Al-Qaeda’s achievement to date has been its success in instilling
the supremacy of the concept of Istishad above the leadership itself, including that
of Bin Laden. The Muslim world therefore must, at its own initiative and with the
encouragement of the West, generate an ideological alternative as an important
component of struggling against this concept.
Introduction
In recent years suicide terrorism has become the most dominant tactic among the
various modus operandi utilized by terror organizations. It has captured the
attention of the media and consequently the entire world. Al-Qaeda's role in this
trend has been crucial both in conceptualizing self-sacrifice for the sake of God
(Istishad), as its supreme organizational value and its horrifying implementation.
This paper presents Al-Qaeda's unique contribution to the spread of the epidemic
around the world through its position as a role model mainly for its affiliates,
Islamic terror groups and networks. It will argue that one of the most urgent and
neglected elements in order to effectively counter the spread of this phenomenon
should be the consolidation of a united Islamic authoritative voice led by Islamic
scholars and highly esteemed leaders, intended to distance new cadres from the
*
The Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies, www.labat.co.il; yamatz@netvision.net.il;
jcsssy@post.tau.ac.il
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