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The Multi-faceted Roles of Women Inside Al-Qaeda
majority of al-Qaeda’s women operate in a way that is invisible to the public eye,
they have a strong impact on the current and next generation of terrorists and the
organizations. It should be noted that the intensity of the involvement of women
inside terrorist organizations varies based on specific geographical regions.
The growth of women’s involvement in the al-Qaeda movement can be divided in
three waves. The first wave took place 10 years ago when women married to
Europe’s militant Islamists followed their husbands to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.
The second one occurred when women started encouraging their male relatives to
follow the “right” interpretation of Islam, began to facilitate the operational work
of the organization, and organized themselves into “sisterhoods”. While the second
wave continues to grow, the opening of the third wave was heralded by the suicide
attacks of Sajida Mubaraark al-Rishawi, Dilnoza Holmuradova and Muriel
Degauque.
Following the argument that successful counter-terrorism should address both the
motivation and the operational capabilities of a terrorist organization, there is an
essential need to identify and develop measures and policies specifically tailored
for women.
Notes
1 He was killed by Saudi security forces in May 2003.
2 Document on Jihadist Message Board Calls for Women to Take Active Role in
Jihad, retrieved 16.10.2005 SITE Institute,
http://siteinstitute.org/bin/printerfriendly/pf.cgi.
3 They use the Internet to deliver threats and disseminate multimedia content designed to
create fear and panic, as seen in Iraq. Nearly all insurgent groups in Iraq have media
teams posting statements and creating videos and web broadcasts.
4 They use a sophisticated array of open-source technologies, including search engines and
website analytics, to collect intelligence on enemies and potential recruitment and
funding sources.
5 They leverage Internet user demographics and online front groups to execute aggressive
funding drives, collecting vast amounts of money through difficult-to-track online
payment systems.
6 The Internet and advanced technology provide them with powerful tools for recruiting
and mobilizing members through integrated communications.
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