BEYOND SYRIA IRAQ

COLE BUNZEL
establish a global caliphate or expressed apocalyptic fervor. Saudi Wahhabis
have also been stalwart supporters of the Al-Saud family, whom the Islamic
State considers heretics.
The contrasts with modern Saudi Wahhabism are even more pronounced.
It is often assumed that Saudi preaching of Wahhabism worldwide
has directly contributed to the growth of jihadist ideology. While to
some extent this is probably true, the relationship between jihadism and
Wahhabism is more complex. Saudi funding and outreach efforts serve to
promote the modern Saudi version of Wahhabism, which, while highly
intolerant of other forms of Islam, does not typically lead to violence. In
fact, most Wahhabis, or Salafists, are politically quietest. The Islamic State’s
appeal to Wahhabism is important, providing the group with historical
and theological depth. Yet the promulgation of Wahhabism does not necessarily
lead to the growth of jihadism.
NOTES
Rapporteur’s summary prepared by Nour Aburish.
1. Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, “Qul lilladhina kafaru sa-tughlabun,” Muassast al-
Furqan, October 13, 2015.
2. Gharib al-Sururiyya, “Muhammad ibn Salmam wa-awdat al-wathaniyya li-Jazirat
al-Arab,” Muassasat al-Battar, April 30, 2016, p. 5, http://up.top4top.net/downloadf-120jdsk1-rar.html.
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