Download Jobenomics` Engaging Islam, Ummah, Islamism and Irhabi

Engaging
Islam,
Ummah,
Islamism
& Irhab
Chuck Vollmer
www.Jobenomics.com
By:
Original: 27 November 2001
Latest: 6 January 2016
Jobenomics & The MidEast
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 While Jobenomics is a U.S. business and job creation initiative, it has a large
following around the world. MidEast countries are interested in Jobenomics as
a way to create regional businesses and jobs, respond to discontent voiced by
the Arab Spring, and mitigate existing and new terrorist threats.
 Having spent 10-years under contract to the U.S. government to build
coalitions with the Arab Gulf region royals and military officials, this author
asserts that the main obstacles to coalition-building are cultural in nature.
• Religion, tribe, clan, lineage, societal and brotherhood considerations play
far more significant roles in MidEast policy-making than in the West.
• After centuries of conflict, Muslims are reluctant to participate in Western
intervention until trust relationships are established on common goals.
• Arab governments are more prone to provide humanitarian aid to other
Muslims than engaging in combat operations outside their borders.
 In the aftermath of 9/11, this author began lecturing on Islam, MidEast and
Muslim culture to Western audiences. The positive response from the Ummah
lead to much more effective overall engagement and coalition-building.
This presentation is the latest in a series of updates to the original presentation
given to U.S. policy-makers two months after the dreadful attacks on 9/11.
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Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Presentation Outline
Jobenomics Counterterrorism Strategy
Islam: The Religion
Ummah: The Worldwide Muslim Community
Islamism: The Political Ideology
Irhabi: The Terrorists
Final Thought
3
Key Points
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 The global challenge to mitigating the growing plague of terrorism is to develop
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a counterterrorism strategy that includes mainstream Muslims in the Ummah
who have been reluctant to join international counterterrorism operations.
Limited Western cultural engagement with the Ummah and religious
understanding of Islam puts mainstream Muslims in a dilemma between
defending radicalized Muslims and cooperating in counterterrorism operations.
Without global coalition-building and common cause, terrorism will grow.
The vast majority of terrorist groups are Sunni-led faux armies, militias and
insurgencies that claim to be advocates for oppressed Sunnis.
Until safety and prosperity are secured for impoverished Sunni by the Ummah,
radical groups like ISIS, an offshoot of Al Qaeda, will continue to proliferate.
Since the centroid of Sunni-Arab leadership resides in the Arab Gulf region, Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) involvement is essential with the Arab League and
international community support.
Cultural engagement with the Ummah has proven to be very effective in getting
the GCC and Arab League more involved in counterterrorism operations.
The West’s challenge is to engage the Ummah to (1) eradicate terrorist groups and
stop new groups from forming, (2) help displaced people and repatriate refugees,
and (3) rebuild war torn countries in the MidEast. Syria is an ideal place to start.
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Strategic Framework
Mainstream Muslims
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Terrorists (Irhabi)
The Ummah: 1.6 Billion Muslims Worldwide
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Political Islam (Islamists)
The Ummah (the worldwide Muslim community) is not homogeneous. The
Ummah understands that terrorist groups are predominantly disenfranchised
Sunni groups. Mainstream Muslims, especially the rich Gulf Arabs, know that
they have to do more with the international community to engage terrorism.
Islamism (political Islam) generally favors a society governed by Islamic (Sharia)
law. Islamists are composed of a number of groups with differing
underpinnings, goals and levels of militancy and modernity. Islamism should be
a choice made by citizens, not a decree made by radical clerics or insurgents.
Irhab (Arabic term for terrorism and irhabi for terrorist) defines those who
wage war outside limits set by the Quran. Offenders need to be sentenced by
Muslim courts or religious decree (fatwas) as terrorists (irhabi) or outlaws
(hirabah) in order for the Ummah to allow foreign (non-Muslim) intervention.
Limited Western cultural engagement with the Ummah and religious
understanding of Islam puts mainstream Muslims in a dilemma of defending
radicalized Muslims and cooperating in global counterterrorism operations.
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Current Counterterrorism Environment
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Christianity is the largest religion with 2.2 billion followed by Islam with 1.6
billion. However, Islam is growing at twice the rate as Christianity and could
surpass Christianity in several generations (but not soon).
 Only 22% of all Muslims are Arabs. The top 5 nations with the largest Muslim
populations are non-Arab (Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria).
 Approximately 6% of Europeans are Muslims compared to 1% in the USA.
 Muslim terrorists (irhabi) kill far more Muslims than Westerners. However, recent
attacks in the West have intensified Islamophobia and calls for reciprocity.
 The vast majority of Muslims say that violence against civilians in the name of
Islam are rarely or never justified. Over half of U.S. Muslims say their religious
leaders have not done enough to speak out against Islamic extremists.
 The U.S. State department lists 59 terrorist groups—80% Muslim in which Boko
Haram (Nigeria) and ISIS (Syria/Iraq) are the deadliest—and three state sponsors
of terrorism (Iran, Syria and Sudan).
The global challenge is to develop a counterterrorism strategy that includes the
Ummah and mainstream Muslims who have been reluctant to join the fight.
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There Are Reasons To Be Concerned
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 From the dreadful day in September 2001 to 2010, Muslim-led terrorist groups
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averaged 11.7 attacks per year. From 2010 through 2013, attacks increased to 17
attacks per year. 2014 registered 35 attacks. 2015 is the worst year ever with an
incredible 106 terrorist attacks across the entire planet.
From 9/11 to 2010, 36% of all attacks were against Israel. From 2010 through
2015, 97% of all attacks were outside of Israel with the majority (77%) on Muslim
civilians in Africa, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan and Pakistan. As evidenced by
recent events in Boston, Paris and San Bernardino, terrorists are moving West.
Even if ISIS is eliminated, these attacks are likely to continue to metastasize until
leading Muslim nations take a greater role in eradicating irhabi from the Ummah.
The cultural/religious/economic/political center of the Ummah resides in the Arab
Gulf region’s six GCC countries that are primarily focused on self defense. If the
GCC remains inwardly focused, Sunni militant groups will continue to proliferate
and the Shia Crescent will continue to expand and envelop the region. The ideal
starting point for out-of-area GCC operations is in Syria to contain ISIS, help
displaced citizens rebuild their lives, and reverse the flow of refugees that are
overwhelming neighboring countries and putting the entire region at risk.
It incumbent for the West to engage GCC as equal partners in counterterrorism.
However, this is a global challenge. Institutions, like the United Nations, should
build a coalition between leading Muslim-majority nations and the international
community to eliminate the plague of terrorism before it destabilizes the world.
This presentation is designed to help start a global coalition-building dialogue.
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Foreign Terrorist Organization Criterion
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 U.S. Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) criterion:
• It must be a foreign organization.
• The organization must engage in terrorist activity or retain the capability and
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intent to engage in terrorist activity or terrorism.
• The organization’s terrorist activity or terrorism must threaten the security of
U.S. nationals or the national security (national defense, foreign relations, or
the economic interests) of the United States.
U.S. FTOs grew from 39 (27 Muslim-led) in 2004, to 59 (47 Muslim-led)—an
overall growth of 51% and 74% growth in Muslim-led FTOs.
• The vast majority of Muslim-led FTOs consist of faux (artificial) armies of nonstate, Sunni-led insurgencies, such as ISIS and Al Qaeda.
• The minority of Muslim-led FTOs are state-sponsored Shia groups like the
Iranian-sponsored Hezbollah (Lebanon) and Houthis (Yemen).
Other international organizations that do not meet U.S. FTO criterion.
• Muslim countries have completely different criterion (from 0 to 80 FTOs.).
• The Council Of The European Union lists 23 groups as of January 2015.
• The United Nations does not have a general list of all terrorist organizations.
Without global coalition-building and common cause, terrorism will grow.
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U.S. Listed Terrorist Groups (June 2015)
Muslim Terrorist Groups
Location
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Muslim Terrorist Groups
Location
Abdallah Azzam Brigades (AAB)
Lebanon/Syria
Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis-Sudan (Ansaru)
Sudan
Abu Nidal Organization (ANO)
Lebanon
Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM)
Af-Pak/Kashmir
Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)
Philippines/Malaysia
Jemaah Ansharut Tauhid (JAT)
Malaysia/Philippines
Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade (AAMB)
Gaza/West Bank
Jemaah Islamiya (JI)
Indonesia/Malaysia
Ansar al-Dine (AAD)
Mali/Southern Libya
Jundallah
Af-Pak/Baluchistan
Ansar al-Islam (AAI)
Iraq
Jundallah Kahane Chai Kata’ib Hizballah (KH)
Iraq
Ansar al-Shari’a in Benghazi (AAS-B)
Libya
Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)
Turkey/Iraq/Syria
Ansar al-Shari’a in Darnah (AAS-D)
Libya
Lashkar e-Tayyiba
South Asia
Ansar al-Shari’a in Tunisia (AAS-T)
Tunisia/Libya
Lashkar i Jhangvi (LJ)
Af-Pak/Baluchistan
Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis (ABM)
Sinai/Egypt
Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG)
Army of Islam (AOI)
Gaza/Egypt/Israel
Mujahidin Shura Council in the Environs of Jerusalem (MSC)
Libya/Europe
Gaza
Asbat al-Ansar (AAA)
Palestine/Lebanon
Al-Mulathamun Battalion (AMB)
Boko Haram (BH)
Nigeria
Palestine Islamic Jihad – Shaqaqi Faction (PIJ)
North Africa
Gaza/West Bank
Gama’a al-Islamiyya (IG)
Persia/Europe
Palestine Liberation Front – Abu Abbas Faction (PLF)
Gaza/WB/Lebanon
Hamas
Gaza
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)
Levant
Haqqani Network (HQN)
Af-Pak/Syria
PFLP-General Command (PFLP-GC)
Levant
Harakat ul-Jihad-i-Islami (HUJI)
South Asia
Al-Nusrah Front (ANF)
Syria
Harakat ul-Jihad-i-Islami/Bangladesh (HUJI-B)
Al-Qa’ida (AQ)
Global
Harakat ul-Mujahideen (HUM)
Bangladesh
Pakistan/Kashmir
Al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Arab Gulf
Hizballah
Lebanon/Syria
Al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)
North Africa
Indian Mujahedeen (IM)
India
Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C)
Turkey
Islamic Jihad Union (IJU)
Pakistan/Europe
Al-Shabaab (AS)
Somalia
Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU)
Uzbekistan
Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
Pakistan
Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)
Levant/Global
Non-Muslim Terrorist Groups
Location
59 Total: 47 Muslim (80%), 12 Non-Muslim (20%)
Non-Muslim Terrorist Groups
Location
Aum Shinrikyo (AUM)
Japan
National Liberation Army (ELN)
Colombia/Venezuela
Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA)
Spain/South France
Real IRA (RIRA)
Ireland/Great Britain
Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army
Philippines
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)
South America
Continuity Irish Republican Army (CIRA)
Ireland
Revolutionary Organization 17 November (17N)
Greece
Kahane Chai
Israel
Revolutionary Struggle (RS)
Greece
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
Sri Lanka/India
Shining Path (SL)
Peru
Challenge is to eradicate terrorist groups and stop new groups from forming.
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Ever-Evolving Terrorist Organizations
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Al-Qaeda Example:
 Leaders: Osama bin Laden (killed), Ayman al-Zawahiri (current)
 1980s: Afghan War Mujahideen fighters against Soviets
 1990s: Core al-Qaeda (AQ) against the US-led Invasion of Kuwait, against Saudi
Arabia and Egypt regimes and in Bosnia, 1993 World Trade Center bombing
 2000s: al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) against Shia during Gulf War and USA (9/11)
 2010s: al-Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) against Yemen, Saudi Arabia and
Somalia with affiliates in Maghreb (AQIM), Syria, India, Europe and Kurdistan
Islamic State Example:
 Leaders: Abu Musab al-Zarqawi (killed), Abu Ayyub al-Masri (killed), Abu Omar
al-Baghdadi (killed), Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (current)
 2000s: Jamāʻat al-Tawḥīd wa-al-Jihād (1999-2006) in Jordan, part of AQI, Islamic
State of Iraq (ISI) against Gulf War (2006-2013)
 2010s: Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham/Syria (ISIS) and al-Nusra Front (2013)
opposition forces in Syrian Civil War, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL,
2013-2014) and Islamic State (2014-present)
The majority of non-state sponsored terrorist groups are ever-evolving, Sunni-led
militias claiming to free the oppressed from their oppressors.
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Islamic State: The Faux Sunni Army
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 For all its evils, ISIS has filled the security void for helpless
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and impoverished Sunnis subjected to oppressive regimes
and encirclement by hostile Shia forces.
 ISIS now controls over 10 million poor Sunnis in Syria, Iraq,
Libya, Nigeria and Afghanistan as well as operating globally
via refugees, cells and radicalized lone-wolf converts.
 As a caliphate, ISIS claims authority over the Ummah and
that “the legality of all emirates, groups, states, and
organizations, becomes null by the expansion of the
Islam State Flag and Caliph
caliphate's authority and arrival of its troops to their areas”.
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
ISIS standing army is estimated at 40,000 fighters financed by $1 billion/year
revenue from oil revenue, extortion and sympathetic supporters/investors.
Over the next several years, ISIS plans major military offensives against
neighboring countries of Jordan, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
While ISIS is vulnerable to counter military offensives from NATO and the
Russian-Iranian backed Assad regime, the exodus of millions of refugees and
the displacement of tens of millions of people could collapse the region.
Until safety and prosperity are secured for poor Sunni by the Ummah,
radical groups like ISIS, an offshoot of Al Qaeda, will continue to proliferate.
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GCC Involvement Is Critical
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 International terrorism is predominantly a Sunni
Muslim problem that needs to be solved by
leading Sunni-majority nations.
 For centuries, Egypt was the leader of the Sunnis.
Even though Egypt has been actively engaged in
the fight against Sunni radicals, uprisings and
financial conditions have limited their influence.
 Jordan is a leader in counterterrorism operations
but has become overwhelmed with refugees and
is severely constrained financially.
 GCC nations could do more counterterrorism operations outside the GCC.
• GCC has shown willingness to be part of Western coalition operations.
• GCC has more capital than the other 46 Sunni-majority nations combined.
• GCC is well equipped with 900 modern combat aircraft and helicopters.
• If ISIS and refugees overwhelm Jordan and Iraq, the GCC will likely be next.
The absence of GCC involvement in poor areas of the Sunni world, allows radical
groups, like ISIS, to fill the void by promising security and a better way of life.
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Saudi-Led “Islamic Military Alliance”
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 In December 2015, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy
Crown Prince and Defense Minister
Mohammed bin Salman announced the
formation of a 34 state Sunni-led
coalition to combat terrorism.
 While this development shows willingness “of the Muslim world to fight this
disease which affected the Islamic world first before the international
community as a whole,” it has been met with skepticism due to the Saudi
government’s paradoxical problem of containing its society’s support of
puritanical and militaristic Wahhabi Islamism. On the other hand, in January
2016, the government executed 47 terrorists including a Sunni and Shia cleric.
 In 2015, largely in response to the Iranian-backed Shia Houthi terrorist group,
Saudi Arabian-led military intervention (codenamed Operation Decisive Storm)
in Yemen was conducted by nine Arab countries. Combatting Sunni-led
terrorism, such as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) is also foremost
on the Saudi and regional agenda. Along with Jordan, UAE, Qatar and Bahrain,
Saudi Arabia joined the U.S. in the fight against ISIS in Syria/Iraq.
The Saudi-Led “Islamic Military Alliance” could be a promising initiative against
global terrorism and should be properly engaged by the international community.
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The UAE Is Combating Islamism and Irhab
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 The United Arab Emirates has been a
leading coalition partner as far back as the
Bosnian War and is currently engaged with
the GCC, Ummah and the West against
Sunni- and Shia-led terrorists from Libya, to
ISIS, to AQAP, to the Shiite rebels in Yemen.
 Major Mariam Al Mansouri (shown) was the
first woman to join the Emirati Air Force
and the first female pilot to lead an airstrike
on ISIS in an ultra-modern, US-made F-16.
 This author helped conduct six 12-nation Middle East Air Commander Symposia
and helped develop warfare training centers in the UAE Unfortunately, these,
and similar coalition-building, efforts lost momentum after the Abu Ghraib
scandal and withdrawal of Western forces from the region. The U.A.E’s isolation
has increased further by recent U.S.-led Western détente agreements with Iran.
 The rise in terrorism, and the UAE’s response to it, has made the UAE a target.
Now is the time for the West to redouble its engagement with the UAE and GCC.
Rapprochement with Iran and withdrawal from Iraq makes renewed U.S./Western
cultural, political and military engagement with the GCC extremely important.
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In Dealing With The Ummah,
Cultural Engagement Is Often The Missing
Dimension Of Western Statecraft
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Cultural
Engagement
• Ethnology*
• Accomplishments
• Ambitions & Goals
Political
Engagement
• Governmental
• Diplomatic
• Economic
Military
Engagement
• Offensive
• Defensive
• Deterrent
* The study of the characteristics of people and groups and the differences and relationships between them.
Cultural engagement with the Ummah has proven to be very effective in getting
Sunni nations, like the GCC, more involved with counterterrorism operations.
Unfortunately, the GCC has become less trusting of Western intentions
today than when the global war on terror first began.
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Why Do Muslims Distrust The West?
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Historical Reasons:
 A history of crusades, colonialism and foreign occupation by the West.
 Misperceptions, apathy and disrespect towards Islam and Muslim culture.
 Failure of capitalism and globalization to benefit the greater Muslim
community while enriching the Middle East elite.
 A double standard of empathy towards Israel and distain for Arabs.
 Immodest and immoral lifestyles glorified in the media and society.
 Rising apostasy, atheism and secular values.
Recent Reasons:
 Portrayal of Islam as a religion of war and Muslims as terrorists.
 Use of military coercion as the primary instrument of foreign policy.
 A go-it-alone counterterrorism strategy with limited ummah input.
 Treatment (e.g., Abu Ghraib prison torture and prisoner abuse), Muslim
profiling and growing Islamophobia in the West.
Many of these trust issues can be changed by a process of cultural engagement
and coalition-building starting with a better understanding of Islam, the
Ummah, Islamism and Irhab (terrorism from an Islamic point of view).
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The Challenge of Opposing Worldviews

Western Secular
Worldview
 Secularism
Separation of church and state
 Worldliness
 Democracy
 Freedom
 Capitalism
 Liberalism
 Globalization
 Pluralistic
 Industrial/technological
 Future innovation
 Institutionalized change

Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Islamic Spiritual
Worldview
 Spiritualism
 Religious state
 Godliness
 Theocracy
 Structure
 Socialism
 Puritanism
 Ethnicity
 Partisan
 Agricultural
 Past inspiration
Institutionalized tradition
Worldviews of Western and Islamic societies are distinctive.
Disparate cultures separate us as much as different religions.
Better understanding of the Islamic worldview will enhance coalition-building.
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Recommended Counter-Terrorism Strategy
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Given recent ISIS attacks in the West, Westerners are rightfully concerned and
supportive of actively engaging ISIS. While ISIS is one of the most vicious terrorist
groups, there are an additional 46 Sunni-led terrorist groups to engage.
Ultimately, defeating Muslim-led terrorism involves Sunni Arab leadership. Shia
leadership is unlikely since Iran, and its satellites, actively sponsor terrorism.
 Any Western-led military operation against ISIS should include consent and
inclusion of the leading 50 Muslim-majority nations. A major military operation
without proportionate diplomatic and cultural engagement will likely alienate
vast numbers of the Ummah and enable Islamist and terrorist groups.
 From a Jobenomics perspective, a counter-terrorism strategy should be:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Knowledgeable of Islam and deferent Is to its cultural differences.
Sanctioned by the Ummah and inclusive of Muslim coalition partners.
Oriented to limiting the spread of Islamism to non-Muslim nations.
Dedicated to dismantling terrorist networks and eliminating terrorism.
The Ummah will consent to “infidels” attacking fellow Muslims only after
perpetrators of violent acts are “excommunicated” from the Ummah and deemed
terrorists (irhabi) or outlaws (hirabah) by Muslim authorities.
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Jobenomics Coalition Strategy for
Eliminating Islamic-Extremist Groups
Category
1.
2.
3.
4.
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Strategy
Islam (the religion)
Acknowledge
Ummah (worldwide Muslim Community)
Engage
Islamism/Islamist (political Islam)
Contain
Irhabi & Islamic Extremism (terrorists and supporters)
Dismantle
 Cultural engagement deals with acknowledging Islam and gaining consent,
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cooperation and meaningful engagement of the Ummah.
Political engagement deals with working with the Ummah to contain Islamism.
Military engagement with the Ummah deals with the final item of dismantling
the Irhabi and their supporters.
• To effectively dismantle, the coalition needs tactics to excommunicate,
infiltrate, deprive, disband, disrupt and destroy—in this order.
• The final step after destroy in the dismantling process is adjudicate. Swift
adjudication and stiff sentencing of former combatants and warlords by the
Ummah is necessary to send a signal to other and emerging terrorists.
A balanced cultural/political/military coalition approach to eradicating terrorism
will yield greater long-term solutions than military engagement against
individual groups, like ISIS, that could regenerate in other forms..
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Syria Is An Ideal Place To Start
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Syrian conflict has metastasized to the point of upending the entire Middle
East. If neighboring countries, like Jordan or Iraq, fails, so will the region.
 The Syrian crisis presents three separate challenges to the West:
Dealing with the Russian/Iranian-backed Assad regime that appears to
be willing to escalate an internal civilian war to a regional conflict.
2. Destroying ISIS, the world’s largest and best financed terrorist
organization that has global reach via modern network technology.
3. Resolving the blight of 7.6 million displaced Syrians, repatriating 4.3
million registered refugees and reducing the pipeline of emigres who
are overwhelming neighboring countries and Europe.
The Jobenomics Syria Cantonment Concept focuses on the third challenge by
providing security and economic development opportunities for victims of
the Syrian conflict. The primary goal of cantoning is to secure, rehabilitate
and assist the afflicted to resume productive lives. The secondary goal is to
provide meaningful participation for Arab coalition partners to contain the
spread of terrorism before it spreads to their communities and the region.
1.

A canton is an administrative subdivision of a country. Formation of modern-day
cantons can be traced to NATO’s Cantonment Phase during the Bosnian War.
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Bosnian War: A Model For Syrian Intervention
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Bosnian and Syrian conflicts
have much in common:
multiple combatants, ethnic
cleansing of minorities,
crimes against humanity, aircentric involvement of foreign
forces and massive internal
destruction. Both have
multiple phases with distinct
military operations under the
leadership of different
international organizations.
 Prior to the end of hostilities in the Bosnian War, NATO established
cantonment zones to protect and unify warring ethnic groups and factions.
Today, ten cantons are member states of the Federation of Bosnia and
Herzegovina. Established in 1994, these cantons function as autonomous
administrative districts to prevent dominance by any single ethnic group. Each
canton has a prime minister, cabinet ministers and a security establishment.
Now is the time, prior to the end of Syrian hostilities, to implement a Syrian
cantonment strategy similar to the one accomplished by NATO in Bosnia.
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Syrian/Arab Cantonment Zones
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Syrian cantonment zones would be located inside Syria. Security would be

provided by a combination of foreign military forces from neighboring
Muslim nations and moderate domestic Syrian opposition forces until the
cantons could operate independently.
Notional cantonments could include
a Syrian Turkmen Zone (supported
by Turkey), Syrian Sunni Zones
(supported by Jordan and the Arab
Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC]
countries), a Syrian Kurd Zone
(supported by Kurdish forces) and a
Free Syrian Army Zone—all managed
by Muslims, supported by the West.
 Syrian cantonment zones would also incorporate a Cantonment Business
Generator Concept that would mass produce small businesses that could
employ millions in Syria as well as supplying the expatriate GCC workforce.
Cantonment zones should help to maintain regional stability by keeping conflicts
contained. It is vitally important to the global community that the governments
of Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Lebanon remain resilient and stable.
22
Cantonment Business Generator
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Jobenomics Cantonment Business Generator Concept
Cantonment Labor Pool
NGO/PVOs
Initial Candidate Assessment and Screening
Canton Officials
Schools
Aid Organizations
Secondary Candidate Assessment and Screening
Government
Cantonment Business Generator (CBG)
High Potential Business Leaders
Testing, Evaluation and Triage
High Potential Employees and Workers
Business Training & Financing
Skills and Vocational Training, Certification Programs, Workforce Preparation
Startups:
Construction, retail, energy,
agriculture, education,
healthcare, transportation,
logistics, IT, e-commerce and
other service firms.
Workforce Entry:
Join CBG startup businesses.
Arrange for internships, apprenticeships or vocational work.
Vet, certifiy and assist to get jobs with large domestic or foreign institutions.
Vet for emigation out of the country for work or to join families abroad.
Position for next generation jobs or reapply to start a business.
CBG post-startup/employment training, mentoring and financial support services
Corporations
Sponsors & Financial Institutions
International Institutions (UN, US, NATO, EU, GCC, Asian)
Impact Investors
The Jobenomics Cantonment Business Generator places the onus on
cantonment members to be self-sufficient according to measurable
milestones and an exit plan for the international community.
23
7-Step Approach For Destroying ISIS
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
1.
Excommunicate. When various Arab nations balked at the initial U.S.
operations against the Taliban in Afghanistan, it was because Arab officials
needed to “excommunicate” and designate Taliban rebels as irhabi (terrorists)
in order to allow outside “unbelievers” to attack their former Muslim brothers.
Consequently, the West needs to work with Muslims to declare ISIS and other
terrorist organizations as irhabi and/or hirabahi (outlaws), which will facilitate
coalition-building and joint military operations.
2.
Infiltrate. To defeat ISIS irhabi, the US needs greater intelligence from the
local populace. Locals would be publically recruited as resistance-fighters,
covert agents, spies and mercenaries. This should be an overt action (opposed
to covert) to create as much paranoia in the communities where irhabi are
operating, to generate a common operating picture, and produce local
intelligence for Arab-led coalition operations.
3.
Deprive. The Arab-led coalition must pursue a combined effort to deprive ISIS
supporters of the rights and privileges afforded to regular citizens involved in
various ummah and international activities. These deprivations could range
from bankrupting or freezing assets of known or suspected irhabi to fines and
incarceration for hirabahi aiding and abetting the enemy. This also includes
embargoing businesses and banning trade with their trans-national alliance
partners. Seizing bank accounts of high-net worth ISIS donors will deprive ISIS
of the financial means to conduct operations and intimidate future donors.
24
7-Step Approach For Destroying ISIS
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
4.
Disband. It is as important to disband emerging ISIS and irhabi affiliates as it
is to disrupt or destroy existing strongholds. If the excommunication/
infiltration/deprivation process is successful, the coalition must be prepared
to grant degrees of immunity and amnesty with requisite accountability and
transparency for entities that relinquish egregious activities.
5.
Disrupt. ISIS and other irhabi have been very effective in using Western
media to provoke the West into military actions in order to orchestrate a
global war on Islam. A counter network-centric campaign needs to be
launched to deny, disarm, deface or misinform. A psychological operations
campaign is needed to expose and intimidate individuals, institutions,
agencies and business that support and enable irhabi operations. Shining
light on entities operating in the shadows will produce immediate results.
6.
Destroy. In addition to more airpower, Arab-led ground forces are needed to
continue to destroy command and control, resupply, massing of enemy
forces and elimination of remaining irhabi. Any major Western boots-onthe-ground operation is likely to be unproductive unless spearheaded by
Arab forces. Once destroyed, ground forces must be from the Ummah in
order to avoid any notion of occupation from the dar al harb. Cantonment
zones would be implemented to provide interim security, business
development and reconstruction.
25
7-Step Approach For Destroying ISIS
7.
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Adjudicate.
• The final step after destroy in the dismantling process is adjudicate. Swift
adjudication and stiff sentencing of former combatants and warlords by
the Ummah is necessary to send a signal to other and emerging terrorist
groups.
• The international community needs a different judicial system to capture
and prosecute captured irhabi. Since irhabi have been declared terrorists
by the Ummah, the Ummah should be responsible for adjudication,
incarceration or execution. Pakistan has now empowered their military
courts to try domestic civilian terrorists as well as reinstituting the death
penalty. Due process for irhab and hirabah is likely to be swifter and
harsher in the Ummah than in the international community.
• The U.S. judicial system should also allow the Uniform Code of Military
Justice to deal with U.S. domestic terrorism. This system would retain the
right to a speedy trial but adjudicate according to the rules of war as
opposed to domestic crime. It would also mitigate the necessity for
offshore incarceration facilities, like Guantanamo, and the entanglements
of due process, like Miranda rights, afforded to domestic criminals.
This 7-Step Process, or one similar, would set an international standard for
dealing with the growing international threat of terrorism regardless of its
national, ethnic or religious incarnation or ideology.
26
Dealing With The Assad Regime
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Russian involvement is a game changer for the international community. Not
only does Russia have veto power in the United Nations but it has the
wherewithal to escalate military confrontation regionally and in Europe.
 For the time being, Assad and his loyalist supporters should be allowed to
control the Western areas of Syria that they already occupy. Assad
sympathizers should be allowed to migrate to this area.
 Offering Assad the option of remaining in power might be attractive enough for
him to call for a ceasefire and a negotiated settlement. Considering a civil war
that has metastasized to the point of an unlikely cure, fewer places willing
provide asylum, and the increasing likelihood of prosecution by war crime
tribunals for his crimes against humanity, Assad could be willing to give up
quite a lot to preserve his life, provide for his family, and obtain continued
support from his Alawite and Russian/Iranian backers.
 The Arab League has already expelled Syria from the 21 Arab League member
states. The other 36 member states in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation
(OIC) and the majority of the remaining 136 member nations in the United
Nations should consider doing the same.
Dealing with the Russian/Iranian-backed Assad regime should occur after the
Syrian displaced and refugee situation is stabilized and ISIS is eliminated.
27
Conclusion
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Jobenomics Counterterrorism Strategy includes a balance of cultural,
diplomatic and military engagement.
 Cultural engagement has been the missing element of Western statecraft in
dealing with the Ummah, Islamism and Muslim-led terrorism.
 To defeat the irhab (Muslim terrorism), the West must rely to a much
greater extent on the leading and resource rich Sunni-majority nations of
the Gulf Cooperation Council, which heretofore have taken minimalist roles
in out-of-area counterterrorism operations.
 The following sections of this presentation are offered to provide a more
comprehensive understanding of the key elements of cultural engagement:
•
•
•
•
Islam: The Religion
Ummah: The Worldwide Muslim Community
Islamism: The Political Ideology
Irhabi: The Terrorists
Download a copy of Engaging Islam, Ummah, Islamism and Irhab and the
Jobenomics Syria Cantonment Concept report at: www.Jobenomics.com
28
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Presentation Outline
Jobenomics Counterterrorism Strategy
Islam: The Religion
Ummah: The Worldwide Muslim Community
Islamism: The Political Ideology
Irhabi: The Terrorists
Final Thought
29
Great
Religions
Nonreligious/
Atheist
Other
Christians
22%
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
33%
Jews
Buddhists
Chinese Folk
Hindus
13%
1500BC
1440 BC
Hinduism Judaism
(Moses)
Muslims
563 BC
20%
30AD
Buddhism Christianity
(Buddha)
(Jesus)
622 AD
Islam
(Mohammed)
With 1.6 billion adherents, Islam is the world’s second-largest religion.
30
Mainstream Islam
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Purpose of life
• Worship Allah and live according to His commandments
• Serve His cause by doing right and shunning evil
• Be just to Him, to ourselves, to fellow human begins and all creatures
 Complete way of life
• Spiritual: hope and trust in Allah at all times and doing good
• Intellectual: true knowledge based on clear proof and evidence
• Personal: purity, healthiness, proper behavior, sex within marriage
• Family: members bound together by blood or marriage and nothing else
• Social: no superiority based on class, color, origin or wealth
• Economics: based on moral principles, man is a trustee of Allah
• Political: the State is to administer justice and security for all citizens
• Happy: life full of God-consciousness and satisfied with what He provides
• Freedom: freedom from being controlled by base human desires
• Global: other people’s interest and right to life, property and honor are

respected as long as the rights of Muslims are intact
War:
• Is only justified if state security is endangered. Destruction of
crops/animals/homes and killing of women/children/aged is forbidden.
A billion mainstream Muslims are repulsed by extremist acts of terrorism.
31
Major Islamic Schools, Sects and Movements
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Islam
Sufi
Sunni
Mystics
Hanafi School
Other Sects*
• Ahmadis
• Druze
• Ibadi
• Karijites
- Deobandi
(Indo-Pak)
(Taliban)
Hanbali School
- Wahhabism
(Muslim Brotherhood)
- Salafists
(Al Qaeda)
Shafii School
Miliki School
(ISIS)
Shia
Jafari School
- Twelvers
- Alawites
(Assad Regime, Syria)
• Zaiddiyah
(Houthis, Yemen)
• Ismailiyah
- Seveners
* There are approximately 73 various Islamic sects
and offshoots in the Ummah—many are deemed
heretical to mainstream Muslims.
The Ummah is not as homogeneous as the West perceives.
32
Major Shia And Sunni Religious Differences
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Sunnis believe themselves to follow the sunnah, or the path/customs, of
the Prophet. Shiites follow Ali, the closest relative of Mohammed, as
Mohammed's successor.
 Shia split from Sunnis over hereditary succession after the death of the
Prophet leading to major religious, societal and political differences that
have erupted into military conflicts and sectarian violence over the ages.
 Shia and Sunnis agree on core beliefs of Islam: Quran and Pillars (but not
in the same number or order). Sunni and Shia differ on the oral
tradition, or Hadith, as reported by the companions of the Prophet.
 Shia believe 12 Imams were divinely inspired and infallible, while Sunnis
believe that all humans have the same relationship to God.
 Shia clerics hold an elevated spiritual status forbidden by Sunnis.
 Sunnis reject the Shia doctrine of the “hidden” imam but accept many
end-time beliefs including the possibility the “Messiah” may return soon
in an era of extreme conflict called the Mahdaviat.
Despite their differences in opinion and practice, Shia and Sunni are considered by
most to be brethren in the same faith. War on one could become war on all.
33
What Is Islam?
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 The core belief of Islam is the shahadah (two testimonies), “There is no deity
other than Allah (God) and Mohammed is the messenger of Allah.” A person
who truly believes in the meaning of the shahadah is a Muslim.
 Islam translates to peace, purity, submission and obedience.
 Islam is a complete way of life and means submission to the will of Allah and
obedience to His law.
 Everything on earth, other than man, is totally administered by Allah-made
laws, is obedient to these laws, and is in the “state of Islam”.
 Man possesses the quality of intelligence and choice, thus he is invited to
submit to the will of Allah, obey His laws and become a Muslim.
 Submission to the good will of Allah, together with obedience to His
beneficial law, is the best safeguard for man’s peace and harmony.
 Islam’s message was conveyed to man by Allah’s Prophets and Messengers
including Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Mohammed.
 Islam’s message is that Mohammed is the Last, or The Seal, of the prophets
and that his teachings will last until The Day of the Resurrection (Qiyamah).
Islam is considered an Abrahamic religion along with Judaism and Christianity.
34
Tenets Of Islam
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 All Muslims agree on the following five basic obligations:
• Shahadah: Two testimonies
• Salah: Performing daily prayers
• Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan
• Zakat: Tithing
• Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca (if possible)
 Shia and Sunni agree on the following beliefs, but classify them differently:
• Adl: The justice of God
• Qiyamah: The Day of Resurrection/Judgment/the Last Day
• Amr-Bil-Maruf: Commanding what is good
• Nahi-Anil-Munkar: Forbidding what is evil
• Jihad: Striving to seek God’s approval.
 Distinctive Shia beliefs include:
• Imamah: Divinely appointed and guided imams
• Khums: Paying the tax on profit
Most Muslims agree, while there are two sects, there is only one faith.
35
Holy Book: The Quran
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 The Quran (Koran) is the sacred book of Islam.
 Muslims assert that the Quran is the main written record of Allah’s
revelation to humanity that is flawless, immutable, and the final revelation.
 Quran was revealed to Mohammed by God through the Angel Gabriel
between 610 and 632 A.D., who memorized and had his followers write
down his revelations to preserve their integrity, which is maintained today.
 The Quran was complied from Mohammed’s manuscripts around 650 A.D.
and organized in 114 chapters (suras) with 6236 verses. As a sign of respect,
many Muslims commit to memory the complete Quran.
 The arrangement of every word and letter in the Quran has sacred meaning.
 Muslims believe that parts of the Gospels, Torah and Jewish prophetic books
have been forgotten, misinterpreted, incorrectly edited or distorted. As a
result, Muslims view the Quran as a correction of Jewish and Christian
scriptures which have been corrupted over time.
 The Quran refers to Jews and Christians as “people of the Book.” Those who
submit to Muslim authority in Muslim lands retain freedom of religion.
The Quran is the sacred writings of Islam revealed by God to the prophet
Mohammed during his life at Mecca and Medina.
36
Rules Of War In The Quran
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Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Quran 2:190. “Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress
limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors.”
Quran 2:217. “Your enemies will not cease to fight against you until they have turned
you away from your faith…if any turn away from his faith…are destined for the fire.”
Quran 2:244. “fight, then, in God’s cause, and know that God is all-knowing.”
Quran 4:74. “for unto him who fights in God's cause, whether he be slain or be
victorious, We shall in time grant a mighty reward.”
Quran 5:32. “If any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading
mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people.”
Quran 8:61. If the enemy incline towards peace, then you (also) incline towards peace.”
Quran 8:39. “And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there
prevails justice and faith in Allah altogether and everywhere. But if they cease, verily
Allah doth see all that they do.”
Quran 9:5-6. So when the sacred months (of cease-fire) have passed away, then slay
the idolaters wherever you find them,.…then if they repent and keep up prayer and pay
the poor-rate, leave their way free to them; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”
Quran 22:39. “Permission to fight is given to those on whom war is made.”
Quran 60:9. “Allah only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for (your) Faith,
and drive you out of your homes and support (others) in driving you out, from turning
to them (for friendship and protection).”
Islam expressly prohibits the killing of non-combatants, civilian women,
children and the elderly, during war.
37
Hadith: The Traditions Of The Prophet
 Prophet Mohammed’s companions and followers
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
recorded his life, deeds and sayings, and assembled
these records in a number of manuscripts called hadith
(ahadith, plural).
 As opposed to the Quran which records the revelations
of Allah to the Prophet, the Hadith focuses on the life of
Mohammed, the model Muslim.
• A hadith is usually a story or anecdote about Mohammed, Mohammed’s
companion or family member’s response to a specific situation.
• Some ahadith collections have as many as 9,000 ahadith.
• The ahadith are about the ways of the companions of the prophet and
are regarded not as important as those of the prophet.
• Sunnis and Shia put different weight on a hadith depending on the
authority of the person reporting the hadith since Mohammed did not
record these himself.
 Hadith collections are regarded as important tools for determining the
Sunnah, or Muslim way of life, by all schools of Islamic jurisprudence since
Muslims look to Mohammed’s life as one to be emulated.
Hadith record the way and the sayings of the Prophet Mohammed,
as recounted by his household, progeny and companions.
38
The Prophet Mohammed PBUH: The Seal
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Muslims believe that Mohammed (also Mohammad or
Muhammad) is God’s final prophet, “The Seal”, in the lineage
all God’s prophets: Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus. Each
are afforded the respectful title, Peace Be Upon Him (PBUH).
 Mohammed was the first Muslim and the Messenger of God

to all humanity.
Mohammed was born (c. 570 in Mecca) and died (June 8, 632 in Medina) in the
Hejaz region of present day Saudi Arabia. He lived 62 years.
 Up to age 40 (c. 610), Mohammed was a merchant when he was visited by the
angel Gabriel who commanded him to memorize verses from God.
 He then became a prophet who preached strict monotheism and warning of a
Day of Judgment when all would be held accountable for every action and deed.
 At age 52 (c. 622), his preaching angered many in Mecca, causing him to flee to
Medina. For the remaining ten years of his life, many battles occurred. Against
many odds, Mohammed and his followers were victorious.
 By the time of Mohammed’s death, he had unified much of Arabia under his rule,
and launched expeditions to the north, towards Syria and Palestine
Mohammed’s life and ways (Sunnah) are recorded in the Hadith.
39
Sharia Law And Jurisprudence (Fiqh)
Sharia Law
 Sharia is the body of Islamic law
derived from the Quran and Hadith,
also known as “Allah’s law”.
 Sharia covers religious rituals and
most aspects of day-to-day life.
 Acts-of-Worship Laws:
• Ritual purification, prayers,
fasts, charities, pilgrimage
 Human-Interaction Laws:
• Financial, endowments, food
and drink, marriage/divorce,
inheritance, penal, war and
peace, judicial
 Under sharia law there is no
separation of church and state.
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Jurisprudence:
 Fiqh is Islamic jurisprudence made
up of the rulings of Islamic jurists to
direct the lives of Muslims.
 Sunni Schools:
• Hanbali (Saudi Arabia).
• Shafii (Indonesia, Malaysia,
Yemen, south India)
• Hanafi (Turkey, Balkans, Asia,
India, Egypt, China)
• Maliki (Africa and some Arab
Gulf states)
 Shia School:
• Jafari (Iran, Iraq, Lebanon,
Bahrain, Pakistan and parts of
Afghanistan)
Sharia refers to the principles of divine law,
and fiqh involves “understanding of details” of the divine law.
40
Abrahamic Tradition Scripture
Jewish
Tanakh
450 BCE
Holy
Book
Torah (Teachings of Moses)
Neviim (Prophets)
Ketuvim (Writings)
24 books, 846 chapters,
22098 verses
Oral
Code
(Secondary
Writings)
Christian
Muslim
Bible
Quran
375 CE
Old Testament
39 books, 929 chapters,
23145 verses
New Testament
27 books, 260 chapters,
7959 verses
Talmud
(Interpretations)
Halakha
(Jewish Law)
657 CE
(Revelations from Allah to
the Prophet Mohammed)
1 book, 114 suras
(chapters), 6236 ayat
(verses)
Hadith
(Learning)
Midrashim
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
(Ways of the Prophet)
None
Torah, Psalms, Gospels
Sharia
(Islamic Law)
The Quran is based on the underpinnings of Judeo/Christian scripture.
41
Abrahamic Traditions Have Much In Common
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
All Three Religions (Islam, Christianity, Judaism) believe in:
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Monotheism: One God the Creator, Maker and Ruler of all.
Good & Evil: Heaven and hell and contest between good and evil.
Messianic Return: The concept that a Messiah will return to save the world.
Devil & Demons: The authority of Satan and demons in this world.
Prophets & Angels: The messengers and servants of God.
Miracles: Miracles are real. Muslims accept the miracles of Jesus.
Judgment: Humans will be judged by God at the day of judgment.
Freewill: God grants humans freewill to accept or reject Him.
Soul: Humans have a spirit worthy of good works or evil.
Mercy: God will forgive mistakes as long as one repents.
Prayer: Prayer is a priority and a way of worshiping God.
Charity: Charity and tithing are important aspects of worship.
These beliefs provide a baseline for mutual respect and cooperation.
42
Isa bin Maryam PBUH (The Islamic Jesus)
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Jesus is mentioned in 15 suras (chapters) and 93 verses in the Quran:
• Jesus is called the Islamic "Messiah" 11 times.
• The name Jesus (Isa) is mentioned 25 times.
• The name Jesus son of Mary (Isa bin Maryam) appears 23 times.
 Mary is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran.
 An entire sura is dedicated to Mary.
 Quran accepts the following about Jesus:
• Divine birth
• Earthly miracles
• Prophet of God
• “Word” of God
• Only “sinless” man
• Ascended to heaven
• Divine return (2nd Coming)
• Kills al-Dajjal (anti-Christ)
• Brings peace to the world
• Reigns forty years, dies, buried in
tomb beside Mohammed
Christian image of Jesus
(Note: Islam does not allow images of
their Prophets including Jesus)
The Quran states that Jesus was borne of the Holy Spirit and God strengthened
Jesus with the Holy Spirit to accomplish his mission on earth.
43
Differences Between Abrahamic Traditions
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Oneness (Tawhid) of God (Allah):
• Allah “begets not, nor was He begotten; and there is none co-equal or
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comparable to Him”. Muslims do not believe in the Trinity.
• As stated in the Bible (Gospels), Jesus respected the principle of tawhid.
Jesus told us to pray directly to the Father and no one is “good” except
Father. Jesus described himself as “Son”, “Lamb” and “Word” of God.
Jesus (Isa bin Maryam) and His atonement for sins:
• Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified but ascended to heaven,
“God raised him up to Himself.”
• Muslims believe that each person is responsible for his or her own actions
and that no-one else can atone for them. Jesus was only a prophet.
Grace: Muslims emphasize works. In Islam every act or deed is graded. A
majority of Muslims also affirm that God may pardon every sin and every
crime (i.e., grace) except disbelief in God.
Quran exists today exactly the same as it was revealed to Mohammed.
Whereas the Bible has evolved through numerous councils and translations.
Hence, Muslims believe that Christians have lost their way.
Secularism: Muslims do not believe in the separation of religion and state.
There are differences in concepts, moral code and practices but none so great that
would prevent us from living in harmony with respect and tolerance.
44
Eschatology
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Eschatology is a part of theology concerned with the final events in
the history of the world or the ultimate destiny of human kind,
commonly phrased as the end of the world or end of the age.
 Understanding eschatology will provide decision-makers and war-planners
with a framework to better understand ultra-religious fundamentalists.
 The three major eschatological religions (Islam, Christianity and Judaism)
have devoted significant scripture about eschatology.
• Since the Quran accepts many Judeo/Christian scriptures (Torah,
Gospels, etc.), it is important to understand Judeo/Christian
eschatology as a basis for Islamic eschatology.
• Except for the theme of monotheism, the Quran speaks more of the
coming Qiyamah than of any other topic. The Qiyamah is connected
to a time of momentous upheaval, calamity and the end of the world.
 For those seeking a better life in the after-life, eschatology is powerful
motivating force (especially to those whose earthly existence is dismal).
Since eschatology often serves as the basis for religious fundamentalist actions,
it is important for decision-makers to understand its tenets.
45
Jewish, Christian And Islamic Religions
Have Similar Eschatological Roots
Christianity
End
Times
2nd Coming
Of Jesus Christ
Messiah
Jesus Christ
Islam
Masih or Mahdaviat
Malahim (Armageddon)
Qiyamah (Day of
Distress)
Isa bin Maryam
(Jesus son of Mary)
Awaited
Leader
-
Mahdi/Mehdi/12th Imam
Goal
Return
Location
False
Messiah
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Judaism
Mashiach
The Anointed One
The “Messiah"
Future descendant
of King David
-
End a war that
Imam Mahdi, with Jesus' Rebuild the nation of
would destroy
Israel and bring
help, will usher in a new
mankind and
world peace by
age of peace, and restore
establish Jesus'
Islamic society restoring the Davidic
Millennial Kingdom a perfect
Kingdom (theocracy)
(theocracy)
(theocracy)
Israel
Palestine
Israel
Anti-Christ
al-Dajjal
-
Radical Muslim terrorist groups, like ISIS, emphasize the eschatological
battles of the apocalypse and the imminent arrival of the Mahdi.
46
Islamic Trials Preceding The Mahdaviat
Taken From 50+ Hadith Writings
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Abasement of Arabs & Islam
Plagues and other afflictions
Fornication & sex in public
Comet, celestial signs, eclipse
Despair & desire for death
Death of 1/3 of mankind
Earthquakes (major)
Elimination of scholars
European prosperity & rise
False prophets (sixty liars)
Fireball in the sky (nuclear?)
Gulf wars (for black gold)
Hajj for pleasure
Hajjis plundered
Imitation of the West
Injustice prevalent
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Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Killer aerial craft and death
Lack of humility
Lack of knowledge and prayer
Lack of trustworthiness
Slaughter, blood runs in streets
Profanation of the House of Islam
Prophet’s mosque desecrated
Reversion to idolatry
Skyscrapers and technology
Spread of usury (banking)
Time shortening
Transmogrification (rapture?)
Trials and tribulations
War, East vs. West (Armageddon)
Wealth abundance
Unrighteous in public office
Many fundamentalist Muslims believe last days are here.
47
Sunni & Shia Sources Of The Al-Mahdi
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Sunni and Shia Islam
• Descendent of the Prophet Mohammed
• His first name is Mohammed and has the character of the Prophet
• He emerges from Mecca and precedes Jesus
• Wins last battle on earth against the infidels in Palestine
• He establishes Islam as the world’s religion to bring peace and justice
 Sunni Islam
• Will be born in Medina, Saudi Arabia
• Father's name will be Abdullah and his mother's name is Aamina
• His name is Mohammed
• He looks like the Prophet Mohammed
• He emerges at age forty (like the Prophet)
 Shia Islam
• Was born in 868 and is still alive
• Father's name is al-Askari (11th Imam) and his mother is Narjis
• His name is Muhammad ibn Hasan al-Mahdī (12th Imam)
• He has a broad forehead and prominent nose
• A loud call from the sky signals the Mahdi's appearance
Of the two branches of Islam, Shia are more oriented to
ritual, mysticism and eschatology.
48
Eschatology Of The Shia's 12th Imam
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Two occultations: first in 9th Century, 2nd prior to the Day of Judgment.
 Mahdi is the leader with the sword who will fill the world with justice and



fairness to end oppression and tyranny and undertake the achievement of truth.
Mahdi’s reappearance is as the chosen executor of the divine law with the sole
purpose of converting all religions of the world into Islam.
The time will come when al-Mahdi will be ordered by God to appear on the
scene of humanity for the performance of the executive task assigned to him:
• He will then enter the sacred mosque at Mecca and declare his appearance
to deliver mankind from the miseries of injustice.
• There will be a similar declaration from the al-Dajjal, “the anti-Christ”. Both
declarations will be heard throughout the globe at once.
• The Mahdi army will reach Israel within a very short time.
• Mahdi will use superhuman spiritual and psychic powers to battle evil.
• The Mahdi army will sustain great losses until Isa bin Maryam (Jesus) and his
legions join the fight from heaven. The Dajjal is defeated.
Isa bin Maryam (Jesus son of Mary) becomes ruler of the world (theocracy) and
establishes Islam as the global religion.
12th Imam will rally the faithful on earth to oppose “anti-Christ” in Israel.
49
Imam al-Mahdi – The Military Leader
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 The “Expected” or “Awaited” leader who
will herald the end of time and the Day of
Judgment (Qiyamah).
 The Imam al-Mahdi and his followers will
be Isa bin Maryam’s (Jesus son of Mary)
army prior to when the Messiah returns
and assumes the role of global Caliph.
 The Mahdi and Jesus will jointly defeat the
Dajjal (anti-Christ), liberate Palestine and
unite the world under Islam.
 Mahdi community themes:
• Evil versus good
• Embattled minority
• Suffering and martyrdom
• Preparation for salvation
(Top L) One of Ayatollah Khomeini’s “Mahdi” soldiers during 198088 Iran/Iraq war. (Top R) Muqtada Al-Sadr, Mahdi Army leader
during 2003-11 Iraq War. (Bottom L) President Ahmadinejad’s
2005 UN Speech calling for the Mahdi (12th Imam) to lead the
world to justice through conflict. (Bottom R) ISIS leader Al-Baghdadi
who in 2014 was named the Caliph who will precede the Mahdi.
Article 5 of the Iranian Constitution states that the Mahdi (Wali al-'Asr) will
assume his rightful role of Supreme Leader of Iran when he returns from his
occultation (his disappearance in 873 AD) and usher in a new era of justice.
50
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Presentation Outline
Jobenomics Counterterrorism Strategy
Islam: The Religion
Ummah: The Worldwide Muslim Community
Islamism: The Political Ideology
Irhabi: The Terrorists
Final Thoughts
51
Worldwide Islamic Community: The Ummah
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Turkic
Eurasian
Muslims
American
Muslims
Levant
Arabs
Maghreb
Arabs
Arabs
Indo-Aryan
Muslims
Shia
Gulf
Arabs
Shia
10%
Malay
Sub-Saharan
Muslims
Arabs
22%
Major Muslim Communities
Other
Muslims
Vast majority (Arab States)
Vast majority/majority (Shia)
Majority Sunni
Major minority Sunni
Minority Sunni
Ummah population was 1.1 billion in 1990, 1.6 billion in 2010, and is projected
to be 2.2 billion by 2030—an average growth rate of 27% per decade.
52
Original Ummah
 The father of all Muslims is Abraham who is also the


father of Arabs and Jews, both of whom are Semites.
Abraham’s first born was Ishmael from his wife’s
handmaiden, Hagar. As the first born son, Ishmael
had birth and territorial rights which are disputed
even today.
Islamic tradition holds that:
• Abraham and Ishmael established the tradition of
pilgrimage, or Hajj, still followed today.
• Ishmael, not Isaac, was spared by God from
sacrifice and is celebrated yearly as Eid ul-Adha.
• Ishmael and Hagar were sent to the deserts of
Arabia on the orders of Allah to settle in Mecca.
• Ishmael then helped his father, Abraham, build
the House of God, or the Kaaba, in Mecca.
• Prophet Mohammed is a descendent of Abraham
through Ishmael.
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
2000 BCE
Abraham
‫ﺇﺳﻤﺎﻋﻴﻞ‬.
Ishmael
Isaac
Abram
Ishmael
Father Of Arabs
Isaac
Father Of Jews
Kaaba in Mecca
Muslims trace their heritage back to Abraham and Ishmael.
53
Key Milestones In Islamic History
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 The life of the Prophet, 570-652  Ottoman Empire, 1350-1918
• 570 Birth of Mohammed
• 1453: Constantinople conquered
• 610-632 Revelations given
• 1500: North Africa seized
• 632 Mohammed dies
• 1517: Sultan, Caliph of Islam
• 652 Koran (Quran) written
• 1526: Hungary defeated
• 1683: European supremacy ends
 Mecca/Medina Caliphate, 632-661 • 1914: Ottomans enter WWI
• 1915: Hussein-McMahon
 Damascus Caliphate, Ummayyad
Correspondents/Agreement
Dynasty, 661-750
• 1916: Sykes-Picot divide empire
• 685-687 Shi’ite revolt in Iraq
• 711 Conquest of Spain
 Modern Era, 1900-Present
• 732 Battle of Tours
• 1901: Oil discovered
 Baghdad Caliphate, Abbasid
• 1917: Balfour Declaration
Dynasty, 750-1285
• 1932: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• 751 Conquest of eastern China
• 1948: State of Israel
st
• 765 1 School of medicine
• 1949-82: Arab/Israeli Wars
• 850 Schools of law established
• 1987-Pres: Palestinian Intifada
• 1258: Mongols sack Baghdad
• 1991-Pres: Gulf Wars & 9/11
In the 7th and 16th Centuries, Muslims were the dominant society on earth
making many educational, scientific and cultural achievements.
54
The Islamic Golden Age: 750-1500
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 During the Islamic Golden Age, scientists and engineers of the Islamic world
contributed enormously to technology, both by preserving earlier traditions
and by adding their own inventions and innovations.
 Islamic civilization grew and expanded on the basis of a merchant economy,
in contrast to their Christian, Indian and Chinese peers who built societies
from an agricultural landholding nobility.
 Major global achievements during the Islamic Golden Age:
• Islamic art: ceramics, glass, metalwork, textiles
• Technology: science, astronomy, navigation, mathematics
• Philosophy and education: established schools of higher learning and
•
•
•
saved western literature from destruction in the Western Dark Ages
Medicine: Islamic physicians and scholars developed medical literature
synthesizing the theory and practice of medicine
Commerce and urban life: the Islamic global trade network helped
establish modern cities with complex infrastructures
Architecture and engineering: evolved from Islam as a social, cultural,
political and religious phenomenon
The Ummah is highly motivated to regain the prestige of its Golden Age.
55
Arab Identity Pervades The Muslim World
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Even though Arabs represent only 22% of Muslims,
their language, religion and culture permeates the
Ummah (90% Sunni).
 “al-Ummah al-Arabiyyah” is a uniting concept that
all Arabs are linked or related to a family of nations
or a “greater Arab nation”.
 While the only “racially” pure Arabs are from the
Arab Gulf region, other ethnic groups have
intermixed with indigenous Arabs.
 The Arab tradition is composed of three main
Arab
Mecca Gulf
Region
Medina
elements:
• The Arabic language
• The Muslim religion (Islam)
• The Arabic culture
 As defined by the Arab League, an Arab is one who
speaks Arabic, has lived in an Arab country, and
identifies with Arab culture.
The al-Ummah al-Arabiyyah is united by religion, culture and language.
56
Arab Culture Differs From Western Culture
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 In contrast to the West, in Arab society, tribal welfare supersedes individual
rights as well as national and regional considerations.
 Arabs have a naming structure to identify their religious status (Haji, imam),
social class (sheikh), rank (Colonel) and position within the family, clan and tribe.
Arabs are therefore careful with whom they associate socially and deliberately
ask a person’s name to establish pedigree, social position and family affiliation.
 Westerners tend to live in guilt-cultures and Arabs in shame-cultures. In shamecultures avoiding public embarrassment, humiliation (saving face), restoring
honor (eye for an eye) and public perception are very important.
 An Arab has a strong motivation to avoid dishonor from foreigners. Arabs
remember to avenge dishonored family and tribes longer than Westerners.
 Arabs tend to have fatalist perspectives, whereas Westerners tend to believe
that they have more control over life’s events. To most Arabs, no event takes
place unless it is the will of Allah. Fatalistic perspectives can foster acceptance
of things and events as inevitable as well as positions of non-accountability,
blamelessness and reluctance to accepting responsibility for actions outside of
one’s immediate control.
Arabs more often do business with people they trust and respect than the West.
57
Islamic International Organizations
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
The largest inter-governmental Islamic organization is the Organization of
Islamic Cooperation (OIC) with 57 member and 5 observer states.
58
League Of 21 Arab States (Arab League)
Levant Region
Jordan
Lebanon
Palestine
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
18
Million
North Africa Region
Egypt
Algeria
Tunisia
Libya
Morocco
Arab Gulf Region
Saudi Arabia
Bahrain
Qatar
Million
Oman
People
Kuwait
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
46
Gulf Cooperation
Council (GCC)
2% Of
Ummah
Yemen
Iraq
59 Million
176
Million
Other Arab League Countries
Comoros
Somalia
Djibouti
Mauritania
Sudan
Grand Total
51
Million
350 Million or 22%
Of Ummah
“Arab League helps the Arab world grow economically and culturally, while
finding solutions to resolve conflicts both within and outside the league.”
59
Arab League & Gulf Cooperation Council
Arab League
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Arab League
 The Arab League is involved in political, economic, cultural,
and social programs designed to promote the interests of
its 21 member states.
 In November 2011, the Arab League suspended Syria due
to uprisings and the government’s brutal way of dealing
with political opponents.
Gulf Cooperation
Council (GCC)
Gulf Cooperation Council
 Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), political and economic
alliance of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates,
Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman
 The highest decision-making entities GCC are the Supreme
and Ministerial Councils that set policies to strengthen
relations, promote cooperation and provide security. Other
than the collapse of oil prices, the biggest threat to GCC
prosperity is terrorism.
The GCC has amassed approximately $1.5 trillion in rainy day funds (sovereign
wealth funds)—more than any other region on earth—some of which could be
deployed for countering Sunni-led terrorist groups.
60
Turkey, Iran & The “Stans” Are Not Arab
 Republic of Turkey (Turkey)
• Is a secular 100% Sunni state with a population of

•
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Turkey
79,000,000 (75% Turk, 18% Kurd, 7% other).
• Turks speak Turkish written in a Latin alphabet.
Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran)
Iran
• Is a theocratic Muslim state with a population of
81,800,000 (95% Shia, 5% Sunni).
• Iranians speak Farsi, an Indo-European language.
“The Stans”
The Homelands of the “Stans”
Kazakhstan
• 7 Stans have population of 259,600,000.
Kyrgyzstan
• 5 Central Asian Republics were former Soviet Union
Uzbekistan Tajikistan
Republics with 95%+ Muslim with the exception of
Turkmenistan
Kazakhstan (70% Muslim, 26% Christian).
Afghanistan
• Afghanistan (85% Sunni, 10% Shia)
Pakistan
• Pakistan (85% Sunni, 10% Shia)
60% of the Ummah live in seven non-Arab countries:
Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Iran and Turkey
61
Islamic Sects
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Islamic Sects



Sunni Muslims: 90%
Shia Muslims: 10%
Both groups have adherents of Sufism
(A mystic sect of Islam)
Formal Islam
• Cognitive
• Legalistic
• Ultimate Issues
• Quran/Hadith
• Institutional
• Supplicative
Folk Islam
• Emotional
• Mystical
• Everyday Issues
• Supernatural
• Inspirational
• Manipulative
Secular Islam
•Materialistic
•Pragmatic
•Everyday Issues
•Modernity
•Social/Political
•Agnostic/Atheist
As in every other religion, Islam is not uniform in its application.
62
Shia Islam (Shiites)
 Shia and Sunnis agree on core beliefs of
Islam: Quran and Five Pillars.
 Shia split from Sunnis over hereditary
succession after the death of the Prophet.
 Shia believe the twelve Imams were
divinely inspired and infallible in their
judgments, while Sunnis believe that all
humans have the same relationship to
God.
 Shia clerics (imams) hold an elevated
spiritual status that is forbidden by Sunnis.
 Sunnis reject the doctrine of the “hidden”
imam but accept many end-time beliefs.
 Shia faith has a deep regard for
martyrdom, incorporating many rituals
and demonstrations absent from Sunnis.
 Shia are more eschatological than Sunnis.
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Major Shia Concentrations
Country
% Shia
Azerbaijan
Iran
Bahrain
Iraq
Lebanon
Kuwait
Afghanistan
Yemen
Pakistan
Qatar
UAE
Syria
Turkey
Saudi Arabia
India
75%
69%
65%
63%
45%
27%
15%
15%
15%
15%
14%
13%
6%
5%
1%
Total Muslims Shias
Population (Millions)
8
66
1
21
4
2
23
13
129
1
3
16
62
19
952
7
65
1
21
3
2
23
13
125
1
3
14
62
19
133
6
46
0.4
14
2
1
3
2
19
0.1
0.4
2
4
1
13
Shia Majority Nations
Largest Shia Populations
Shiites are the second largest denomination in Islam (120 million or about 10%).
63
Religious Leaders In The Ummah
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Caliph: Successor to the Prophet and leader of global Islam. The last caliph
was in 1924. Only Iran and Islamists advocate a new Caliph.
 Sunni Imam. Imam is the Arabic word meaning “leader”. The ruler of a country
might be called the imam. In a religious sense, an imam is a prayer leader at
the mosque. Sunnis do not give elevated status to prayer leaders.
 Shia Clerics:
• Grand Ayatollah. Means “Great Sign of God” and is only accorded to few
individuals considered to be extremely wise and learned in Islam. Only
several dozen Grand Ayatollahs are alive and most are in their 80s.
• Ayatollah. Means “Sign of God” and is a high rank given to major Shia
clerics, who are experts in Islamic studies and usually teach in Islamic
schools. There are only several hundred Ayatollahs.
• Hojataleslam. Means “Authority on Islam” and has the rank of a middle
cleric. Several thousand Hojataleslam exist and many are granted the rank
as an honorific.
• Mullahs. Are Islamic clerics. Ideally, they have studied the Quran, Islamic
traditions (hadith), and Islamic law (fiqh). There are numerous mullahs.
Religious leaders play an important role with theocracies (Iran) and Islamists.
64
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Presentation Outline
Jobenomics Counterterrorism Strategy
Islam: The Religion
Ummah: The Worldwide Muslim Community
Islamism: The Political Ideology
Irhabi: The Terrorists
Final Thought
65
Political Islam
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Political Islam (Islamism) is an ideology, not a religion, that advocates Islam as a



viable alternative to capitalism and globalization.
Political Islam is a phenomenon taking place in cities with most prominent
members being educated young who, despite degrees, have not advanced
socially.
Islamists are concerned about differences between rich and poor and negatively
inclined towards the West for unequal distribution of wealth, reluctance to
address world poverty and corrupting influence on Muslim governments.
Islamists believe that Islam is a viable political alternative.
• Islamists advocate re-establishing an Islamic state that
once made their society grow from unknown tribes into
world rulers in a few decades.
• While Islamists have not been successful at a national
level (with exception of Iran), they are experiencing
success at the local levels by establishing welfare and
organizations that cater to the poor and orphans.
Since many Muslim countries limit political expression, Islamists use the
mosque as a channel to voice their frustrations.
66
Islamists
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Since many Muslim countries limit political expression, Islamists channel their
frustrations to the mosque which is relatively open to freedom of expression.
 Islamists are a phenomenon taking place in cities with most prominent members
being educated young who, despite degrees, have not advanced socially.
 Islamists argue that Muslims are losing their identity and culture to Western
values as well as capitalism.
 Islamists are strongly concerned about social differences between rich and poor
and negatively towards the West for its unequal distribution of wealth,
reluctance to address world poverty and corrupting influence on Muslim
governments.
 Islamists believe that Islam is real political alternative in modern times.
• Islamists advocate re-establishing an Islamic state that once made their
society grow from unknown tribes into world rulers in a few decades.
• While Islamists have not been successful at a national level (with the possible
exception of Iran) they are experiencing success at the local levels by
establishing welfare and madrassas that cater to the poor and orphans.
Islamism is the vehicle for expression in politically controlled societies.
67
Four Leading Islamist Movements
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Khomeinists are Shia Islamists who include Iranian Islamic revolutionaries,
Hezbollah (Lebanon, Palestine), Mahdi Army (Iraq). Their messianic goal is
global Islamic rule (imamate) governed by the Islamic Messiah and Mahdi,
who are predicted to be arriving soon as chaos increases.
 Salafists are Sunni Islamists who include ISIS (global), Al Qaeda (global),
Wahhabis (Saudi Arabia, Qatar), Muslim Brotherhood (Egypt), Taliban
(Afghanistan), Hamas, Fatah and al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades (Palestine),
National Islamic Front (Sudan), and Armed Islamic Group (Algeria). The
Salafi’s goal is unification of all Muslims under Islamic rule (caliphate)
governed by the original principles (sharia) of the pious ancestors (salaf).
 Deobandis are Southeast Asian Sunni Islamists who reside largely in
Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. Deobandis advocate strict adherence to the
Sunnah (ways of the Prophet Mohammed) under Sharia law as the
international standard.
 Pan Arabists are secular Islamists who include Baathists (Syria), insurgent
Baathists (Iraq) and Nasserites (Arab countries). The Pan Arabists goal is
unification of all Arabs under secular and socialistic style governance.
Islamist movements are dedicated to an Islamic revival (Sahwah) that will
return the Ummah to the fundamentals of the Islamic religion.
68
Religious And Secular Muslim Nations
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
1.6 Billion Muslims In 172 Countries
154
Countries
Governance
17
Countries
Iran
& Emerging
States
Leadership
 Secular
 Secular
 Sharia (Clerics)
Rule of Law
 Secular
 Sharia
 Sharia
Example:
Mostly Arab
and SW
Asian
countries
Emerging States:
Islamic State,
Turkey
(97% Muslim
population)
Palestine,
Chechnya,
Kashmir,
Mindanao
Only 20% of all Muslims live under Sharia law and 4%
under Sharia plus a theocracy (Iran).
Not all nations populated by Muslims are religious states.
69
Mainstream Islam And The Use Of Force
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Islam is not opposed to “force” but seeks to
control it in the light of the divine law (sharia).
 Islam is based upon moderation and is grounded
upon the principle of avoiding extremes.
 Islam opposes violence except in war and
punishment of criminals.
 Muslims must only wage war according to the
principles of Allah’s justice.
 War is permitted in self defense, when Islam is
attacked, and if Muslims are being suppressed.
 Conduct of war should be disciplined, without
anger, and with humane treatment of prisoners.
 Inflicting injury to non-combatants, women,
children and civilians is forbidden by the Quran.
 The moral depravity of 9/11 came as a shock not
only to non-Muslims, but to Muslims as well.
To the vast majority of Muslims, terrorism is a hate crime and is contrary to
the complete and balanced life espoused by the Quran.
70
Mohammed As A Warrior
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 In the last ten years of his life, Mohammed engaged in about twenty-five raids
or battles which ultimately established the religion of Islam.
• When Mohammed and his followers were rejected from Mecca, they were
forced to raid Meccan caravans to survive. These raids were considered
legitimate due to the fact that they were at war with Mecca.
• In Medina, their new home, the Muslims fought against other Arab and
Jewish tribes. Many of these tribes allied themselves with the Meccans.
• Both the Muslims and the Meccans developed large alliances with nomadic
Arab tribes that engaged in raids and battles for regional dominance.
• Mohammed pursued a truce (Truce of Hudaybiya) with the Meccans that
lasted several years until the Meccans attacked one of Mohammed’s allies
causing the Battle of Mecca (630 AD). Only thirty Meccans died before
surrendering and converting to Islam.
 In response to Mohammed’s critics about being a man of war, today’s Muslims
say that he fought honorably to defend his people with limited loss of life, and
that Mohammed usually used diplomacy prior to fighting.
Mohammed was also a prophet, leader, diplomat and merchant.
71
Jihad
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 The term "jihadism" was coined in the 2000s by the West to define Islamic
insurgency and Islamic terrorism. Today, jihad, or Holy War, has become a
battle cry for the West. Consequently, this term often makes Muslims feel
that the West perceives or paints all Arabs and Muslims as terrorists.
 As defined by the Quran, jihad means struggle, to toil, to strive, to exert. The
Quran addresses four forms of jihad:
•
•
•
•
To struggle to purify the soul.
To struggle on behalf of justice.
To struggle for the sake of Islam.
“The greatest jihad is to battle your
own soul, to fight the evil within
yourself.” Prophet Mohammed
Defend the Ummah against non-Muslim aggression (Defensive jihad).
 Offensive jihad is not found in the Quran or Hadith. Offensive jihad is usually
used regarding Sunni armed struggle to expand dar al-Islam (the realm of
Islam) and transform the dar al-harb (literally “the realm of war” or the nonMuslim world) into a global Islamic caliphate.
 As opposed to jihad, Muslims use the term irhab for terrorism and irhabi for
terrorists to define those who wage war outside limits set by the Quran.
The West has translated jihad into English to mean “holy war”.
72
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Presentation Outline
Jobenomics Counterterrorism Strategy
Islam: The Religion
Ummah: The Worldwide Muslim Community
Islamism: The Political Ideology
Irhabi: The Terrorists
Final Thought
73
 Irhabi vs  Jihadi
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 14 years after 9/11, the West does not have a term to describe the enemy.
 Islamists, Islamic Extremists and Islamo-Fascists are Western terms that
malign Islam and offend mainstream Muslims. If the West wants to avoid the
perception of a religious war, these terms should be avoided.
 Salafis generally refers to those want to return sharia due to incompatibility
of the West values with Islam. Salafis are often inaccurately labeled by
Westerners as Wahhabis, a term that offends Sunni Muslims and Saudis.
 Jihad means to Muslims to “strive”. In a military context it means to defend
one’s faith (i.e., defensive jihad). “Holy War” is a expression coined in the
West that distorts jihad’s original meaning. “Offensive” jihad is not Quranic.
 To win mainstream Muslim support, the West should adopt Islamic terms of
reference toward terrorists and outlaw organizations:
 Irhabi is Arabic for terrorist and irhab for terrorism.
 Hirabah stands for unlawful warfare (hirabahi for outlaw) who wage war or
commit crimes.
Even though one’s terrorist may be another’s freedom fighter, we would be better
served to use the same terminology to jointly identify and defeat those (individuals
or groups) we are collectively fighting without unintentionally maligning Islam.
74
Militant Islam
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Militant Islam holds that the religion and its followers must be aggressively

fought for on a political and religious level. Examples include:
• Muslim Brotherhood. Founded in Egypt in the 1920s, the Brotherhood
wanted a return to sharia due to incompatibility of the West values with
Islam, and advocated death or violence to those who did not follow Islam.
• Wahhabi (Salafi) Movement. Started in the 18th Century by a Saudi,
Muhammad al-Wahhab, who believed that an isolationist, puritanical and
anti-heretical (hence militaristic) Islam was needed by the Ummah.
• Islamic Revolution (Iran). According to the Iranian Constitution, “the
Army of the Islamic Republic…will be responsible not only for protecting
and safeguarding the frontiers but also for the ideological mission, jihad.”
• Hamas. Is the Islamic Resistance Movement dedicated to the destruction
of Israel and is best known for its suicide bombers and civilian casualties.
• Al-Qaeda. Started in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and
now are militaristically engaged to rid all of Islam of outside influence.
• Islamic State. Is a Sunni Islam group that proclaimed itself to be a global
caliphate with religious, political and military authority over the Ummah.
Militant Islam is often referred to as Islamist, fundamentalist, terrorist, and/or
radical, all of which are technically incorrect. However, it is an extremist sect.
Militant Islam may be winning its war against moderate Islam.
75
Defense Department View Of Militant Islam
Vast Majority of
Mainstream
Peace-Seeking
Muslims
More
Attention
Is Needed
Here
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Modified from Militant Ideology Atlas, Combating
Terrorism Center, U.S. Military Academy
Enabling
Muslims
Islamists
Salafis
Jihadis
US
Focus
Is Here
 Jihadis are militants who employ terror, violence and conflict, like ISIS, Al



Qaeda, Hamas and Hezbollah.
Salafi is a term for Salaf (righteous ancestors) revivalists who want to purge
pluralism, secularism, democracy and foreign influence from their society.
Islamists are the political element advocating religious law and governance.
Enabling Muslims are not actively involved but enable terrorists to operate.
Americans are often overly focused with who and not enough about why.
76
Militant Islamists
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Militant Islam asserts that Muslims must aggressively fight on both a political


and religious level, outside established boundaries of the Quran, to establish
the ideal Islamic state (i.e., a theocracy governed by Sharia law).
Militant Islam is more about a culture of violence than religious duty.
Influential militant Islamists:
 Key militant themes:
• Extreme Tawhid (to assert the unity of God) where anything representing
•
•
•
God or divinity is idolatrous (shirk) and should be eliminated.
Obsession with Qiyamah (Judgment Day and things eschatological).
Salafism (rejection of contemporary Islamic teachings in favor of a return to
Islam as practiced during the 7th Century founders—caliphs)
Coercive Dawah (to intimidate and proselytize “errant” Muslims)
Militant Islam’s main goal is to win against mainstream Islam.
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Iran’s Militant Shia Crescent
 A militarized “Shia Crescent” is forming:
• From Iran through Iraq to Syria, Lebanon and the
•
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
ISIS
Hezbollah in Palestine.
From Iran to eastern parts of Saudi Arabia/Yemen.
 The Iran/Syria/Hezbollah alliance is already causing
significant instability in the region:
• Western economic and military strategic interests are
regularly being challenged by Iranian leaders.
ISIS
• Occupation of Iraq is largely complete. The Iranian regime has allocated
•
•
billions of dollars to set up an Iraqi puppet state. Today, Iranian intelligence
forces and unconventional warfare forces (Quds) are in Iraq. Several million
Islamic Republic of Iran Regular Forces, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,
Basiij (paramilitary) and law enforcement personnel have been mobilized.
Syrian armed forces and Hezbollah militias are key Iranian “proxy” forces
that follow the principles of the Islamic Revolution.
The Shia Crescent is largely backed and weaponized by Russia.
Establishment of a Shia Crescent is the first step in regaining dominance
over the Sunnis for control of the Ummah.
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Islamist Iran
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Iran is provoking a conflict with the West. The following five factors, in order of
priority, are motivating the Supreme Leader, Ayatollahs and Iranian Islamists:
 Political: Supreme Leader Khamenei is committed to revive the declining
Islamic Revolution and advancing the conservative position over the liberal
reform faction and the youth who are attracted to Western pop culture.
 Military: Iran has tens of thousands of special ops (Quds) forces in Iraq and
a million armed forces on the border. Development of a nuclear weapon
has now been green-lighted by the West to the dismay of Arabs and Israelis.
 Historical: Confederacy with Shiite Iraq is a historic opportunity after 1,000
years of domination from Sunni Arabs and Ottoman Turks.
 Economic: Control of 50% of the world’s oil and gas reserves greatly benefits
Iran. The strategic choke point of the Strait of Hormuz is the only sea route
through which oil and gas from Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar,
and the United Arab Emirates can be transported to the rest of the world.
 Religious: Shia leaders are preparing for the near-term return of the 12th
Imam, expansion of The Islamic Revolution, and confrontation with Israel
(the “Little Satan”) and the United States (the “Great Satan”).
The Iranian religious dimension is greatly underestimated by Western leaders.
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Islamification of Africa
Arab (League) African
States with close to
Al-Qa’ida in
the Islamic
100% Muslim
Maghreb
populations.
(AQIM)
African States with Muslimmajority (50% to 100%)
populations.
African States with
significant (10% to 50%)
Muslim populations.
Boko Haram
Logo and Leader
Abubakar Shekau
Al-Mulathamun
Battalion (AMB)
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Ansar
al-Dine
Libyan Islamic
(AAD)
Fighting
Group (LIFG)
Jama’atu Ansarul
Muslimina Fi
Biladis-Sudan
(Ansaru)
Boko
Haram
(BH)
AlShabaab
(AS)
African States ISIS-affiliated Boko Haram: Nigeria,
Chad, Niger and Cameroon. Translated Boko Haram
means “Western education is forbidden”.
Muslim extremist groups, like Boko Haram, are very active in Africa.
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Islamification of Europe
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 Islam is now the dominant religion in Europe (largely due to Christian
apostasy and atheism). Islamism is spreading across Europe.
• Europe’s demographics could be a Muslim majority by 2050.
• Major Eastern European cities (like Paris, Rotterdam, Brussels, London,
Copenhagen), have major concentrations (10% to 25%) of Muslims who
are often isolated and disassociated with their host countries.
• Eastern European countries (like Turkey, Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia) have
a majority of Muslim populations.
• Sharia law is already operating in European mosques and may soon be
established in the United Kingdom and Sweden.
 Unlike American Muslims, who are geographically diffuse, ethnically
fragmented, and generally well off, Europe’s Muslims gather in bleak
enclaves with their compatriots: Algerians in France, Moroccans in Spain,
Turks in Germany, and Pakistanis in the United Kingdom.
 Europeans are much more dependent on Middle Eastern oil than the USA.
In 2007, the total number of Muslims in Europe was about 53 million.
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Islamists and Israel
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 To Arabs, Israel is the enemy because Israel exists today



on stolen Arab land:
• Abraham’s covenant to Ishmael
• Egyptian exodus and Holy Land entry
• Balfour Declaration and post-WWI partitioning
• Arab-Israeli wars (1948/56/67/73/82)
• Palestinian genocide
Palestinian refugees: the new Diaspora:
• 6 million refugees in West Bank, Gaza, Arabia and
around the world awaiting return for 57 years
• Israelis “occupy” Palestine and only plan to return a
fraction for a Palestinian State, if ever.
Of the 22 Arab League states, only Egypt, Jordan and
Mauritania recognize Israel (Egyptian President Anwar
Sadat was assassinated for this act).
Arabs accuse America of a double standard, unfair
treatment when it comes to dealing with Israelis and
Arabs.
Palestinian
Controlled
Land
1946
Palestinian
Controlled
Land
2015
Anti-Israel sentiment is a political rallying point for Islamists.
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Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
Presentation Outline
Jobenomics Counterterrorism Strategy
Islam: The Religion
Ummah: The Worldwide Muslim Community
Islamism: The Political Ideology
Irhabi: The Terrorists
Final Thought
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Recommendations
Engaging Islam, Ummah,
Islamism & Irhab
 International policy-makers need to better incorporate Islamic religious, cultural
and social factors into their analyses and strategic planning.
• Today’s decision-making relies too much on empirical and objective factors
based mainly on military, political and economic factors.
• Cultural analyses are more abstract and subjective, but equally important—
especially regarding messianic-inclined leaders in Iran and the Islamic State.
 Limited international engagement with the Ummah and religious understanding
of Islam puts mainstream Muslims in a dilemma of defending radicalized
Muslims and cooperating in global counterterrorism operations. The
international community needs a better strategy of cultural engagement to win
over reluctant Sunni leaders and reduce growing Islamophobia in the West.
 The vast majority of terrorist groups are radicalized Sunni-led insurgencies.
Without leadership and participation of the leading Sunni-majority nations,
counterterrorism efforts will likely be prolonged as Sunni-led irhab evolves and
reconstitutes. Since the centroid of Sunni-Arab leadership resides in the Arab
Gulf, GCC involvement is essential. As recommended herein, a good place to
start is with settling displaced Syrian citizens and repatriating Syrian refugees.
Questions or comments contact Chuck Vollmer at [email protected].
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