Unified target: Israel
A major
weakness in the Al Qaeda network is the choice of targets. It is indeed the
most controversial aspect of the network as it lacks not only clarity for the
intentions behind the act, but also it fails to pass the religious
justification it claims it is based upon. Whether it is populated markets in Kandahar,
metros in London or hotels in Baghdad, the average Muslim can easily put
forward numerous criticism and condemnations to act he sees perpetrated against
civilians and officials who do not fall in the case of the religion common enemy.
Al Qaeda is reliant in its attacks as primary mean of advertisement and sole
leverage for its credibility, yet the Al Qaeda leadership clearly lacks a decent
understanding of marketing strategies.
If you want
the consumer to jump on your product, and you aspire to expand your consumer
market while tapping into foreign marketplaces, you have to brand your product
into a universal, widely compatible and internationally appealing merchandise.
This is what Al Qaeda has not yet placed into action due to its focus on
attacking targets that are too specifically linked to a narrow issue, drawing
thus reluctance from a wide spectrum of the audience which expresses everything
but admiration and respect.
Determining
this universal target which will force Muslims worldwide to align with Al Qaeda’s
vision is as clear as a full moon in an immaculate night sky: Israel.
Shifting
and channeling all Al Qaeda’s attacks on Israel will first allow the network to
have a greater firepower since all logistics and armaments will be directed to
creating the greatest destruction of Israel’s key infrastructure and military
compounds, and second will encourage those reluctant of Al Qaeda’s intentions
and legitimacy side once and for all with those who fought the Zionist state
for the sake of Islam’s sacred Al Quds. This comes as no surprise as most of
the negative imagery of the militant network comes from its unpopular choice to
indulge in political fight over power in Afghanistan rather than declaring a a
true jihad in the places most deserving it.
It is worth
remembering an instance which affirms what has been speculated above. The civil
war in Afghanistan has made it decisive for the Arab fighters under the command
of Ben Laden that their group ought not to be involved in political issues where
more harm is done by getting involved in. Willing to avoid “Fitna”, Ben Laden
fled away and preoccupied himself with conflicts clearly relevant to the Muslim
community, yet what then was a righteous leap of faith to avoid political
polarization has now turned into a fading myth, with an Al Qaeda still involved
in attacks against Muslim officials in Kabul, and through its proxy networks
all over the MENA region and other parts of Africa. The ideology of power,
authority and strict religious rule fueled by the Taliban philosophy had annihilated
the pristine religious commandments the Arab Mujahedeen of the soviet era acted
upon, leaving behind a military arm preaching religious and political
entanglement.
Engaging in
a symbolic act of withdrawing from all conflicts which include fighting against
Islamic parties, leading political crusades or fighting dubious battle will
indeed blow into Al Qaeda a fresh flow of air, reviving certitude that the
fight of Al Qaeda is a true jihad, not a misguided military involvement in all
but religious struggles.
The moment
Al Qaeda announces its intention to shift all military acts to Israel, the rebirth
of the network could celebrated, especially in a world today where the political
changes post Arab spring will afford several logistical, military and
intelligence resources for the militants in Egypt, Syria and Gaza. The choice
of Israel comes as no surprise, especially that the state personifies an all
measures enemy, both politically and religiously. Suicide bombings, IEDs, rocket
launches and ambushes will inflict heavy damages to Israel both on a physical
level and on a psychological one given the fragile structure of Israel civilian
front.
To be continued...
Next: Armaments provision and nature
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