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Harmony and Disharmony:
Doc ID: AFGP-2002-003251 Synopsis: The author writes to his honored mentor and presents his views on the leadership skills and tactics that Al-Qa’ida must use to achieve victory. Emphasis is given to the political and military methods as well as public relations strategies and information management techniques that can produce positive results for Al-Qa’ida. Key Themes: The writer emphasizes a leadership style that calls for reflection, self-knowledge, and the development of a database on Al-Qa’ida members and programs. The movement must be guided by the study of its people and the development of practical conclusions. Next is a review of the public relations assets. Osama Bin Laden is considered a “…star similar to the fortress of Saddam” who has used the Al-Jazeera channel very effectively. Insufficient effort was made to exploit the success of the Mujahideen in Somalia against the Americans. The bombings in Dar es Saalam and Nairobi likewise were not exploited successfully for their promotional value in the Saudi peninsula and are described as a “horrible informational and political shortfall.” Al-Qa’ida should emulate Hamas and have the statements of “martyrs” videotaped prior to their operations. If the efforts of martyrs from the Peninsula were publicized, this would have a tremendous impact on recruitment in Saudi Arabia. The document refers to an unspecified cruise ship attack which also lacked effective publicity for the martyrs and the cause of jihad. The Taliban regime in Afghanistan provides an important sanctuary and training ground for the jihad. Trained brothers can go back to their homeland from Afghanistan to spread the message of jihad. In between the review of operations is a paragraph emphasizing the importance of a right belief in the Unity of God. The organization should be structured with separate political and information sections. The political section needs to control the movement to guarantee correct application of Shariah. All aspects of the work should serve to promote the movement. Marriage ceremonies, for example, should include speeches, songs and poetry promoting jihad. These celebrations should be videotaped and distributed by the political section for maximum publicity value. The role of the information section is to link the movement to the masses by utilizing email and websites. Driveway.com is mentioned as a good place to store documents. The movement should have a web site to locate all legible, audible, and visible archives. Jihad must be promoted as a popular movement, not an elite organization. Algeria is pointed out as a good example because the movement there started internally with the people and then Mujahideen from abroad could come in and receive cover provided by the masses. At all times the movement must engage in critical self-analysis, and questioning of tactical assumptions. The only thing not subject to negotiation is the infallible Shariah. The debate over identifying the principal foe, the “original non-believers” or the “renegade non-believers” is important and should be discussed in an “open and …healthy environment.” The fight against the Americans (Jews and Crusaders) is characterized as a series of battles; the struggle with Saudi Arabia is a war. An oil spot strategy must be pursued against Saudi Arabia, with the goal of expanding the circle of jihad through successful operations that break down the fear barrier which keeps Mujahideen from fully engaging the Saudi state.
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