Not What You Think

Will has been doing yeoman's work summarizing the serialization of Sayyid Imam's new book dedicated as it is to destroying Ayman al-Zawahiri's character.  I've enjoyed reading it, and I suspect that given some of this comment, Will has enjoyed posting on it, but there's something lacking in all this, and it's nice to know others, too, are expressing skepticism.   Nathan Field's article for the The National stands out among those skeptical:

Imam – the former leader of an even more militant group, the author of books employed by bin Laden and Zawahiri – is one of the few militants who possesses the credentials and influence to produce a comprehensive and persuasive reappraisal of jihad. Had he really done so, there would be reason to believe that jihadist groups throughout the region might have taken notice. 



Yet neither the Revisions nor The Exposure attempts to go beyond a simple attack on al Qa’eda’s tactical choices. “Imam is not capable of thinking outside of a jihadist framework,” said Tamem. All of his criticisms are aimed at jihadist tactics, not whether participating in violent jihad in itself is a bad thing.” For now Imam presents neither a revolt from within nor a compelling alternative to al Qa’eda for would-be jihadists.

His allegations against Zawahiri and bin Laden may damage their reputations, but it’s hard to imagine any shift in the health of the jihad as a whole – which is less an organisation than a decentralised and disorganised ideological movement. Disputes between the movement’s nominal leaders, hiding in Afghanistan, are unlikely to have any effect on jihadist groups in places like Algeria or Saudi Arabia.

As Hussam Tamem says, “This is not a serious work based on jihadist logic but simply a personal battle between Zawahiri and Imam.” Others were more blunt: “This is an embarrassment,” the former al Jihad member Kamal Habib told the Associated Press. “I don’t think he realises what this does to his image.”

It could be that the goal was, as Khalil Al-Anani notes to "demystify"AQ's jihadis. If so, then it may work with some readers.  It does provide counter-jihadi new rhetorical ammunition.  However, it's worth noting Field's and others' skepticism regarding Imam's new book.  In a few weeks the Western press will be "analyzing" it, and will find it to be yet another sign of AQ's diminution.  My suggestion is to hold off on the excitement.  Imam's book may have unintended consequences.