Loss of Inspiration

Highlights from al Qaeda's in-house magazine

BY JOSHUA E. KEATING | SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

On Sept. 30, a drone strike in southern Yemen killed American jihadists Anwar al-Awlaki and Samir Khan. Among their other accomplishments within al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), they were the main ideological force and main editors behind the English-language jihadi magazine Inspire, which has intrigued readers since it arrived online last year with its mix of radical theology, practical advice for aspiring terrorists, and slick graphics. Here's a look at the greatest hits of what now appears to have been a short-lived publication:

Issue 1: Summer 2010

Inspire's first issue featured a cover story from Awlaki, titled "May our souls be sacrificed for you!" The editors' note promised that the magazine would be "geared towards making the Muslim a mujahid in Allah's path.… Our concern for the ummah is worldwide and thus we try to touch upon all major issues while giving attention to the events unfolding in the Arabian Peninsula as we witness it on the ground."

Inspire's unique front-of-the-book features included "Hear the World," -- later renamed "Jihad Talk" -- a collection of quotes from friends and enemies of the jihad as disparate as Times Square would-be bomber Faisal  Shahzad and David Letterman. A section on "Open Source Jihad" promised to teach readers how to "Make a bomb in the kitchen of your mom." All you need is an "inflammable substance," "decoration lamp (what is normally used for Christmas trees)" and an "Iron pipe."

A practical feature called "what to expect from Jihad" was full of sensible tips for the aspiring holy warrior. For instance, what should you pack?

When on jihad one has to bear in mind that they will have to pack light since one will be constantly moving from one place to another and it wouldn't be practical to carry large suitcases everywhere one goes, especially if the car ride is tight. What I recommend is bringing a solid, well-built backpack that can last in any weather condition. Bring two to three pairs of clothes; don't worry about them getting dirty since in nearly every base, you should be able to clean the clothes.

 SUBJECTS:
 

Joshua E. Keating is an associate editor at Foreign Policy.

ELMUNDODELEXITO

3:28 PM ET

September 30, 2011

U.S.-born jihadists

As soon as i read that they were U.S.-born jihadists I felt indignated about, how is that possible? They brain washed them so good that feel proud to be a traitors.

 

PAMKORMEN

2:29 PM ET

October 18, 2011

Thank you

Thanks for sharing the report Joshua. p90x

 

PATRICIAMOORE

10:37 PM ET

October 21, 2011

Saudi government

Whenever Tunisia's taghut idolater ended up being pushed aside, displaced as well as on your manage, he or she did not know where to search soon after they ended up being declined to initiate their masters' land regarding Portugal. Even so, this individual finished up within the terrainvisual impact muscle buildingregarding Muhammad. It really is like even though Nayif ibn Abd al-Aziz heard of his or her foreclosure, contacted your ex as well as mentioned, "Come right here to locate riches as well as safety. Arrive in charge of planning as well as conspiring.

 

JULIAZ

3:28 AM ET

October 27, 2011

Will This Publication Inspire You?

The Inspire book is a just a proof that the world is full of hatred and demonic ideas. For instance, why would you like to make a bomb inside your own home? This is not merely a simple science project, but a real tactic of gaining more members of the jihad group to spread terror in every single city in the world. Although I am not in the right position to question these people’s beliefs, I think I do have the right to speak for myself that terrorizing anyone or any place where innocent people are, is not a human thing to do. It isn’t like you are dealing with mosquito.

 

YARINSIZ

8:26 PM ET

October 28, 2011

Even so, this individual

Even so, this individual finished up within the terrainvisual impact muscle buildingregarding Muhammad. It really is like even though Nayif ibn Abd al-Aziz heard of his or her foreclosure, contacted your ex as well as mentioned, "Come right here seslichat to locate riches as well as safety. Arrive in charge of planning as well as conspiring.