Description
Book SynopsisUsing concepts that are not already a part of the militant discourse as a way to undermine extremism, Countering Heedless Jihad explores a stratagem aimed at defusing jihadist ideology. It explains how to counteract idealist theology using concepts from it, borrowing ideas from some revered Islamic theologians and positioning them in a way that sabotages jihadist ideology. By integrating the theology with viable methods for dissemination, it presents a viable means for confusing existing members of radical groups and for neutralizing their recruiting effort. The book includes contributions by Major General Michael Lehnert, USMC; U.S. Ambassador David J. Dunford; and Dr. Khuram Iqbal.
Trade ReviewIn this innovative manual for the professional and interested layman alike, Sheppard has taken aim squarely at a problem that has shackled the West’s “War on Terror” for nearly two decades now: how to delegitimize radical ideology without appearing to attack Islam itself. Politicians seldom come closer than broad platitudes about the benign nature of Islam that fail to ring true with jihadis, their supporters, and their audiences in the Muslim world. Sheppard’s insight is that the extremist message, while rooted in religious imagery and theology, is at heart a war-fighting doctrine, an ideology forged to advance political and military purposes. As such, it is susceptible to sabotage and confusion. The trick is to find the right tools. Sheppard proposes a wide range of tactics and techniques, such as selecting the right messengers and making clever use of the Internet-based multimedia outlets use by the radicals themselves, with which to cross-wire militant ideology from within. Countering Heedless Jihad is an insightful and comprehensive guide to a neglected but vital battlefield. -- Charles W. Dunne, Middle East Institute
Table of ContentsForeword: Maj. Gen. Michael Lehnert, USMC Introduction: U.S. Ambassador David J. Dunford Command and Control Chapter One: The Staging Area -Intellectual Sabotage vs. COIN -Theology vs. Social Science -Violent Anti-rationalists -Basics of Deception -Ethics and Human Rights -Tribal Strategies and Multiple Identities Chapter Two: Abu Bakr and Black Propaganda -Operation Abu-Bakr -Sermons -E-magazines -Content for Bluejacking -Theological Orders Chapter Three: Umar and Electronic Delivery -Operation Umar -Video and Sound Files -Bluejacking -Web Spoofing -Hacking and Defacing -E-magazines Chapter Four: Uthman and Citizen Saboteurs -Operation Uthman -Case Officers -Recruiters -Training Camp -Citizen Saboteurs Chapter Five: Ali and Stability Operations -Operation Ali -Charity -Waqf -Micro-lending -Musharakah Conclusion Basic Communication Model and Countering Extremists’ Narrative: Dr. Khuram Iqbal Appendix: Shia Islam
