Let’s Go Terror. Jihad Travel Guide

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Let’s Go Terror
Jihad Travel Guide
Yassin Musharbash
July 25, 2005

The terror in Iraq seems to be getting worse by the day. Now, a new guide has appeared on the Internet advising would-be terrorists on the best way into the country. It isn’t easy, but a disguise of jeans and a Walkman may be just the ticket.

Warning that entering Iraq is a journey fraught with peril, the author of the four-page pamphlet tells his readers, "It’s a long and difficult route. It’s no bed of roses." But by taking certain precautions, the chances of the dangerous tour ending in success are tremendous. Best of all, by following the author’s tips, martyrdom, honor and paradise await.

Found recently on the Internet, the brochure is a travel guide for the jihad, a how-to for the mujahedeen. Entitled "This is the Way to Iraq: To All Who Want to Join the Mujahedeen in the Land of Two Rivers," the pamphlet was written by "The Islam Doctor." It’s goal: to help would-be terrorists overcome the difficult task of sneaking into the country. It was posted on a Web site affiliated with al-Qaida.

At this point, experts and analysts have little reason to dispute its authenticity, especially since it confirms many of the assumptions about how foreign terrorists sneak into Iraq. In other words, it is another piece in the puzzle of the strategy followed by terrorists in their mission to turn the country into a living hell for the United States military, its allies and, above all, for Iraqi civilians. Indeed, dozens of the suicide bombers have been identified as having come from foreign countries — most of them from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Syria — and the number of foreign fighters in Iraq may number in the thousands. How they got there, despite all the attempts to prevent their entry, is at least partially explained by the new "travel guide."

Secrecy Is Paramount

The introduction, for example, explains that jihad wannabes — following the appropriate physical and spiritual preparation, of course — should turn to the middlemen who are present "in many Arabic countries" and who have "good connections to the jihad groups" in Iraq. Who those people are is also explained: preachers and prayer leaders in radical mosques — or, in terrorist-speak, "Muslims who follow the example of our ancestors." The document, however, urges caution and the utmost secrecy when approaching the travel agents of terror. But it is also encouraging: "hundreds, even thousands" have followed this route into Iraq.

Another option for contacting potential go-betweens is the Internet, the guide explains further. "I impart to thee, brother: many of them can be found on the Internet!" Generally they aren’t the "stars of the forums," preferring to stay in the background, because they are being pursued by the authorities and are very busy, the author continues. For that reason, the faithful need to be especially careful of impostors who claim to be collecting money for the jihad. One should only hand over money when absolute trust has been established.

Only after the soon-to-be-terrorist is in possession of the name and address of a contact person should the journey begin. And the document is clear about where to start: Syria. "Enter the country through Turkey," the recruits are advised — the need for medical treatment is a possible excuse. A disguise as a tradesman also works. The author imparts important advice to ease the border crossing: "bring jeans and a Walkman ... playing whatever music." In other words, pop instead of prayers — jazz before jihad jingles.

Go In Groups

It is important to remain inconspicuous, the recruits are told, because the Syrian border guards are paying closer attention now than ever before to who travels in and out of the country. For this reason, it’s better not to try traveling on to Iraq on one’s own. After all, it is almost exclusively the lone wolfs that get caught, the document claims, while groups are often ignored.

From Syria, the journey leads into Iraq. Intermediaries escort in only "small groups of fighters" at a time, meaning it could take awhile before one’s turn comes. And once in Iraq, obedience is paramount. "Don’t ever say ’I will never carry out a suicide attack’ or ’due to special circumstances I can only undertake this work’ ... !" From the get go, recruits must be prepared for anything.

Most mujahedeens are assimilated by the al-Qaida cells operating in Iraq, the guide explains further. They have connections to other al-Qaida groups "in Arab countries and in non-Arab countries abroad." Other groups, however, expect terrorists to find their own path to the front.

Who Wrote The Guide?

It’s unclear who is hiding behind the pseudonym "The Islam Doctor," although he doesn’t conceal his extensive experience in the jihad business. He also makes it clear that one doesn’t necessarily have to travel to Iraq to become a mujahedeen. It doesn’t matter whether one heads to "Chechnya, Afghanistan, Iraq or your own country, which may be ruled by unjust tyrants." Such an internationalist viewpoint seems to point towards an author with connections to al-Qaida, as does a reference to a speech by Osama bin Laden. In contrast, the Iraqi resistance, made up of former Baathists and ex-Saddam soldiers, is focused more on Iraq itself. While the author avoided mentioning Abu Musab al Zarqawi, the al-Qaida man in Iraq, his missive appears to be a how to guide for the jihad.

Interestingly, the paper confirms two conflicting assumptions about the role played by Syria. On the one hand, it warns that the Syrian authorities are attempting to chase down potential terrorists as they travel into Iraq, but on the other, it says the border guards look away on occasion. Indeed, Syrian president Bashar Assad, has come under pressure from the United States recently for allegedly not working hard enough to tighten up the country’s border with Iraq.

But whatever the importance of the document, it probably isn’t the only one of its kind. It is, however, an explosive find. After all, one of the most often-asked questions in Islamist discussion forums is how to get to the "battlefield of the jihad." Now, there is an easy-to-find answer to that question.