Al-Qaeda's Droukdel seeks religious support for terrorism

2009-09-24

A recent online appeal for religious justification by AQIM leader Abdelmalek Droukdel may signal a growing despair within the jihadist group.

By Nazim Fethi for Magharebia in Algiers – 24/09/09

[File] Analysts expect religious scholar Abu Mohamed Al Makdissi (pictured) to oppose the strategy of suicide attacks in Algeria.

Terrorism experts and religious authorities in Algeria believe the leader of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) is grasping for religious justification for his terrorist activities, after he sent a letter this week to the jihadist mufti Abu Mohamed Al Makdissi asking for "clarification" on these points.

"We ask that this correspondence may be the start of direct relations between us and that you might be kind enough to give your view on a number of ideas which merit clarification, so that you could put an end to any confusion. We pray that God might enlighten us through your wisdom," wrote AQIM leader Abdelmalek Droukdel in a letter made public by those close to Al Makdissi after it was posted on their "Tribune of unity and jihad" website.

Terrorism analysts from Algerian daily Echorouk, which published the correspondence, believe it proves Droukdel's discomfort in admitting he has no religious justification for perpetrating acts of terrorism aside from al-Qaeda second-in-command Ayman al-Zawahiri.

The Echorouk analysts recalled how Al Makdissi declared suicide attacks, carried out in Iraq under the guidance of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, to be illegal from a religious standpoint. They feel Al Makdissi will not support Droukdel in the matter of suicide attacks in Algeria.

The analysts postulate that the letter might also signal Droukdel's need to provide justification for the probable surrender of terrorists who have not yet responded to President Bouteflika's appeal to lay down their arms, as agreed in the Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation.

Yet another possible motive for Droukdel to send this letter is to pull the rug out from under the feet of those supporting Hassan Hattab, the founder of the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC). Since turning himself in to the authorities, Hattab has been leading a campaign along with other founding members and former al-Qaeda leaders to convince terrorists to lay down their weapons. They have also succeeded in eliciting fatwas from key Salafist figures criticising Droukdel's activities. A meeting between Al Makdissi and Hattab may be in the works, and Droukdel's letter may be an effort to trump this meeting.

Hamid Y., an expert on Algerian terrorist organisations, believes the letter has other significance. "It's a further acknowledgment of the difficulties facing [Droukdel]… Proof can be found in the fact that Ramadan, traditionally known for the resurgence of terrorist activities, has been calmer since 1992. Terrorists are being driven back by security forces on one hand, and on the other, many among them have expressed the desire to lay down their weapons. Droukdel is more and more isolated, even among his leadership. This is why he's looking for a blessing from a moral authority, to reactivate the operation and recruit young terrorists."

Armed Islamist group expert Haitham R. said that Droukdel's letter is proof of his isolation. The government-led campaign to disarm terrorists has recruited many former GSPC terrorists, who still hold tremendous sway over AQIM members.

"What's more, Hattab's group is very active in mosques, working alongside families, and even on the internet. The withdrawal of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group from al-Qaeda was the last straw, and greatly weakened Droukdel, especially as he hasn't managed to penetrate other Maghreb countries, as he had wished," Haitham said.

Algeria's religious affairs ministry, in an analysis published by the El Oumma newspaper, believes that the waning influence of jihadists is due to several factors: the Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation, fatwas from the Ulemas and the growing influence of scientific Salafist and Sufi movements. According to the analysis, this trend is supported by the improvement in the security situation, particularly during the month of Ramadan, which has just ended with little violence to report.