Knowing the Enemy: Jihadist Ideology and the War on Terror

by Mary R. Habeck

After September 11, Americans agonized over why nineteen men hated the United States enough to kill three thousand civilians in an unprovoked assault. Analysts have offered a wide variety of explanations for the attack, but the one voice missing is that of the terrorists themselves. This penetrating book is the first to present the inner logic of al-Qa’ida and like-minded extremist groups by which they justify September 11 and other terrorist attacks. Mary Habeck explains that these extremist groups belong to a new movement—known as jihadism—with a specific ideology based on the thought of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, Hasan al-Banna, and Sayyid Qutb. Jihadist ideology contains new definitions of the unity of God and of jihad, which allow members to call for the destruction of democracy and the United States and to murder innocent men, women, and children. Habeck also suggests how the United States might defeat the jihadis, using their own ideology against them.

Genres: Terrorism, Politics, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, History, War, Islam

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 4, 2006

About the author

Mary R. Habeck is an American scholar of international relations. She received her PhD from Yale University and is currently Associate Professor of Strategic Studies at the Johns Hopkins University.

Reviews

[Tyler Hochstetler · Rating 3 out of 5]

To paraphrase an interesting quote - The line between genius and insanity is slim. Being a radical can be amazing. However, a group of like minded radicals committed to a goal, no matter the cost, is sometimes dangerous. Combine that with the belief in a all powerful theocracy, one can easily see why radical Islamists often times do terrible acts. This is a much needed book on the role of America in preventing terrorist attacks from Jihadist organizations.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although ten years past its publication date, this is a very important book to read in attempting to understand and address the threats posed by al-Qa'ida and ISIS. What it does that few others have done is analyze the stated motives, methods, and justifications of these, and other, organizations. Habeck clearly explains, with a logical progression the historical roots of the medieval-sounding statements and actions the world witnessed from AQ and other terrorist groups. Her greatest contribution is to lead us away from Western-focused explanations for terrorism and that "Knowing the Enemy" dispenses with the false assumptions that terrorists are ill-educated, uninformed, and have no valid reasons for what they do. I took one star off for the age of the book, but having taken Mary Habeck's class at SAIS I know she is working on a new book that builds on this work, includes the emergence of ISIS, and that none of recent history contradicts this original analysis of hers.

[Dennis Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knowing the Enemy: Jihadist Ideology and the War on Terror by Mary Habeck is an early window into some of the best analysis on who Al Qaeda is and what they want from an intellectual, political, and strategic level. The image is not a caricature, but it is pretty grim when thinking about possible long term solutions to dealing with the Jihadists. A problem made all the more thorny with time, as the threat posed by AQ has only grown with time, with its franchises and offshoots growing immensely in power and scope since the Bush II years. If there's a flaw to this book, it is that it is both too short and too old. This needs an updated version, and it needs to incorporate more information. As it stands, its relative age and its slender length will be marks against it for modern policy discussions.

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of extremist ideology. Perfect length for getting started to understand why some people take it to the extreme.

[Jimmy]

A good book, no wonder it's published by Yale University Press. Few books out there actually examine the theology of radical jihadists like the way this one did. In the beginning of the book the author argue that some of the West's attempt at understanding Al Qaeda and 9/11 in purely economic, colonial and political terms fail to do justice in explaining the rationale and motivation of Al Qaeda and similiar Jihadist organizations. For instance such narratives have a hard time accounting for the fact that significant numbers of these jihadists are well-educated and come from well-to-do families. Moreover, the author makes the point that the rise of Islamists' ideology began before European colonization of Islamic land and even in areas which European colonization never reach. Mary Habeck also note that such narrative by the West tend to ignore what the Jihadists themselves are saying, which reveal more about the West than they do concerning the Jihadists: the West often presuppose that the religious sphere is not important and again this ignores what the Jihadists themselves are saying. This work deals with the ideological roots of the modern Jihadist movement beyond the typical presentation of Muhammad's imperialism. The auther writes about Wahabism (the kind of Sunni Muslim Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda subscribe to) and it's founder, Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. I like how the book is so detailed about historical Islamic legal reasoning. Readers will be introduced to important historical contributors to the modern Jihadist ideology, such as Ibn Taymiyyah and early jurist Ahmad ibn Hanbal. These men who lived hundreds of years ago, wrote about jihad including it's goals and method. Readers will suddenly realize that a lot of the motif in current Jihadist literatures came from these earlier theologians and scholars of Islamic jurisprudence. I appreciated the author's ability to show us the thinking of the jihadist which no doubt would seem so foreign to many. For instance, Osama Bin Laden and others believed that the Crusades never ended, that modernism in the West is a deliberate poison the West wants to introduce to Islamic land for the soul purpose of destroying Islam. The book also talk about contemporary Islamists and Jihadists. Most frightening in the book is how Jihadists have a plan for global dominion for all to be under Islam and the debate among themselves and in the past with Muslim scholars is whom to attack first: the infidels from afar, "false Muslims" (and what constitute a false Muslim is also another fascinating debate) or the leaders of Islamic countries today (they wish to unite under one world empire under the Caliph)? While the book was written before Arab Spring, one can't help it but to see some of the policies in these new government seem to be advancing an agenda that's in step with the vision and plan (such as increasing pressure on non-Muslim, etc). Must read book, I totally recommend it.

[Edward · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this as part of a class on Al-Qaeda, and it was meant to be a general introduction to Jihadist thought. As that, it serves to be a good start for those who know nothing on the subject. Is it thoroughly exhaustive, or a complete snapshot of the metaphorical picture? No, but this was published several years ago when people were still searching for answers after 9/11 and the quagmire of the Iraqi Insurgency (which was at its peak when this came out).

I actually got to meet Habeck as my professor was a colleague of hers and she agreed to visit the class, and she expanded upon her book further showcasing a lot more in depth knowledge. The main point she wanted to make was to understand Jihadists in their own words and their world view without relying on assumptions. Too many people rely on old cliches that terrorism is the result of Western occupation (if so, then why didn't the past century have a lot more Jihadist attacks when the British and French Colonial Empires directly ruled over hundreds of millions of Muslims?), or because of extreme poverty and ignorance (a surprisingly large amount tend to come from middle class backgrounds and even have secondary education in things like engineering). These assumptions are all based upon projecting that modern Western values are universal, which is clearly not the case especially with Salafi Islam. So for the lay person who wants to try and understand why groups like Al-Qaeda exist and flourish, then this is a good starting point.

[Eric · Rating 2 out of 5]

If Isa Razlan's "No god but God" seeks to answer the questions "What is Islam?" and "Who are Muslims?", this book serves as a less detailed, but contemporaneous companion piece that explores "What is Islamic Fundamentalism?", and "Who are the terrorists?". I get the feeling from the book that Habek is a bit of a war hawk, but is at least a hawk with an in-depth understanding of the underlying reasons for the conflict and a feeling for what exactly is at stake. Her approach to writing this book has been that Westerners should not discount the stated motives of jihadis, but rather that we must analyze their own statements, ideology, and history as closely as possible while attempting to see things actually from THEIR perspective. I'm just about done with this, it'd be a quick read for anyone already familiar with the basic Islamic concepts and figures.

[Michael Connolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Habeck explains the philosphy of the jihadists. The jihadists believe that people cannot govern themselves properly, and so should submit themselves to God's rule and become his slaves. They similarly believe that all property belongs to God, and that there should be no such thing as private property. Those of us who believe in democracy and capitalism hold the opposite beliefs. Jihadists believe that the purpose of the state is to force people to be virtuous. Western, secular democracies do not control the religious beliefs of the people, nor their private behavior. We see this as freedom, but the jihadists interpret the state's reluctance to control the private lives of the people as being evidence that the West believes that religion, moral values and sex are not important enough to be worth controlling.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Habeck explores and explains the Islamic tenets that the jihadists use to justify their terrorist attacks. She details the Islamic traditions and schools of thought that have argued for the use of force and violence. She is careful to point out that not all Muslims are extremists but she does quote and explain the reasons that Bin Laden and others have use justify their actions from the Koran.

Why I picked it up: I knew that it was one of the shorter audio books that I had.

Why I finished it: It was fascinating to see the world struggle thru the words of various jihadists groups and to learn where their beliefs germinated.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the Army COS recommended reading list. Although written in 2006, I found it useful in explaining the seemingly "mindless" actions taking place in Iraq. The enemy has a plan and is patient. Anyone wishing to learn the complicated and selective thinking inside the minds of jihadists can use this book as a foundation. If this was offered as a class, I would take it.

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

― Sun Tzu, The Art of War

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readable introduction to jihadist ideology. The author traces jihadist ideas from the earliest days of traditional Islam, through the 20th century, and describes what jihadists believe today, and how it differs from the beliefs of ordinary Muslims. This is a very good, non-polemical introduction, easily accessible to the average reader. The author describes the Islamist worldview in detail, and provides insight into some of the influences on it, both Islamic and non-Islamic.

[Stephanie F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book breaks down the complicated issues of jihadist ideology and how it relates to the Western world. Habeck writes in a clear, concise way to inform the reader.

I liked the book, but I don't know if it particulary made me feel like I learned anything "new." However, I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who wants a basic understanding of jihadist thought towards non-Muslims and how it has, does, and will affect the world.

[Matt Ely · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. The book feels very cursory. It's a good jumping off point for the history and emphasis in extremism, but it lacks depth in any of the many things it tries to do. Also, having been written over a decade ago, it doesn't really take into account much of what is relevant today. I will admit it's interesting to see how much discussion there is of an Islamic state long before the rise of IS.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. This woman knows her stuff. If you have any questions about why fundamentalist Muslims hate the very idea of western culture and everything it stands for, this will answer them for you.

[Meagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not Bad...

a well researched discussion of the Muslim ideology of jihadism. the author is well versed but the book because of the Arab language being used(I feel) was more enjoyable as an audiobook

[Donni · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read explaining the methodology of the Jihad. A must read.

[Nicole Marble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did 19 Muslim men kill thousands on September 11, 2001?
This book is an excellent analysis of fundamentalist Islam and what they think and why they think it. Pertinent today!