Your Professional Responsibility and Duty to KNOW

A war has been declared against the United States and the Western civilization by individuals who proudly identify themselves as modern day Jihadists. This enemy has unambiguously stated that he fights jihad in the furtherance of Islamic causes.  He has repeatedly stated publicly on film, video, public speeches and on the Internet that their goal is to destroy our way of life with no equivocation. Because he states this, it becomes the basis of the threat doctrine – even if he is wrong.

Rules of Professional Conduct hold that professionals have a duty to be competent, and this includes the requirement to inform oneself of the subject matter by taking the necessary time to prepare oneself to a standard of preparedness necessary to provide successful responses to situations which may arise. To respond against the Jihadist criminal and active measure operations, we have a professional responsibility to first understand the worldwide modern-day Jihadist movement, their mindset and motivation; and then understand how to fight the enemy.

This important course includes an honest, detailed background discussion of what the radicalization process teaches about Islam to potential jihadist recruits and how Islam is used by extremists to justify the Militant Jihadism. It examines the roots of Islam from its foundation by Mohammed’s first revelations in 610, through the pre-modern Jihadist era ending with dissolving of the Caliphate in 1924, to the modern Jihadist era.

The seminar introduces key concepts to understanding Islam today such as: who was Muhammad, the origins and importance of the Qur’an and the Sunnah, what does abrogation mean, the importance of the Mecca and Medina Suras, what is the meaning of Jihad and salvation, why Islam is more than a religion, the origins and importance of Sharia or Islamic Law, what is Dhimmitude and why is it important.

The course also examines the importance to know about: the first four Caliphs; the difference between Sunni and Shi’a; the importance of the Battle of Karbala in 680 and the significance of the 12^th Imam and the Blue Mosque to Shi’a and how it relates to Iran’s threat to the world today. The seminar explores the multiple efforts to spread Islam in order to achieve world domination. This expansion began in 633 as Islam spread throughout the Mecca/Medina region into Africa, Spain, Persia and the Middle East. The questions of what really took place during the Crusades that took place from 1095 to 1204 and how it is important to understand them in relation to the Islamic Threat today are discussed. The expansion of Islam until it was contained at the Battle of Vienna in 1683 is reviewed, and why the date of September 11 has great historical significant to the Militant Jihadist.

This course explains the roots of modern terrorist actions driven by today’s modern Jihadist era which were revived by the Sunni sect in 1928 and the Shi’a sect in 1979.

IN THE NEWS RECENTLY: September 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and co-defendant Ramzi bin al-Shibh had informed a military judge that they wished to die as martyrs, and all five men had refused their right to counsel, saying that they recognized only Sharia, or Islamic law. "If I'm killed, I will be killed for the sake of Allah," bin al-Shibh said. "I've been seeking to be a martyr for years." "Yes, this is what I wish, to be a martyr for a long time," Mohammed told a military judge who warned that he faces execution if convicted of organizing the attacks on America. "I will, Allah willing, have this, by you." Do you know what words like martyrs and Sharia law mean in the Islamic context? Do you know why they wish to be martyrs? Do you know the basis of the doctrine which they follow? Do you know what Sharia law says and why they reject the US Constitution? Do you know why they invoke Allah? Do you recognize the meaning of Khalid's beard and why he wears white? Do you know the importance and clue of 'the right hand' when he said, "I decapitated with my blessed right hand the head of the American Jew, Daniel Pearl." This is just a small example of things you, as a professional, need to know in the fight against terrorists who killed 3,000 innocent Americans on 9/11. The attacks before and after 9/11 by Jihadists is long. Are you prepared with the knowledge you need to do your job and protect Americans?

The seminar explores the resurgence of the Sunni Islamic terrorist movement in 1928 with the establishment of the Muslim Brotherhood following World War I. The seminar will provide background for the students to understand and interpret events that are currently unfolding in the Middle East and around the world, relating to the Israeli-Arab Conflict and the world wide war on Islamic terrorism.

Between 1918 and 1936, the majority of the Middle Eastern countries, such as the Palestine British Mandate, Syria, Transjordan, Iraq, a freer Egypt and Lebanon, were established by Great Britain and France. Most of these countries were granted independence only after terrorist operations were directed against Britain and France in the region. The background behind, and rational for and importance of, the establishment of the State of Israel in the region is also explained in detail.

The significance of the 1948, 1957, 1967, 1973, 1982 and 2006 wars between the Arab countries in the region and Israel and their impact on the Islamic world are explained in detail. These events had a direct impact on the growth of Islamic-based terrorism in the modern era. The importance of the Iran Revolution of 1979 and the emergence of Shi’a based terrorism and the terrorist organization Hezbollah is examined and put in context to understand today’s Islamic Threat.

Recommendations on how to wage this war using counterintelligence tools are explored throughout the seminar. Classic counterintelligence techniques, such as double agentry, that were successfully employed by the FBI in the 1960s against the notorious KKK and BPP terrorist organizations are especially highlighted.

The course concludes with a discussion of the "War of Ideas" and what the West needs to know about Islam today and the impact of Globalization, Islamic apologists and the divided loyalty problem within the US. The influence of 30 years of funding US universities and colleges by Saudi Arabian Wahhabists and the impact this has made on the US Government and media are discussed. [5 days]

Course Topics

© Copyright The Centre for Counterintelligence and Security Studies/David G. Major Associates, Inc.

The Roots of the Conflict

Jihadist and Islamic Doctrine Pre-Modern Jihad

• Today’s Jihadists in their own words

• What is taught in today’s radicalization process that recruits terrorists

• What is the basis of their core beliefs and doctrine of these Jihadist Extremists we face today?

• The Roots of Islam and its Impact on Islamic-Based Terrorism 

• Islamic history, concepts, doctrine and tradition from 610 to 1924

Modern Jihad

• The Birth of the Modern Day Sunni Jihadist

• The Birth of Modern Day Shi’ite Jihadist Movement

• 1979 the year of change

• Dawa in the USA

The Radicalization Process to Create a Jihadist

• The recruitment processes use of brain washing to create Jihadists

• The appeal of the Jihadism in the Muslim World

• The appeal of the Jihadism to women

• How to interview a Muslim to assess if they are supportive of Jihadism

• A strategy for the future to address this problem

Understanding Jihadist Reliance on Islamic Law

• Superior Knowledge, Skill and Intelligence; Professional Malpractice

  • Professionals have an affirmative, personal, professional duty responsibilities to know the enemy that includes all the knowable facts associated with the law of jihad

• Part I: The Problem:

  • Jihadist Ideology and Strategy

  • The Duty to Know the Enemy

• Part II: The Essential Mirror Image

• Part III: The Law

• Part IV: Slander in Islam

• Part V: Cleaving from the Mainstream or Energizing the Base

Strategies for Countering Terror

Islamic Growth and the Influence of Sharia Law in Europe Today

Islamic Growth and the Influence of Sharia Law in the United States Today

The War of Ideas

• Obstacles to addressing the Problem

• Counterintelligence Concerns: The Threat of Globalization in the War with Radical Jihadist Islam    

  • Examples of Globalization Attitudes in the U.S. National Security Community

  • Who is Teaching and Funding Islamic Studies in U.S. Universities and What are the Consequences?

  • Screening for National Security Employment

    • The 10 questions to ask

Future Jihad

• What is the War of Ideas?

• What is the battle ground?

• What must every professional in national security must know

• What does the future hold?

• Recommendations for today’s personnel engaged in this war to ensure they are armed to do their job

What did you learn in this course that will help you in your career and profession?

• “Motivation and in depth knowledge of Islamic extremism.”

• “A much better understanding of the Muslim culture and religion—why they do what they do. This course is a good forum for new agents to the CI world. Good course.”

• “The beginning of Muslim religion and the methodology associated with Jihad. Knowing the basis of the enemy only furthers the effectiveness to penetrate those who fight against us.”

• “The difference between Sunni and Shi’a—best description I’ve had so far.”

• “The true history of Islam. This knowledge is essential to operate in an Islamic country.”

• “I learned more about the ideology that is Islam as a whole. I also learned more ways to combat Jihad and how to apply this information to our mission.”

• “The basic and fundamental reason why Islamic groups are mostly involved in terrorist incidents. The course helped me understand the problems and what to look for in the future.”

• “The course reaffirmed many of my thoughts about this fight we’re in. I will continue to inform newer agents of the threat in hopes that they will take their jobs seriously.”

• “Having never worked CI or CT in the States, I learned that Islamic terrorists are using the same recruitment tactics in Iraq.”

• “A good model on how to combat Islamic terrorists.”

• “I learned a lot about Islam that I didn’t know that I should have known as a Counterintelligence/ Counterterrorism professional.”

• “I gained a better understanding of what Islam is about. If we don’t fight radical Islam in the Middle East we’ll end up fighting it in the U.S.”

• “A thorough understanding of terrorist recruiting techniques, propaganda efforts, use of information technology, and background of Muslim extremist movement.”

• “I think the most valuable aspect of the course was the historical perspective and background of Islam. Looking back we can gain valuable insight into what the future may bring. Taking into account the average U.S. citizen’s and policy maker’s knowledge of the enemy is absolutely frightening!”

• “Factual information about Islam/Muslims, which has increased my understanding of the real threat.”

• “The differences between Sunni and Shi’a. The true purpose of Islam’s Jihad.”

• “This was truly eye-opening as to the nature of the threat. I feel as though my eyes have been opened.”

• “Everything that I learned in this course is applicable to my profession and for my personal knowledge. It’s unbelievable how ignorant I was to all the history behind Islam.”

• “I will be deployed to the Middle East in Aug. ’08. Having an understanding of the nature of the conflict over history will help me understand their thought process.”

• “This course opened my eyes as to what the Jihadists are doing around the world and how our government doesn’t see the underlying details of what they are trying to accomplish.”

• “I know that this war will never end. The Jihadists will never stop. We must not stop.”

• “Everything learned will help. One must know his ‘competition’/enemies to fully understand the issues and what we are up against in the defense of our country. I think I’m getting it!”

• “The basis of Islamic law was very interesting and I have a much better foundation now.”

• “Sources of more information for research. Islamic citations I did not know of before.”

• “I have been given a better understanding of the big picture and a very detailed view of the foundation of terrorism.”

• “I learned more about Islam and their beliefs than I knew before and I will be able to use it in my day-to-day job.”

• “I learned the difference in many of the Islamic terminologies and about the literature and history.”

• “That the threat is worse than I had thought and it is important to continue learning about the enemy and see the enemy as it is, not as you want it to be.”

• “This has absolutely, without a doubt, been the most informative and powerful course I have taken. Every American should be informed of the material presented in this course.”

• “This class is the most useful class I’ve taken in 12 years as an analyst. It gives me a clearer idea of what we’re up against as a nation.”

• “A better understanding of just how little the Intelligence Community knows about the subject. This should be REQUIRED training!”

• “This was the most educational and beneficial class I have taken in this subject. It is scary to be in my career for over 5 years and not know hardly anything that I have just learned in the last 3 days. I am going back to my unit and lobbying to get everyone who can to take this class. It was a true eye-opener and I can honestly say that now I ‘Get It’. Thank you to all.”

• “This course reminded me of the true purpose behind what I do every day. This course showed me what we’re really fighting against. It will give me a better focus as to why I do the things I do in my job.”

• “What I learned in this course that will be helpful for me in my career is the Threat Doctrine. How the Islamic Jihadists have stated publicly that they fight for their beliefs. I learned that you have to know the enemy and we as government employees are obligated to know the enemy because it’s our profession to protect our country.”

• “Everything! This course should be mandatory for all within the Intelligence Community. Speakers were fantastic.”

• “This is the first time that I was finally able to understand concepts behind Jihad and Islamic culture.”

• “Eye-opening view of threat to our nation and freedoms.”

• “Received insight and gained critical understanding of Muslim/Islam world. This pertinent knowledge will help me to be a better CI/Security professional.”

• “The way to win this war is to know and identify the enemy. What jihad is and their way of life.”

• “I would most definitely recommend this course.”

• “A better understanding of the war that we are fighting.”

• “The basis for jihadist doctrine and how it has spread within and beyond the Middle East. The doctrine’s ideology is the threat—terrorism is a side effect.”

• “A better understanding of Islam and the different levels of jihadism and how Muslims are radicalized.”

• “Better understanding of Islamic Law and Jihad.”

• “Motivations of terrorists and differentiation between terrorist groups and their beliefs.”

• “A better understanding of how Islam developed and why the radicals believe they are right. This in turn helps you understand someone’s thinking and ideology.”

• “I learned that jihad is not an “inner struggle” as the Islamic movement would like for us to believe, and that they are very proactive in feeding off of Western weaknesses.”

• “I gained a beginning knowledge of Islam, the influence it has had on world events, and how it continues to have an impact on the world we live in.”

• “Basic, accurate knowledge that I may use while reading information or speaking to individuals. A way of assessing someone or something in terms of threat.”

• “Issues such as the history, understanding Islamic law, “creeping” Sharia law into society, and overall understanding of Islam and the Quran will help in my career and profession.”

• “The difference between Sunni and Shia’s. What the Quran is about.”

• “What Islam really is and how to understand it as it pertains to my duties.”

• “I learned background on information related to the Islamic faith and the future expectations.”

• “The scope of the problem and just how entrenched it is.”

• “Everything discussed was new information. I had very little knowledge before this course.”

• “This is the best course I have taken from the CI Centre.”

• “A better understanding of my enemy.”

• “The ‘whole’ story.”

• “Provided me with a better understanding of Islamic doctrine, laws and terms.”

• “Who the enemy is, how they think, why they think it. It reinforced what I learned, that we are asleep at the wheel and like it that way. We can make a difference and I will never quit trying.”

• “This is the most important class I have taken. I learned a broader understanding of cultural aspects, historical aspects, and reasoning behind Islamic extremism.”

• “True meanings, definitions, concepts of Islam, jihad and the ‘war on terror’ in a context practical to being a member of the Intelligence Community with a long future ahead. Now more focused on the enemy.”

• “Specific information about Islam that will help me identify extremist trends in my subjects. How Islam affects the cultural, political, religious and world views of Muslims.”

• “I will engage particular issues into my position. Another great course, thank you!”

• “Islamic law—knowing the enemy.”

• “The ‘red pill world’ is difficult to deal with, but necessary to confront.”

• “The fight will only be won over a period of generations. This fight will go beyond my time fighting it. Our country has taken a hard generational turn toward political correctness where discrimination is considered a cardinal sin in a time when discrimination is the only tool to identify the enemy.”

•  “Everything.”

• “Current awareness of Middle Eastern politics and religious issues. Difference between Sunni and Shia.”

• “A better understanding of the Islamic factor and how we’ll never win the war because of American ignorance.”

• “Roots of terrorism that I had never before considered.”

• “Everything I learned will be a great help in my career.”

• “Will help in working CT issues. Gained a better understanding of Islam in general.”

• “Better and more thorough understanding of the enemy we are facing. This course should be required for all intelligence professionals and Americans in general!”

• “Showed me how much I don’t know about the enemy.”

• “History and doctrine of the Islamic faith. Increased awareness of Arabic Islamic influence on the US Government, our education institutions and our rights as citizens. This was a very eye-opening experience and well worth the time away from work!”

• “Roots of beliefs of those who want nothing more than to cause harm. Understanding of ‘why.’”

• “It makes me alert, more knowledgeable and adds insight as to why they do certain things.”

• “Everything taught directly relates to my current job. A lot of what was self-taught for the past several months is now more clear.”

• “A nice background into what we are really fighting and the mindset jihadists have. If you have insight to what you are up against, that is half the battle. Three days is not long enough for this course.”

• “A lot! Some of the things going on in the US today and how submitting is helping them win.”

• “Many of the history facts and issues underlying Islam so I can better understand the cultural differences. Cannot ‘change’ Islamists to our ‘western’ point of view. Must understand the facts and reality of terms which are the basis of the religion.”

• “Better perspective on ideology and history of conflict. Should be mandatory training for hiring managers and all in the screening process. Also for deployment personnel.”

• “Information on what Muslims believe about Islam, Sharia Law and how that applies to the terrorists actions.”

• “Every employee should take this course in order to truly understand why we are doing what we do.”

• “What I learned in this class reinforces the need for quality in my work to better protect the US from the threats that are out there.”

What will you do differently as a result of this knowledge?

What did you like best about this course and why?

• “This is a very sensitive issue in the U.S. society, which is often downplayed. This will eventually cause our nation great pain. The way the material is presented is the only way that gives it justice. Be assured you have recruited numerous ‘storm petrels’. We will continue to hone our skills for when the storm comes we will be ready.”

• “In my 23-year career, this is the most frightening course I’ve ever taken, and definitely one of the most important.”

• “Thank you! You have awakened me! I am thoroughly interested in this topic and wish to learn more. I now feel like an informed American. Keep teaching! Keep doing what you do! Thank you!”

• “The information and instruction, bar none, was the best I have ever received. Thank you.”

• “Learning the history before learning the current problem.”

• “The amount of literature and information presented, also the use of video inserts which further explained each topic and added to the lecture.”

• “Instructor’s personal knowledge of extremist groups and their background. It’s always a pleasure to receive information from operators, field agents, and people from ground zero. Awesome!”

• “The diversity of the presentation materials (i.e. videos, articles, and books).”

• “Most dynamic and interesting course I have attended.”

• “The emphasis on reading and the professionalism of the speaker.”

• “The fact that it was well presented and the instructor was actually motivated about the course.”

• “Presentation style: entertaining, coherent, and educational.”

• “I appreciate the candid discussion.”

• “Valuable information kept unclassified, which can be shared with other LEO’s.”

• “I like the inclusion of video to augment the PowerPoint. All too often we get hammered with PowerPoint and it gets old. This format was captivating and absolutely worth the expense and time spent to come here. Well done!”

• “The opportunity to discuss these topics with knowledgeable people. This forum allows for growth, which is great.”

• “All the historical basis for Islam—it explains why Jihad is happening today—it has nothing to do with the U.S.”

• “How much I learned. It’s been years since I’ve taken a class that’s actually worthwhile. Will definitely recommend this course to everyone I know. Thank you!”

• “The presentation, and the use of video to show your point of view; the list of books for reading.”

• “Entertaining, enjoyable, eye-opening, and sobering—all at the same time. This course should be mandatory for all the Intelligence Community employees.”

• “[Tawfik Hamid] To hear from someone who’s been on the other side helps to gain a deeper understanding for how they think, feel, and evolve.”

• “The variety of speakers and depth of information presented.”

• “Information backed by facts and scores to prove points, logical progression of material and history helped build the ‘thesis’.”

• “Facts. Bringing out the fact that we don’t have a lot of knowledge. Gave us history and facts then allowed us to form our opinion. Also, explained the importance of how this correlates with our job.”

• “Outstanding knowledge, entertaining presentation. This class was outstanding. It should be required for everyone in the IC, heck everyone in the Department of Defense.”

• “The ability of this course to get me thinking in a new direction. I’ve always considered myself a critical thinker, being a historian, but this made me realize that there has been a lot missing in what has been taught and explained to me (probably deliberately).”

• “It presented material that for some reason or another has been omitted in US high schools, undergraduate and graduate courses.”

• “Everything! The speakers, the presenter, the material, all EXCELLENT!”

• “What I liked most about the course was the different types of speakers who presented. I thoroughly enjoyed Stephen Coughlin and I believe I ‘GET IT!’”

• “Multiple aspects—seeing the issue from different viewpoints (legal, jihadists, influence on Western society, Western university education and advisors to our government).”

• “Lots of information presented by individuals with a deep understanding.”

• “Everything!”

• “The information not heard on the news. The guest speakers were great.”

• “Wow! What an eye-opener. I enjoyed the entire class and look forward to taking additional classes. The speakers were awesome!”

• “Each speaker was very effective. However, I greatly appreciated those (Tawfik and Walid) who lived within Islam and their first-hand experience and expertise.”

• “I enjoyed having multiple speakers as opposed to just one. I also enjoyed using the TurningPoint response cards and being able to test my knowledge of Islam before and after the course.”

• “The different speakers.”

• “Appreciate that the background to Islam was provided.”

• “Presentations, especially the video clips that really had an impact on each topic discussed. The experience shared by Tawfik Hamid is invaluable.”

• “Started with history to explain a real-time problem.”

• “Especially enjoyed Walid’s lecture—helped further explain Jihad and related terms in an easy to understand manner.”

• “The variety of speakers, especially the presentations given by those with first-hand experience.”

• “The knowledge is unbelievable. The diversity of speakers and the inside knowledge they provide. Lots of information to absorb.”

• “Material was timely and relevant. Speakers were knowledgeable.”

• “None of the information was sugar-coated.”

• “Everything! Great, valuable, useful information that was well-presented.”

• “There is not one part of the course that was best, as all the presenters provided essential and enlightening perspective and facts. Specifically, Stephen Coughlin and Dr. Tawfik Hamid’s briefings were eye-opening.”

• “The history. Beginning with the Barbary States. We were never taught these things in school.”

• “The discussion by Dr. Hamid because he made it real, and the first day learning about Islam.”

• “The different perspectives and ideologies from the different speakers.”

• “Everything—an eye-opener.”

• “Tawfik’s brief. Felt it had biggest impact due to his past as a radical Islamist.”

• “Overall content should be given to every American citizen and abroad as well.”

• “Tawfik’s discussion and Walid’s talk. Experience was incredible.”

• “Laying out the doctrine of Islam, understanding of Mohammed and Sharia Law. This is the basis for understanding this issue. Topping this off with Tawfik Hamid was key to bring home the points.”

• “Content and passion of instructors.”

• “Enjoyed the various speakers, all which brought various and different experience to the topic of discussion.”

• “And the truth shall set you free. I started out passively, ending passionately!”

• “CI Centre courses are my favorite. They keep your interest piqued, educating you all the while. Helps bring a better understanding of the train of thought to those who would do us harm and their reasoning why.”

• “The knowledge and expertise of the briefers.”

• “I liked how it went from the basics to the more complicated and then came full circle.”

• “It’s very in-your-face and makes you realize how vulnerable and uneducated some government officials really are.”

• “Well-presented and vital information!”

• “Variety of speakers and their interpretations of the topic.”

• “Eye-opening experience.”