Re-Reading al-Qaeda Writings of Yusuf al-Ayiri

Abstract

Second generation activists such as Yusuf al-Ayiri are now far more important than Osama bin Laden. They are regarded as true role models, the few who defend ideals and want to change “reality.” The author argues that to understand the appeal of al-Qaeda related groups, we should look not only at their globally communicated doctrines and ideals, but also analyse how these messages are, often locally, connected to political programmes and activism.