Free Republic

The twentieth issue of Al-Battar welcomes the approach of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which begins on October 15. Citing historic Ramadan battles in the time of the Prophet and more recently in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Chechnya, and elsewhere, the lead editorial calls for an “eminent deed - the Jihad” at an “eminent time - Ramadan. . . . Here we are now, approaching this Blessed month. Lions of Islam! Make it a new turning point for victory, glory, and power.” A religious “Book of Guidance” sees God’s judgment in the “continuous calamities and punishments that have befallen America, beginning...

The eighteenth issue of Al Battar demonstrates the galvanizing effect of communications from Al Qaeda’s leadership on the movement. Enthusiastic citations of a recently released audiotape from Ayman Al-Zawahiri run through the entire magazine. In the lead editorial, Al-Farouq Al-Aamiri writes: “Thanks to God, the tape . . . proved the important fact that, despite all the lies and controversy pursued by the Americans, the Islamic Army in Al-Qaeda is triumphant on the battlefield, unlike Bush’s victories, which are only on the pages of the ‘New York Times’ and the ‘Washington Post.’” The news section focuses on the Al-Zawahiri tape,...