Analysis: Al Qaeda's 'Resurgence' focuses on Indian Subcontinent

[Valin]

Long War Journal:

Thomas Joscelyn

October 23, 2014

 

 

 

On Oct. 19, al Qaeda finally released its new English-language, online magazine "Resurgence." The organization announced the forthcoming publication in March, but the first edition was not released until seven months later.

 

The reasons for the delay in its release are not publicly known. At 117 pages, the magazine covers a variety of jihadist topics. But the content of the magazine is heavily focused on recent events, especially al Qaeda's activities in the Indian Subcontinent.

 

It was produced by As Sahab, al Qaeda's propaganda arm. However, "(Subcontinent)", has been appended to As Sahab's name, suggesting that the media wing has rebranded at least part of its operation to focus on the region.

 

Al Qaeda emir Ayman al Zawahiri and other senior jihadists announced the creation of al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), al Qaeda's newest regional branch, in early September. Much of "Resurgence" is devoted to AQIS propaganda.

 

The cover story is an article by al Qaeda spokesman Adam Gadahn titled, "Besiege Them!" Gadahn writes of the "practical steps" that must be taken to "liberate" Palestine and restore the Islamic caliphate. Gadahn's suggestions range from boycotting Western business interests to establishing an al Qaeda-style Islamic economy that is independent from the global financial system.

(Snip)