Aaron Y. Zelin
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Past articles by Aaron:
After Raqqa, ISIS Still Seeks to Govern
ISIS has not released any propaganda pictures or videos demonstrating its ability to govern in nearly a month, which might suggest the group is retreating from its territorial aspirations. However, Aaron Y. Zelin, fellow of the Washington Institute, argues otherwise. → Read More
The Importance of CVE in Light of the Changing Nature of the Threat
Over the past few years the idea of countering violent extremism (CVE) has become part of the lexicon when discussing issues related to terrorism. But contrary to popular misunderstanding, CVE is neither a replacement to counterterrorism (CT) efforts nor a way for the US government to spy on citizens. Rather, CVE is a complement to CT and has become all the more relevant in the aftermath of the… → Read More
The Importance of CVE in Light of the Changing Nature of the Threat
Over the past few years the idea of countering violent extremism (CVE) has become part of the lexicon when discussing issues related to terrorism. But contrary to popular misunderstanding, CVE is neither a replacement to counterterrorism (CT) efforts nor a way for the US government to spy on citizens. Rather, CVE is a complement to CT and has become all the more relevant in the aftermath of the… → Read More
Jihadology Podcast: Nashids: History and Cultural Meaning
Behnam Said comes on the show to talk about nasheeds. Some of the topics covered include: * The role of music in Islam and how it relates to nasheeds * A modern history of the use of nasheeds * Differences between Sufi, mainstream Islamist, and jihadi nasheeds * Different themes used in these nasheeds * Why there has been such an explosion in new nasheeds and media outlets from IS and AQAP… → Read More
Experts weigh in (part 3): Is ISIS good at governing?
Attempts by salafi-jihadis to create states or govern territory are not a new phenomenon. Even for the Islamic State, this is its second attempt at establishing a state and governing territories it controls. What sets it apart this time is the level of planning, sophistication, and capabilities compared to ten years ago. Aaron Zelin presents a historical perspective on IS governance. → Read More
Jihadology Podcast: al-Qaeda's Franchising Strategy
Barak Mendelsohn comes on the show to discuss his new book, The al-Qaeda Franchise: The Expansion of al-Qaeda and Its Consequences. Some of the topics covered include: * How organizations expand * Why AQ decided to branch out and the strategy behind that decision * AQ’s choices on where to expand * Case studies on AQ’s different branches Links Thanks to Haakon Jahr, TankThoughts, and Raihan… → Read More
Jihadology Podcast: Islamic State Networks In Turkey
Aaron Stein comes on the show to talk about IS networks in Turkey. Some of the topics covered include: * How IS developed its network inside Turkey * Recent attacks in Ankara and Istanbul and the networks behind them * How these attacks have affected Turkish governmental policy * How things could play out in the future Links: Thanks to Haakon Jahr, Raihan Kadir, TankThoughts, and Fredrik… → Read More
Jihadology Podcast: The Malian Jihadi Landscape
Andrew Lebovich comes on the show to discuss the various jihadi groups that have been active in Mali over the past few years. Some of the topics covered include: * The political process in Mali after the French intervention * Why there has been a rise in violence recently * Why IS has not been able to penetrate Mali like many of the other jihadi zones * Where things might be going from here… → Read More
Jihadology Podcast: A History of Lebanese Sunni Jihadism
Bernard Rougier comes on the show to discuss Lebanese Sunni jihadism. Some of the topics covered include: * How Lebanese first got involved in jihadism in Afghanistan in the 1980s * How the Lebanese scene became connected to the European and Australian jihadi network * The role the Iraq war played in the mobilization and recruitment of a new generation * Background on Fatah al-Islam * The role… → Read More
Jihadology Podcast: Reality of The Islamic State's Finances and Economy
Aymenn al-Tamimi comes on the show for an in-depth discussion of the Islamic State’s finances and economic situation. Some of the topics covered include: * IS funding prior to 2013 * How IS funding compares to AQ * Current funding streams, particularly those that are less well known * Evolution of IS’ economy in the past year and a half * Potential for IS to export its economic model to its… → Read More
Jihadology Podcast: Americans in the Islamic State
Lorenzo Vidino and Seamus Hughes come on the show to talk about their new report ISIS in America: From Retweets to Raqqa. Some of the topics covered include: * Background on the American jihadi scene * The demographics of Americans who’ve traveled to join the Islamic State * The three roles American Islamic State supporters play on social media Links: Thanks to Haakon Jahr, Praecast, Raihan… → Read More
Jihadology Podcast: The History, Legacy, and Relevance of Algerian Jihadism Today
Dalia Ghanem-Yazbeck comes on the show to talk about jihadism in Algeria. Some of the topics covered include: * Background and history of jihadism in Algeria * The growth of GIA networks in Europe and its legacy * Why there haven’t been many Algerian foreign fighters in Syria * Similarities and differences between the GIA and the Islamic State * The current status of jihadism in Algeria and… → Read More
Jihadology Podcast: The Syrian Jihad: A History
Charles Lister comes back on the show for an in-depth discussion on jihadism in Syria. Some of the topics covered include: → Read More
Jihadology Podcast: Emergency Pod: Background on The Paris Attacks
In light of the recent attacks in Paris, Timothy Holman comes on the show to discuss the history of French and Belgian jihadi networks. Some of the topics covered include: → Read More