There are no Salafi Jihadi traditions rooted in Lebanon, nor well-known sheikhs or preachers that have left significant trace. Salafism is a circumstantial movement and group, which has spread in Lebanese Sunni environments among a few families in the north of the country. Meanwhile, the movement’s rhetoric draws on the form of the Ottoman faith...Read More

To many observers, it appeared that the Arab revolutions had created an appropriate atmosphere for the launch of a process to stop the tide of radical Islamic fundamentalism in the Arab states, in particular Al Qaeda and its various branches and affiliates. This is based on the consideration that these peaceful revolutions proved beyond any...Read More

In contrast to the initial expectations and indications that emerged with the beginning of the democratic Arab Spring revolutions, the recent years have seen an increase and spread of Al Qaeda and other organizations that are linked to it and adopt its beliefs and ideology. These organizations all descend from radical Political Islam, whether they...Read More

On the surface, a decision to join a radical Islamic movement seems irrational. Participation entails enormous costs and risks, especially if the movement supports the use of violence for the cause. In addition, less controversial options are typically available for those who desire a deeper religious experience. Participants are frequently referred to as “zealots,” “fanatics,”...Read More