The Road to Jihad

By Walter Purdy

Walter Purdy is the President of the Terrorist Research Center, Inc. and an adjunct Professor with the Criminology, Law and Society Department at George Mason University.

Over fifteen years ago, I spoke with someone in Gaza about a Hamas bomb maker who had been killed in an Israeli anti-terrorism operation. I told him, mockingly, “That’s the end of that terrorist.” The man said, “No, his words will live forever.”

The Hamas bomb maker had recorded some tapes not only explaining how to build a bomb, but also inciting others to follow in his footsteps. Today the United States faces challenges from homegrown terrorists who have been radicalized to launch attacks here or to travel abroad for jihad. In either case, these individuals have been radicalized with words that have incited them to take the path of violence. Al-Qaeda has used English-speaking propagandists, such as American citizens Anwar al-Awlaki and Adam Yahiye Gadahn to radicalize and recruit for jihad. Neither posed a tactical threat with a weapon on a battlefield, but their voices resonate even now with those seeking to conduct violent acts of terrorism. 

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