Your Professional Responsibility to KNOW

A war has been declared against the United States and the Western civilization by individuals who proudly identify themselves as modern day Jihadists. This enemy has unambiguously stated that he fights jihad in the furtherance of Islamic causes.  He has repeatedly stated publicly on film, video, public speeches and on the Internet that their goal is to destroy our way of life with no equivocation. Because he states this, it becomes the basis of the threat doctrine – even if he is wrong.

"It’s hard to say what’s worse: ignorance of jihad, for which there’s no excuse at this advanced stage of war, or indifference to it, for which there’s never an excuse."

—Diane West in the Washington Times

Rules of Professional Conduct hold that professionals have a duty to be competent, and this includes the requirement to inform oneself of the subject matter by taking the necessary time to prepare oneself to a standard of preparedness necessary to provide successful responses to situations which may arise. To respond against the Jihadist criminal and active measure operations, we have a professional responsibility to first understand the worldwide modern-day Jihadist movement, their mindset and motivation; and then understand how to fight the enemy.

This important course includes an honest, detailed background discussion of what the radicalization process teaches about Islam to potential jihadist recruits and how Islam is used by extremists to justify the Militant Jihadism. It examines the roots of Islam from its foundation by Mohammed’s first revelations in 610, through the pre-modern Jihadist era ending with dissolving of the Caliphate in 1924, to the modern Jihadist era.

The seminar introduces key concepts to understanding Islam today such as: who was Muhammad, the origins and importance of the Qur’an and the Sunnah, what does abrogation mean, the importance of the Mecca and Medina Suras, what is the meaning of Jihad and salvation, why Islam is more than a religion, the origins and importance of Sharia or Islamic Law, what is Dhimmitude and why is it important.

The course also examines the importance to know about: the first four Caliphs; the difference between Sunni and Shi’a; the importance of the Battle of Karbala in 680 and the significance of the 12^th Imam and the Blue Mosque to Shi’a and how it relates to Iran’s threat to the world today. The seminar explores the multiple efforts to spread Islam in order to achieve world domination. This expansion began in 633 as Islam spread throughout the Mecca/Medina region into Africa, Spain, Persia and the Middle East. The questions of what really took place during the Crusades that took place from 1095 to 1204 and how it is important to understand them in relation to the Islamic Threat today are discussed. The expansion of Islam until it was contained at the Battle of Vienna in 1683 is reviewed, and why the date of September 11 has great historical significant to the Militant Jihadist.

This course explains the roots of modern terrorist actions driven by today’s modern Jihadist era which were revived by the Sunni sect in 1928 and the Shi’a sect in 1979.

The seminar explores the resurgence of the Sunni Islamic terrorist movement in 1928 with the establishment of the Muslim Brotherhood following World War I. The seminar will provide background for the students to understand and interpret events that are currently unfolding in the Middle East and around the world, relating to the Israeli-Arab Conflict and the world wide war on Islamic terrorism. Between 1918 and 1936, the majority of the Middle Eastern countries, such as the Palestine British Mandate, Syria, Transjordan, Iraq, a freer Egypt and Lebanon, were established by Great Britain and France. Most of these countries were granted independence only after terrorist operations were directed against Britain and France in the region. The background behind, and rational for and importance of, the establishment of the State of Israel in the region is also explained in detail.

The significance of the 1948, 1957, 1967, 1973, 1982 and 2006 wars between the Arab countries in the region and Israel and their impact on the Islamic world are explained in detail. These events had a direct impact on the growth of Islamic-based terrorism in the modern era. The importance of the Iran Revolution of 1979 and the emergence of Shi’a based terrorism and the terrorist organization Hezbollah is examined and put in context to understand today’s Islamic Threat.

Recommendations on how to wage this war using counterintelligence tools are explored throughout the seminar. Classic counterintelligence techniques, such as double agentry, that were successfully employed by the FBI in the 1960s against the notorious KKK and BPP terrorist organizations are especially highlighted.

The course concludes with a discussion of the "War of Ideas" and what the West needs to know about Islam today and the impact of Globalization, Islamic apologists and the divided loyalty problem within the US. The influence of 30 years of funding US universities and colleges by Saudi Arabian Wahhabists and the impact this has made on the US Government and media are discussed. [5 days]

Course Topics

© Copyright The Centre for Counterintelligence and Security Studies/David G. Major Associates, Inc.

The Roots of the Conflict

Jihadist and Islamic Doctrine Pre-Modern Jihad

• Today’s Jihadists in their own words

• What is taught in today’s radicalization process that recruits terrorists

• What is the basis of their core beliefs and doctrine of these Jihadist Extremists we face today?

• The Roots of Islam and its Impact on Islamic-Based Terrorism 

• Islamic history, concepts, doctrine and tradition from 610 to 1924

Modern Jihad

• The Birth of the Modern Day Sunni Jihadist

• The Birth of Modern Day Shi’ite Jihadist Movement

• 1979 the year of change

• Dawa in the USA

The Radicalization Process to Create a Jihadist

• The recruitment processes use of brain washing to create Jihadists

• The appeal of the Jihadism in the Muslim World

• The appeal of the Jihadism to women

• How to interview a Muslim to assess if they are supportive of Jihadism

• A strategy for the future to address this problem

Understanding Jihadist Reliance on Islamic Law

• Superior Knowledge, Skill and Intelligence; Professional Malpractice

  • Professionals have an affirmative, personal, professional duty responsibilities to know the enemy that includes all the knowable facts associated with the law of jihad

• Part I: The Problem:

  • Jihadist Ideology and Strategy

  • The Duty to Know the Enemy

• Part II: The Essential Mirror Image

• Part III: The Law

• Part IV: Slander in Islam

• Part V: Cleaving from the Mainstream or Energizing the Base

Strategies for Countering Terror

Islamic Growth and the Influence of Sharia Law in Europe Today

Islamic Growth and the Influence of Sharia Law in the United States Today

The War of Ideas

• Obstacles to addressing the Problem

• Counterintelligence Concerns: The Threat of Globalization in the War with Radical Jihadist Islam    

  • Examples of Globalization Attitudes in the U.S. National Security Community

  • Who is Teaching and Funding Islamic Studies in U.S. Universities and What are the Consequences?

  • Screening for National Security Employment

    • The 10 questions to ask

Future Jihad

• What is the War of Ideas?

• What is the battle ground?

• What must every professional in national security must know

• What does the future hold?

• Recommendations for today’s personnel engaged in this war to ensure they are armed to do their job

What did you learn in this course that will help you in your career and profession?

• "That the threat is worse than I had thought and it is important to continue learning about the enemy and see the enemy as it is, not as you want it to be."

• "Everything learned will help. One must know his ‘competition’/enemies to fully understand the issues and what we are up against in the defense of our country. I think I’m getting it!"

• “What I learned in this course that will be helpful for me in my career is the Threat Doctrine. How the Islamic Jihadists have stated publicly that they fight for their beliefs. I learned that you have to know the enemy and we as government employees are obligated to know the enemy because it’s our profession to protect our country.”

• “This class is the most useful class I’ve taken in 12 years as an analyst. It gives me a clearer idea of what we’re up against as a nation.”

• "I will be deployed to the Middle East. Having an understanding of the nature of the conflict over history will help me understand their thought process."

• “The basis for jihadist doctrine and how it has spread within and beyond the Middle East. The doctrine’s ideology is the threat—terrorism is a side effect.”

• "Factual information about Islam/Muslims, which has increased my understanding of the real threat."

• "The differences between Sunni and Shi’a. The true purpose of Islam’s Jihad."

• "This was truly eye-opening as to the nature of the threat. I feel as though my eyes have been opened."

• “A better understanding of just how little the Intelligence Community knows about the subject. This should be REQUIRED training!” (25 yrs govt service)

• “This was the most educational and beneficial class I have taken in this subject. It is scary to be in my career for over 5 years and not know hardly anything that I have just learned in the last 3 days. I am going back to my unit and lobbying to get everyone who can to take this class. It was a true eye-opener and I can honestly say that now I ‘Get It’. Thank you to all.”

• “This course reminded me of the true purpose behind what I do every day. This course showed me what we’re really fighting against. It will give me a better focus as to why I do the things I do in my job.”

• “Everything! This course should be mandatory for all within the Intelligence Community. Speakers were fantastic.”

• "Everything that I learned in this course is applicable to my profession and for my personal knowledge. It’s unbelievable how ignorant I was to all the history behind Islam."

• "The basis of Islamic law was very interesting and I have a much better foundation now."

• "Sources of more information for research. Islamic citations I did not know of before."

• "I have been given a better understanding of the big picture and a very detailed view of the foundation of terrorism."

• "I learned the difference in many of the Islamic terminologies and about the literature and history."

• "I learned more about Islam and their beliefs than I knew before and I will be able to use it in my day-to-day job."

• “This is the first time that I was finally able to understand concepts behind Jihad and Islamic culture.”

• “Eye-opening view of threat to our nation and freedoms.”

• “Received insight and gained critical understanding of Muslim/Islam world. This pertinent knowledge will help me to be a better CI/Security professional.”

• “The way to win this war is to know and identify the enemy. What jihad is and their way of life.”

• “Too much to list. I would most definitely recommend this course.”

• “A better understanding of the war that we are fighting.” (24 yrs)

• “A better understanding of Islam and the different levels of jihadism and how Muslims are radicalized.”

• “Better understanding of Islamic Law and Jihad.”

• “Motivations of terrorists and differentiation between terrorist groups and their beliefs.”

• “A better understanding of how Islam developed and why the radicals believe they are right. This in turn helps you understand someone’s thinking and ideology.”

• “The fight will only be won over a period of generations. This fight will go beyond my time fighting it. Our country has taken a hard generational turn toward political correctness where discrimination is considered a cardinal sin in a time when discrimination is the only tool to identify the enemy.”

• “Everything I learned will be a great help in my career.”

• “Everything.”

• “Current awareness of Middle Eastern politics and religious issues. Difference between Sunni and Shia.”

• “Everything.”

• “A better understanding of the Islamic factor and how we’ll never win the war because of American ignorance.”

• “Roots of terrorism that I had never before considered.”

• “Overview of Islam and current conflict.”

What will you do differently as a result of this knowledge?

• "I have better knowledge on how my enemy thinks so I hope to be better able to track them."

• "Apply critical thinking to the job duties that I perform, and incorporate new questions into investigations."

• "Try to persuade upper levels of management and leadership what the Jihadis are saying."

• "Engage in more discussions re: Islam as a more informed citizen."

• "I would definitely recommend that employees I mentor take this course, because this issue will be such a part of their careers."

• "I will read more to increase my knowledge."

• "I will explain to others the importance of seeking self-knowledge regarding what we see on the news. I plan to educate myself more."

• "Be more attentive to my environment and spread what I keep learning to my family and friends about Muslims and Islam."

• "This knowledge has shown me a new direction that I would like to follow in my career path."

• " Pay more attention to news, especially what’s happening in Europe. Do research. Tell people what I know and point out what should be obvious and what we are doing wrong and what to do to make it right."

• “With the knowledge I’ve gained over the last three days, I now know how misinformed I really was. I will certainly pay closer attention to terrorist issues. This class has brought the issues home.”

• “Look at world events differently, MUCH differently!”

• “Know how our enemy truly thinks, and what they may do.”

• “Will be able to make more knowledgeable and intuitive security clearance decisions.”

• “I will have a broader knowledge base to use for my analysis of various issues.”

• “I believe I will pay better attention to the news since I will actually understand what they are discussing.”

• “Pay more attention.”

• “Study and learn more about the enemy.”

• “This definitely defined Jihadism for me. Very eye-opening.”

• “I am going to research, research, research and then talk others into doing the same thing.”

• “Read more and learn more; that will help me make better decisions.”

• “Share knowledge learned with my colleagues to help them understand Islam/Jihad/Sharia Law.”

• “Look at the problem as a bigger whole and apply better (more aware) filtering to background/ qualifications of Middle East “experts/advisors.”

• “Take terrorist background and Islamic doctrine into consideration when understanding and studying a new case.”

• “Speak out about these issues with co-workers and urge them to take this course.”

• “Read more.”

• “Study!!! Learn!!! Know myself and my job first and know my enemy.”

• “I will take a more active approach in acquiring and disseminating information related to this subject.”

• “Educate my friends, peers and family. Read more on the subject myself. I believe most Americans are mal-informed (as I was prior to this course).”

• “Will read more books and articles relating to the Islamic culture and Jihad so that I can further my knowledge.”

• “Pass my knowledge to other people.”

• “Try to understand if the Qur’an or Sunnah is driving a situation.”

• “Changes my view of Jihad and motivations of the enemy in the current conflict.”

What did you like best about this course and why?

• "Thank you! You have awakened me! I am thoroughly interested in this topic and wish to learn more. I now feel like an informed American. Keep teaching! Keep doing what you do! Thank you!"

• "The opportunity to discuss these topics with knowledgeable people. This forum allows for growth, which is great."

• "In my 23-year career, this is the most frightening course I’ve ever taken, and definitely one of the most important."

• "All the historical basis for Islam—it explains why Jihad is happening today—it has nothing to do with the U.S."

• "The depth of knowledge of the speakers and their ability to handle actual documents—the Qur’an, novels, and Islamic law."

• "Facts. Bringing out the fact that we don’t have a lot of knowledge.. gave us history and facts.. then allowed us to form our opinion. Also, explained the importance of how this correlates with our job."

• "How much I learned. It’s been years since I’ve taken a class that’s actually worthwhile. Will definitely recommend this course to everyone I know. Thank you!"

• "Found talk extremely riveting and informative.

• "Amazing! Hearing the ‘real deal’ hits home."

• "Professor Major is a favorite of all his students. Kept our interest, pulled us into his teaching and is very passionate about his material. Held my interest and look forward to more of his classes."

• "Amazing! Hearing the ‘real deal’ hits home."

• "Fantastic, informative, honest and passionate. I have a passion for learning and understanding law. Great breakdown—easy to understand."

• "Wow! More should hear this presentation."

• "Excellent briefing. Thought provoking. I went home discussing Sharia law and Islamic jurisprudence."

• "Extremely knowledgeable on Islamic law, learned a lot and appreciated it."

• Entertaining, enjoyable, eye-opening, and sobering—all at the same time. This course should be mandatory for all the IC employees."

• The variety of speakers and depth of information presented."

• "[Clare Lopez] Knowledgeable—always good to hear from someone who’s ‘been there’, eye-opening to see how much Europe has ‘caved’ to Islam."

• "[Tawfik Hamid] Fascinating, appreciate the book. To hear from someone who’s been on the other side helps to gain a deeper understanding for how they think, feel, and evolve."

• "Information backed by facts and scores to prove points, logical progression of material and history helped build the ‘thesis’."

• "[David Major] Outstanding knowledge, entertaining presentation. This class was outstanding. It should be required for everyone in our organization, everyone in the Department of Defense."

• “The ability of this course to get me thinking in a new direction. I’ve always considered myself a critical thinker, being a historian, but this made me realize that there has been a lot missing in what has been taught and explained to me (probably deliberately).”

• “It presented material that for some reason or another has been omitted in US high schools, undergraduate and graduate courses.”

• “Everything! The speakers, the presenter, the material, all EXCELLENT!”

• “What I liked most about the course was the different types of speakers who presented. I thoroughly enjoyed Stephen Coughlin and I believe I ‘GET IT!’”

• “Multiple aspects—seeing the issue from different viewpoints (legal, jihadists, influence on Western society, Western university education and advisors to our government).”

• “Lots of information presented by individuals with a deep understanding.”

• “Everything!”

• “The information not heard on the news. The guest speakers were great.”

• “Wow! What an eye-opener. I enjoyed the entire class and look forward to taking additional classes. The speakers were awesome!”

• “Each speaker was very effective. However, I greatly appreciated those (Tawfik and Walid) who lived within Islam and their first-hand experience and expertise.”

• “Basically everything.”

• “The experience shared by Tawfik Hamid is invaluable.”

• “Started with history to explain a real-time problem.”

• “Dr. Hamid’s talk because it was very informative. Also, Dr. Phare’s brief because it brought all the topics together.”

• “Especially enjoyed Walid’s lecture—helped further explain Jihad and related terms in an easy to understand manner.”

• “The variety of speakers, especially the presentations given by those with first-hand experience.”