There’s growing support for al-Qaeda among some groups of disaffected African-American converts in inner-city areas across the United States, according to eyewitness testimonies garnered by Clarion Project’s Clarion Intelligence Network.
In some areas, worshipers are asked to make financial donations to causes in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. While Clarion cannot be certain of the intended destinations for these funds, our analysts believe at least some of this cash finds its way into the hands of terrorists.
Cities where al-Qaeda’s popularity is on the rise include New York, Chicago, Philadelphia and heavily-populated areas of California and Texas.
Al-Qaeda’s Islamic Messages
Al-Qaeda is respected because it knows how to deliver its message using Islamic literature, mosque members told Clarion. It justifies criminal activity and terror using Quranic verses about fighting the enemies of God. They cited the example of Osama bin Laden, who used the Muslim holy book to justify killing Americans anywhere. Al-Qaeda perceived the American government as launching a war against Muslims and for bin Laden and his followers that was sufficient to follow the Quranic call to fight those who fight you.
How is the U.S. government perceived?
Many inner-city Muslims don’t like the American government, eyewitnesses said. They hold it responsible for social issues they face, including poverty, drugs and alcohol. When al-Qaeda publishes messages about bringing down the American government, it strikes a chord with some residents.
How it started
Often converts living in poorer urban areas were not well educated as they began their journey into Islam. Some found comfort in identifying with the words of al-Qaeda. Anwar al-Awlaki, the senior al-Qaeda leader killed in Yemen, was born and raised in America. He was well respected here because he spoke perfect English. His character intrigued many newly Muslim individuals.
The situation today
With multiple wives not uncommon, there is a burgeoning child population. And with that comes a degree of welfare and check fraud. Recently it’s been discovered some of the mosques are donating money to Yemen and Saudi Arabia. As we said, we can’t be sure of the exact destination for financial contributions but community members are told to raise money because there are people who need it more than them.
In some areas, locals prefer sharia to state law but that is not the only concern. While there’s obvious U.S. focus on terror overseas, the fact is that some inner city areas are becoming potential hotbeds of Islamist violence. And that is something largely overlooked.
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