The Lesser Jihads examines conflict through the lens of Islamist terrorist groups. It outlines how terrorists see war, as well as what historical and current events and ideas they use not only to justify violence, but also encourage others to participate. Following a brief examination of recent wars in which Islamist terrorist groups played a significant role (Afghanistan, Somalia, Bosnia, Iraq, and Syria), the text describes ongoing conflict in 22 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe. It shows how Jihadists use their propaganda to continue what they see as their obligation to fight to protect Islam, and how extremist messaging interprets these conflicts. It identifies and explains the connectivity of these conflicts, framing them into a global world view. In light of the ongoing war in Syria, the text provides a timely warning that other wars may grow in lethality and scope, arguing that there is enough Muslim suffering and perceived international aggression against Islam to feed future conflict. Bringing together in one volume different conflicts where terrorist groups are active worldwide, it introduces the world and thinking of Jihadists while highlighting a number of seldom reported cases.
Industry Reviews
Gurski, a former Canadian intelligence analyst, provides an excellent survey of armed conflicts involving what he refers to as ‘lesser jihads,’ or the most extreme and intolerant Islamic terrorists who view the world as a zero-sum game. Chapters are organized by region as Gurski walks the reader through cases where Muslims are at times the aggressors, but also frequently the victims. Through brief case discussions, he demonstrates that regardless of local and underlying causes, violence against Muslims anywhere has been presented by Islamic terrorists via social media as a worldwide offensive against traditional Islam, or what he terms the ‘ummahfication of war.’ External actors feed into this narrative through foreign military intervention in some cases and through neglect in others, helping to explain the transnational migration of foreign fighters. Gurksi concludes with valuable lessons and suggested approaches by external actors to make the ummahfication of war narrative less effective. Readers will find the book interesting and insightful.
Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals.
