HSPI Releases Interview with Former LIFG Leader Benotman

PR Log (Press Release) – Oct 16, 2009 – "While many counterterrorism experts pay much attention to the tactics and modus operandi of specific organizations in an effort to defeat them, al-Qaeda, its franchises, and like-minded groups tap into a much broader narrative that inspires and shapes their operations. The thinking of former members of al-Qaeda and associated groups provides a unique window into this narrative.

Noman Benotman was a core member of the LIFG, an Islamist organization that for decades dedicated itself to the overthrow of Muammar Qadhafi. At one point, Benotman served as a member of LIFG's governing Shura Committee. In many ways, his ideological background is similar to that of al-Qaeda's senior leadership. He too fought in Afghanistan and even advised Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri on strategy."

To read the full publication, go to: http://www.gwumc.edu/hspi/policy/ReflectionsOnJihad.pdf