Between Salafism and Terrorism of Takfir: Ideas for Explanation

Salafism or Takfirism is not considered to be a new phenomenon in the Arab world. Yet its expansion and its take on a terrorist course as seen in the previous decade, following the American invasion of Iraq, the Arab Spring, and the chaotic events that occurred in non-Arab countries, have all given the takfiri movement a brand new dimension. The collapse of the state in Iraq following the US invasion in 2003 made it possible for Jihadi Salafi movements to expand and grow all over the region. The American invasion of Iraq and its aftermath shaped an agenda for a new generation of Salafi adherents which differs from its predecessor in terms of setting priorities and directing its course of action against specific groups within Arab societies, rather than targeting the main figurehead of the global “infidelity” movement which is none other than the United States.

This book is comprised of eight chapters covering various topics in matters of Salafi thought and Takfiri terrorism. Most of these chapters are studies previously published in the journal «Al Mustaqbal al Arabi». They were republished in this book due to the significance of their content in the facts provided, the quality of the analyses, and the alternative visions and solutions that are offered to solve the issue Takfirism and terrorism.