Geopolitical Report ISSN 2785-2598 Volume 45 Issue 7
Author: Giuliano Bifolchi

Executive Summary

This report examines the content and implications of an article from “Voice of Khurasan,” Issue 38, titled “Why Do Mujahideen of the Islamic State Make Rawafidh the Target of Their Operations and Turn Their Cities into Cemeteries?”

The article serves as an ideological manifesto, justifying the Islamic State Wilayat Khorasan’s (ISKP) ongoing campaign of violence against Shi’a Muslims, referred to pejoratively as Rawafidh, and extending its condemnation to a range of actors, including the Taliban, Russia, and the United States.

The report analyses the key topics discussed, the propaganda style employed, and the countries involved or accused in this narrative.

Main Topics Discussed

The article presents several critical themes, each designed to validate ISKP’s violent actions against its perceived enemies:

• Accusations of Apostasy Against Shi’a Muslims: The core of the article accuses Shi’a Muslims of kufr (disbelief) and apostasy, asserting that their beliefs and practices deviate from true Islam. ISKP justifies its violent campaigns against Shi’a communities by alleging heretical views on the Quran, the Prophet Muhammad, and his Companions.
• Condemnation of the Taliban: The article accuses the Taliban of betraying Sunni Islam by allegedly supporting the Shi’a community in Afghanistan, a rhetoric expressed also in previous articles of “Voice of Khurasan”. ISKP argues that the Taliban’s willingness to tolerate Shi’a Muslims and its negotiations with the United States demonstrate a betrayal of jihadist principles. ISKP justifies its attacks on the Taliban and its determination to continue fighting against their interim government.
• Anti-Western and Anti-Russian Rhetoric: ISKP extends its condemnation to global powers, particularly the United States and Russia. The article claims that while these states are engaged in a conflict in Ukraine and accuse each other of creating or supporting ISKP, they both fight against the Mujahideen of ISKP. Therefore, the terrorist organisation portrays this as evidence of a broader conspiracy against true Islam.
• Historical and Religious Justifications for Violence: The article references Islamic history and scholarly fatwas to reinforce the legitimacy of ISKP’s actions against Shi’a Muslims and other perceived enemies. It presents violence as a religious duty and positions ISKP’s struggle as part of a larger, righteous cause.
• Call to Sunni Muslims for Unity and Support: The article concludes by urging Sunni Muslims to unite under the banner of ISKP, warning against the dangers of living under Shi’a regimes or the Taliban’s governance. It calls for continued jihad against both regional and global enemies.

Propaganda Style

The propaganda style of this publication is complex, blending religious rhetoric, historical references, and anti-establishment sentiments. Key elements include:

• Religious Justification: The article extensively quotes Quranic verses and hadiths to give religious legitimacy to its claims, particularly its denunciation of Shi’a Muslims, the Taliban, and Western powers.
• Demonisation and Dehumanisation: The text systematically dehumanises its enemies, referring to Shi’a Muslims as Rawafidh and portraying the Taliban as traitors to Islam. This serves to justify extreme violence against these groups.
• Appeal to a Global Conspiracy: The article frames the United States and Russia as part of a global conspiracy against ISKP, despite their geopolitical rivalry in Ukraine. This conspiracy narrative should rally support against these powers by portraying them as united against true Islam.
• Encouragement of Sectarian Violence and Martyrdom: ISKP glorifies violence and martyrdom, particularly against Shi’a Muslims, the Taliban, and Western forces. This glorification should inspire followers and potential recruits by presenting their struggle as noble and divinely sanctioned.

Countries Involved and Accused

The article implicates several countries and entities in its narrative, portraying them as adversaries of ISKP and enemies of true Islam:

• Iran: ISKP depicts Iran as its principal enemy, given that Iran is the primary Shi’a-majority nation. The article extends its accusations against Shi’a Muslims to Iran, criticising its influence and support for Shi’a communities across the region.
• Iraq: Iraq, with its significant Shi’a population and government, is another primary target. ISKP considers the Iraqi state illegitimate because of its Shi’a leadership, resulting in frequent attacks on Shi’a communities and symbols of the Iraqi government.
• Syria: The terrorist organisation condemned the Assad regime, dominated by Alawites. ISKP portrays the Syrian government as an illegitimate regime propped up by Shi’a allies and foreign powers like Russia.
• Lebanon: The presence of Hezbollah, a powerful Shi’a militant group, makes Lebanon another target. The article implicitly condemns Hezbollah’s influence and its role in the regional conflict.
• Afghanistan (Taliban): The Taliban are accused of betraying Sunni Islam by tolerating Shi’a Muslims and engaging with the United States. ISKP criticises the Taliban for what it perceives as abandoning jihadist principles, positioning itself as the true defender of Sunni Islam. The article justifies ISKP’s continued attacks on the Taliban and its interim government as necessary to oppose this perceived betrayal.
• Russia and the United States. According to the article, both Russia and the United States, despite their rivalry, particularly clear in the Ukraine conflict, unite in opposing ISKP. The terrorist group accuses these global powers of conspiring against it and fighting a common enemy—the Mujahideen of ISKP—thus portraying itself as the defender of Islam against both Western and Eastern imperialism.

Glossary of Arabic and Islamic Terms

In the article, the Islamic State Wilayat Khorasan used the following terms to inspire and support its rhetoric and jihadist propaganda:

• Rawafidh: A derogatory term used by extremists to refer to Shi’a Muslims, implying rejection or abandonment of true Islam.
• Kufr: Disbelief or denial of the fundamental tenets of Islam, considered a grave sin.
• Shirk: The sin of polytheism or associating partners with Allah, considered the gravest sin in Islam.
• Fatwa: A legal opinion or decree issued by an Islamic scholar on issues pertaining to Islamic law.
• Jihad: Literally “struggle” or “striving” in the way of God; often used to refer to holy war in the context of militant groups.
• Apostasy: The abandonment or renunciation of Islam, considered a serious crime in Islamic law.
• Martyrdom: The act of dying for one’s faith, often glorified as a noble and righteous end in Islamic extremism.

Risk Assessment

The “Voice of Khurasan” article emphasises the growing danger of ISKP, particularly towards Shi’a communities and governments seen as adversaries. The following risk assessment outlines the potential implications of ISKP’s propaganda and operational priorities:

• Iran and Afghanistan as Primary Targets: The propaganda clarifies that Iran and Afghanistan are at heightened risk of increased violent attacks. In Iran, Shi’a holy places, mosques, and gatherings are likely to be prime targets, with ISKP aiming to incite sectarian violence and destabilise the region. Similarly, in Afghanistan, ISKP may intensify its attacks on Shi’a communities and Taliban forces, exploiting the Taliban’s perceived betrayal of Sunni jihadist principles.
• Expansion of ISKP Activities in the Middle East: Beyond Iran and Afghanistan, ISKP has the potential to extend its operations across the Middle East, particularly in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. The group may target Shi’a populations and governmental structures, seeking to undermine stability and assert its influence in these areas. The presence of Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Shi’a-led governments in Iraq and Syria makes these countries vulnerable to ISKP’s violent campaigns.
• Exploitation of the Israeli-Iranian Crisis and Gaza Situation: The ongoing Israeli-Iranian crisis and the volatile situation in Gaza present further opportunities for ISKP to spread its jihadist propaganda. The group may leverage these conflicts to justify and organise attacks against civilian and military targets, both in the region and in broader international contexts. By framing its actions as part of a larger jihad against perceived enemies of Islam, ISKP could seek to recruit new followers and expand its influence.

For further reports, risk assessments, and consultation about ISKP’s jihadist propaganda and terrorist groups’ activities, contact us at info@specialeurasia.com.