Raymond Ibrahim is the associate director of the Middle East Forum, the author of The Al Qaeda Reader, and a visiting lecturer at the National Defense Intelligence College.
For many young Westerners, jihad is merely divine sanctioning for their otherwise violent and anti-social behavior.
To English audiences, jihadists talk of ending oppression; to Arabic ones, they talk of oppressing the infidel.
How Hasan put Islamic teachings on jihad, proselytism, and spiritual calmness into action before and during the Fort Hood massacre.
An in-depth look at the Islamic teachings behind the Fort Hood massacre. First up: Hasan's loyalty to Muslims and deception of infidels.
When the president favorably quotes a Koranic passage popular among jihadists, the answer should be clear.
The arch-terrorist's real reason for waging jihad has nothing to do with Israel or U.S. foreign policy.
The answer is clear, though Obama's commitment to helping Muslims overcome U.S. rules governing charity is not.
Of all American leaders, he knows enough about Islam to understand that apologies and feel-good talk are destined to fail.
Understanding the difference is more crucial than ever.
If we refuse to call terrorists by their proper name — "jihadists" — we will never defeat them. (Also read Phyllis Chesler: Extraordinary Activists Who Stood Against Radical Islam in Times Square.)