Global Islamism Monitor: No. 24

PALESTINIAN TERROR GROUPS EYE DRONE WARFARE
Assorted terrorist organizations in the Palestinian Territories are increasingly investing in drone technology. In recent weeks, Israel's security forces have reportedly interdicted dozens of shipments of drone-related technology. The seized technology, shipped by mail, includes drone motors and other components relating to the construction of unmanned aerial vehicles that could be used for "combat support" or the delivery of explosives. (Israel Defense, May 30, 2016)

THE KOSOVO CRUCIBLE
In the past, the country of Kosovo has been among the most moderate, pro-American Muslim societies in the world. Over the past two decades, however, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in the spread of its brand of Islam throughout the Balkan state, footing the bill for hundreds of mosques to be built across the country. In the process, it has effectuated a transformation in the country's religious complexion. Saudi-funded mosques, and the radical imams that preach in them, are being blamed for the spread of the intolerant Wahhabi creed of Islam, with tremendous - and detrimental - effects. Kosovo is now said to have the largest number of citizens who have gone abroad to join radical Islamist groups of any country in Europe. (New York Times, May 21, 2016)

AL-QAEDA'S NEW METHOD OF ECONOMIC WARFARE
Al-Qaeda's English language magazine, Inspire, has called for the targeting of American businessmen as a means of undermining the U.S. economy. The latest issue of the publication focuses on "Professional assassinations" and "home assassinations" - methods which its editor, Yahya Ibrahim, terms "an effective tool in warfare." "The prophet ordered the killing of many criminal leaders using this method... And here we are, following the footsteps of the prophet on how he dealt with his enemies and friends," Ibrahim writes as justification for the group's embrace of the tactic. (Fox News, May 16, 2016)

RISING TERRORIST ACTIVITY WITHIN THE UNITED STATES
A new report from the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness has warned of a surge in Islamist activity in America. According to the study, seventy-five Islamist militants were found to be operating across the United States in 2015, with the majority having some link to the Islamic State terrorist group. Twenty-one percent or more of the total were discovered to be actively plotting attacks within the U.S., with an even larger percentage providing material support to different terrorist organizations and cells. Almost half of the Islamist militants in question reportedly had attempted to go overseas. In all, law enforcement officials say, there were more domestic terror-related arrests in the U.S. last year than at any time since the September 11th attacks. (Washington Free Beacon, May 10, 2016)

FOR ISIS, NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION
The Islamic State is expanding taxes and punishments on the territory it controls to make up for the estimated thirty percent decline in revenue the group has experienced in recent times due to lost territory and resources. The group has imposed new fines on everything from what it deems improper social behavior to agriculture to the possession of illicit goods (such as satellite dishes). Unlike in the past, however, where such breaches were likely to be considered offenses worthy of corporal or even capital punishment, now residents are able to pay extra fines in order to avoid such penalties. (New York Times, May 26, 2016)

WALLING OFF JORDAN
Over the past two years, as part of its efforts to protect itself from the spreading reach of the Islamic State, the Hashemite Kingdom has quietly bankrolled a $100 million partnership with the Raytheon Corporation, a leading U.S. defense contractor. The focus of this cooperation is a three stage contract to erect a security perimeter to defend the country from ISIS militants and other potential extremist infiltrators. That project is now nearing completion. By this August, the Jordanian army will take custody of the 275-mile protective, sensor-driven border system, which boasts integrated with day and night cameras, ground radars and more. (Defense News, May 26, 2016)