Al-Shamikha, Al Qaeda Women's Magazine, Launches: Report

Al Qaeda has reportedly launched Al-Shamikha (Arabic for "majestic woman"), a 31-page ladies' magazine, the Independent writes.

SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors the "jihadist threat," first came across the magazine on March 3. It was allegedly released by the Al-Fajr Media Center, an online distributor of al-Qaeda propaganda and published by the "al-Shamikha Media Foundation" media group.

According to the British paper, topics covered in the debut issue include how to find Mr. Right -- "marrying a mujahideen" -- and how to maintain perfect skin -- by covering your face. Other life advice? "From martyrdom, the believer will gain security, safety and happiness."

And from the magazine's preamble:

"Because women constitute half of the population - and one might even say that they are the population since they give birth to the next generation - the enemies of Islam are bent on preventing the Muslim woman from knowing the truth about her religion and her role, since they know all too well what would happen if women entered the field of jihad... The nation of Islam needs women who know the truth about their religion and about the battle and its dimensions and know what is expected of them."

If responsible, this isn't Al Qaeda's first publication -- nine months ago it launched Inspire, an English-language magazine meant to influence opinion about the group abroad. In 2004, radical Islamists founded "Al-Khansa," an online "jihadist" publication for women, the BBC writes.

James Brandon of think tank Quilliam told the Daily Mail, "Al-Qaeda see how effective magazines are at pushing the ideals of western culture and want to try the same thing. As a result they have come up with a jihadist's version of Cosmopolitan magazine," Al-Shamikha.

The Mail adds that the next issue will contain more skin care tips and a how-to on waging electronic jihad. The current issue is viewable online here.

Comments

[Chimichurri]

02:52 PM on 03/17/2011

I thought this was a Bill Maher bit.

[adamben]

09:42 AM on 03/17/2011

can't wait to see their tips on improving your sex life.

[anothervoice]

09:06 AM on 03/17/2011

I don't know why there's umbrage over in-doctrinaire journalism - we've had Fox News for years...

[AllieGoogle]

09:43 AM on 03/17/2011

I don't know why there's umbrage over in-doctrin­aire journalism - we've had HuffPo for years...

[Andman0121]

07:40 AM on 03/17/2011

Lol when is this going to end?

[American Air]

02:30 AM on 03/17/2011

Which is better? Christianity or Islam? They both are of the jealous god.

[Debbi Mihelic]

12:15 AM on 03/17/2011

This isn't April Fool's day...

[happylonersarah]

12:00 AM on 03/17/2011

Great tips for their women (who aren't aloud to read) on how to introduce their hot new suicide bomber boyfriend to mom!!!

[blogger x]

10:30 PM on 03/16/2011

So we're supposed to believe that the U.S. government would allow an Al Qaeda magazine to be viewed online?

The possible provocateur provides a link to the magazine that will talk about how to wage "electronic jihad."

This article smacks of C.I.A. propaganda.

The war on "terror" is a joke.

[adamben]

09:40 AM on 03/17/2011

the cia isn't smart enough.

[AllieGoogle]

09:44 AM on 03/17/2011

The US Government doesn't control what is put on the internet.

[blogger x]

05:54 PM on 03/17/2011

But they somehow have the ability to attack Wikileaks website.

[Andythelawyer]

07:09 PM on 03/16/2011

Almost as funny as if they'd launched a magazine for pork producers.

[FarOutFish]

03:40 PM on 03/16/2011

I presume the centerfold will feature stylish ways to were the Burka.

[chiodo08]

03:26 PM on 03/16/2011

lovely

[StopMakingSense2]

02:52 PM on 03/16/2011

Wouldn't they have to allow them to learn to read for this to work? Oh! This is for the ones who can and are not under their control. I get it.. So they think women would want to give up civilization to join the stone age? How tempting that must be.. Must religion be synonymous with suffering?

[notfooledbyu]

02:21 PM on 03/16/2011

How can this be? Fox news said one of the reasons for 9/11 was that we read magazines. Seriously, I actually watched Fox news back then.

[Whinger]

10:20 AM on 03/16/2011

Al Qaeda, dedicated followers of fashion and womens rights......

Next thing you know they'll be embracing democracy!

[Kingkongmama]

08:59 AM on 03/16/2011

I want to see this on new rules