Al Qaeda Terrorism Manual Surfaces on Web Site

Terrorism researchers recently discovered a terrorism recruitment manual drafted by al Qaeda on a popular jihadi Web site that may give insight into the strength and strategy of the terrorist organization, according to National Public Radio (NPR).

The 51-page manual, " "The Art of Recruiting Mujahedeen," was downloaded off of the second most popular jihadi Web site, known as Ecles. Al Qaeda has posted items there before.

The manual has surprised researchers with its remedial tone and its step-by-step instructions. Recruiters using the manual are told to be nice to their recruits, for instance, by buying them small gifts. At the end of each chapter, there are questions and a point system to track recruiting progress, much like a teen or women's magazine. ""Is the recruit anxious to see you?" asks the question. Those answering "yes" receive three points; those answering "no" receive one point. At the end, the points are tallied and recruits are told whether they are on their way toward creating a terrorist recruit or whether they should start again.

NPR reports:

The book is clearly tailored to recruiters who may not know much about the Quran. It suggests recruiters target non-Muslims or recent converts to the Muslim faith. [Brian] Fishman [head of research at West Point's Combating Terrorism Center] says the simplicity may suggest that al-Qaida and its affiliated groups have had to lower their recruitment standards.

"When you think about al-Qaida's senior leadership, you have sophisticated thinkers there," he says. "People with engineering degrees and doctorates — those sorts of folks. That's not who is being targeted with this handbook. This is for a different class of terrorist, if you will."

While the manual might suggest a hint of desperation, experts say it also presents some real concerns. Georgetown University professor and counterterrorism expert Bruce Hoffman says the manual is aimed at attracting people who are less likely to arouse the suspicions of law enforcement. And it may be part of al-Qaida efforts to attract followers who can blend into different communities.

"I think it really reflects what we see in many established terrorist groups historically," he says. "This persistent quest or search for a new and broader constituency from which they can potentially draw recruits from."

Hoffman warns al Qaeda may be attempting to create the "ultimate fifth column," sleeper cells already rooted in their respective communities and countries who will not draw the suspicions of law enforcement.