The Geographical Dimensions of Al-Qa'ida Rhetoric

Bibliographic Data

ID4491965
AuthorsJoseph J Hobbs (corresponding author)
Year2005
Volume95
Issue3
Pages301-327
Publication date2005-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGeographical Review (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0016-7428 • E-ISSN: 1931-0846
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/j.1931-0846.2005.tb00369.x
OpenAlexW2092784485
LanguageEN
Citations received7
References cited12

This article examines the geographical ideology of al‐Qa'ida. The central questions are to what extent al‐Qa'ida terrorism is motivated by a desire to control geographical space, and how the organization defines that space as place in its communiqués. The study also asks whether al‐Qa'ida's geographical rhetoric reveals the nature or locations of future attacks. Principal sources are statements and interviews by and with al‐Qa'ida leaders. al‐Qa'ida classifies distinctive geographical realms of legitimization, preparation, and action. Its geographical concerns and ambitions are hierarchical and based principally on perceptions of sacred space. The holy places of Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem are the cornerstones of a greater Islamic holy land that al‐Qa'ida seeks to rid of non‐Islamic‐especially U.S. and "Zionist"‐elements and replace with a new caliphate. Terrorism directed principally against American civilians in the United States is one of the main tactics by which al‐Qa'ida says it hopes to achieve its goals in geographical space.Key words: al‐Qa'idaenvironmental perceptionsacred spaceterrorism. Additional informationNotes on contributorsJoseph J. HobbsDr. Hobbs is a professor of geography at the University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211

Geography · Linguistics · Rhetoric · Archaeology and Historical Studies · Historical and Linguistic Studies · Islamic Studies and History · Philosophy

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