My New Article in Journal "Perspectives on Terrorism" on Virginia Cyber Jihadi-takfiri Zachary "Abu Talha al-Amriki" Chesser

I have a new article in the journal Perspectives on Terrorism, "Zachary Chesser: An American Grassroots Jihadist Strategist." The abstract is below in bold italics:

Zachary Chesser (alias Abu Talhah al-Amrikee), a prolific 20-year-old online jihadist pundit, was arrested on 21 July 2010 for allegedly attempting to join the Somali jihadist group Al-Shabab. Before his arrest, Chesser produced numerous analytical and strategic writings aimed at ensuring that the transnational jihadist movement represented by Al-Qaeda’s Senior Leadership (AQSL) continues to exist beyond the present generation. In his last major essay, Chesser attempted to develop and propose a grassroot-based, inclusive approach toward jihadist recruitment, drawing upon the writings of prominent jihadists such as Yusuf al-Uyairi. It remains unclear as to whether Chesser is representative of a new breed of American jihadist pundit-operatives.

Read the full article HERE.

Zachary Chesser, a 20-year old Northern Virginia resident and college drop-out, was arrestedin late July for allegedly providing material support and attempting to join Somalia's largest insurgent group, Harakat al-Shabab al-Mujahideen (Movement of Warrior-Youth; Al-Shabaab), a group whose leaders endorse the transnational militant ideology of Al-Qa'ida Central (AQC). He is better known by his nom de guerre, Abu Talhah al-Amriki ("The American"), using the name of a prominent companion of the Prophet Muhammad, and is a member of Revolution Muslim, a small group of extremist American Muslims, mostly converts. Chesser briefly attended my alma mater, George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.