ABSTRACT
Even after the eighth anniversary of the deadly 9/11 terrorist attacks in the USA, the threat that the world faces from extremism and terrorism is looming large. Whilst Al Qaeda terror network is recognised as the fountainhead of international terrorism, an organisation that epitomises and glorifies extremism is Hizb ut-Tahrir (HT). HT, also known as the Party of Liberation in Arabic language, is an international organisation with a global outreach. Named as one of the world’s most innovative extremist groups, HT has its presence in more than 45 countries, including Central Asia, with an ever increasing number of its members. Against this background, this chapter highlights the nature of the extremist ideology espoused by HT and the dangers and challenges it poses to mankind. With much controversy and little understanding surrounding the dynamic nature of HT, this paper explores its role in the global jihadi movement, especially as a vital launching pad for pan-Islamic radicalisation. This chapter analyses and explores HT’s global network and influence, and the tactical and systematic use of propaganda by the HT to achieve its long cherished goal, an Islamic Caliphate, and its potential and ability to radicalise individuals. The chapter also explores the critical regional security implications of HT for Central Asia besides shedding light on the possible sources of financial assistance to HT. Hizb ut-Tahrir was established in Bayt ul-Maqdis (Syria) in 1953 by Sheikh
Taqi Al-Din Al-Nabhani, a Palestinian radical activist and Shariah judge in the Jerusalem Appeals Court. He was the chief ideologue and the leader of HT for life till his death in 1979, besides being a prominent member of the Muslim Brotherhood.1 Among others, who were instrumental for creation of HT, were Haled Hasan, the leader of Fatah2 and Assad Tahmimi, the spiritual leader of Islamic Jihad. Nabhani was succeeded by Abd al-Qadim Zallum who was later succeeded by Ata Khalil Abu-Rashta3 when Zallum died in 2003.4
The HT is organised in a secretive and hierarchical pyramid structure made up of a number of cells. Each cell consists of five members. After completion
of a preliminary six-month study on the book Islom Nizomi (The Structure of Islam), each member of the HT swears that “in the name of Allah, I swear to carry out any orders of HT leaders even if these orders do not correspond to my belief.”5 This demonstrates the fidelity and loyalty of each member to the HT. HT’s structure, programme and tactics do not allow insubordination or self-initiated actions of its members. No member of HT is authorised to act independently. Members of HT, whether they are of ordinary rank or heads of regions, strictly coordinate their actions with their leaders.6
