The Reference attracts more attention across Europe

The Reference, which is published by Paris-based Centre for Middle East Studies (CEMO), has made its second appearance on newsstands and bookshelves in Europe. Thanks to the big success its 1^st edition has made, the 2^nd issue of the Reference has attracted more attention, especially after its strategic supplement includes studies and researches seeking to investigate the reasons why European young people would swear their loyalty to ISIS. It is known that The Reference is published in four languages: English, German, French and Arabic.

According to the distribution agency, the percentage of the sales of the 1^st issue was 53% and that of its strategic supplement was 55%. In a letter sent to CMOS, the agency’s officials described these percentages as a big success for a publication, which made its first appearance on bookshelves and newsstands in the European market.

The 2^nd issue is introduced by Dr. Abdel-Rahim Ali, CMOS’s chairman and founder. In his article Dr. Ali, who is also the chairman and founder of Cairo-based Al-Bawaba for Islamic Studies, debated the reasons and causes, which helped sow the seeds of extremism in European communities. Dr. Ali, who has immense knowledge of the roots and developments of the Political Islam, maintained that four reasons are behind the growing phenomenon of extremism in Europe. According to the author, the European continent was undergoing a real danger as a result of its proximity to the Middle East, in which terrorism reared its head first. Dr. Ali held the Muslim Brotherhood and its ideology accountable for the spread of terrorism and extremism in Europe.

He stressed that without extensive and indepth analysis of Jihadist groups and their native environment, efforts to eradicate the plague would not produce concrete success.  He blamed some political circles and powers in Europe for toying with Jihadist movements only to the throw the door for Jihadist ideology to come in and grow in their communities.

The 2^nd issue of The Reference rebutted cynical attempts by Qatar-linked circles to damage CEMO’s image. In its rebuttal, The Reference asserted that CMOS is chiefly interested in shedding more light on the Islamist movements, which turned Jihadists and violent groups. In its 2^nd issue, The Reference disclosed the identity of the Jihadist, who is paid by Qatar to challenge CMOS’ credibility and integrity.

The 2^nd issue includes the letter sent by Dr. Ali to Journal du demanche to refute allegations fabricated by Qatar Observatory in Paris against CMOS. In his letter, Dr. Ali revealed that Nabil al-Naseri is paid by Qatari circles to circulate sheer lies and fake news.

Influential writers, such as Richard Labeviere and Mohamed Ali Ibrahim contributed to the Reference’s 2^nd issue. Labeviere discusses the problematic anti-Semitism. Egyptian wrier Mohamed Ali Ibrahim publishes an article entitled: Abdel-Rahim Ali, Hitler and Semitism.

Semitism is given more elaboration in the file of the Reference’s 2^nd issue. Writer Hussam el-Hadad debates Egypt for being the safe refuge for Jews; Sumaiya Ahmed writes about the Synagogues, saying that they have been protected by the Egyptian people; and Ahmed Saad publishes an interview with Ms. Magda Haroun, Chairwoman of the Jewish Community in Egypt.

Also, writer Joachim Feliocas, Director of the Islamisation Observatory, tracks down the Qatari financial sources, which help Political Islam grow in France. Readers of The Reference have the opportunity to know more about Ayman Fayed, ex-adviser of Osama bin Laden. In an interview he accorded to Rahma Mahmoud, Fayed reveals the important phases in his life since he travelled to Afghanistan and joined Al-Qaeda.

Prominent writer and analyst Roland Jacquard explains to his readers whether Al-Qaeda would be resuscitated and rise from the ashes of ISIS. Jacquard also answers the question why Al-Qaeda’s leader Ayman al-Zawahari failed to decode the new dynamism, which gave birth to ISIS.

Post-ISIS organizational and geographical changes are elaborated by Richard Labeviere. Writer Osman Tuzgart is interested in examining the challenges parallel to the rise of a low-cost terrorism.

The 2^nd issue of The Reference also features a journey by writer Pan Hamel to track down the final destinations of antiquities smuggled by ISIS fighters.

The Reference’s highlights the French programmes to rehabilitate terrorists and extremists of Arab Maghreb origins, and the role of the MB in terrorism-making.