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The New Orleans Attack and Hamas’ October 7 Massacre Share the Same Ideology and Motivation

Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a suspect in the New Orleans attack, is seen in this picture obtained from social media, released in November 2013, in Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk), Louisiana, US, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division via Facebook via REUTERS

The tragic terror attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day is yet another reminder of the persistent threat of extremist ideologies in the West. While the immediate focus is on this horrific event, it’s crucial that we don’t allow such incidents, often labeled as “lone wolf” attacks, to overshadow the broader issue of radical Islamism, which continues to challenge Western societies.

The terrorist’s actions, carried out hours after posting videos expressing a desire to kill people and featuring ISIS symbols, highlight the ideological motivations behind these attacks. While the FBI has not confirmed a direct ISIS affiliation, the presence of ISIS-related imagery and the killer’s premeditated plan signal a deeper ideological commitment to terror. The attack also involved firearms and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), showcasing the deadly, calculated nature of these assaults.

However, the “lone wolf” label can be misleading. While these individuals may act alone in execution, they are often driven by powerful ideologies. Islamism, a radical political ideology advocating for the establishment of an Islamic state under Sharia law, continues to thrive in certain segments of Western societies. This ideology, which justifies violence as a means of achieving political goals, is not confined to isolated groups or individuals — it is a growing threat.

This issue was starkly brought into focus in October 2023, with the Hamas-led massacre in Israel. On October 7, Hamas militants launched an unprecedented assault, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking hundreds of hostages. This attack, one of the deadliest in recent memory and the worst in Israel’s histoy, was not an isolated incident, but part of Hamas’ long-standing agenda to destroy Israel and establish an Islamic state. The brutality of October 7 is just one example of the kind of radicalism promoted by Islamist groups like Hamas, whose violent methods echo those of ISIS and other extremist organizations.

The ideology driving groups like Hamas and ISIS shares a goal: the imposition of their version of Islam through violent means. These ideologies promote terror as a political tool. Whether through organized groups like Hamas or individuals radicalized in the West, the core motivation remains the same: a radical, uncompromising vision of Islam that justifies violence to achieve its goals.

This form of radical Islamism, while often dismissed as an issue confined to the Middle East, has spread globally. In Western countries, it is particularly alarming to see these ideologies gaining traction in local communities, leading to violent acts carried out by individuals like the New Orleans killer.

The problem with this kind of Islamism is that it does not merely present an ideological challenge — it is inherently violent. The radicalization process, whether it occurs in a war zone or in Western cities, is fueled by extremist interpretations of Islam. While the majority of Muslims do not subscribe to these beliefs, the existence of such ideologies within the Muslim community creates a dangerous undercurrent that must be addressed.

In the aftermath of the New Year’s attack, President Joe Biden and local authorities prioritized swift action and investigation. However, addressing the underlying problem of radical Islamism requires more than just focusing on individual attacks. Governments must confront the broader networks of influence that enable these ideologies to thrive. Whether it’s ISIS, Hamas, or lone-wolf attackers, they are all products of the same ideological machinery that promotes radicalism.

The rise of radical Islamism requires a coordinated global response. This includes intelligence-sharing among nations and improved efforts to monitor and prevent radicalization within communities. The use of social media by extremists highlights the importance of monitoring online platforms for signs of radicalization. However, questions remain about whether Western societies are doing enough to act on such signals in real-time.

Moreover, Western countries must ensure that Muslim communities are not isolated or preyed upon by extremist groups. Integration — socially, economically, and politically — helps prevent disenfranchised individuals from turning to violent ideologies. Community engagement, education, and open dialogue between Muslim leaders and broader society can foster an environment that isolates radical elements and promotes a peaceful, inclusive vision of Islam.

The role of the media also cannot be overstated. While it is natural to focus on the details of an attack, it is equally important to address the broader ideological threat posed by Islamism. The media often highlights the individual perpetrator, but the real issue lies in the ideas that drive these attacks.

While the attack in New Orleans is tragic and demands full attention, we must not let it distract from the broader issue of radical Islamism in the West. Only by addressing the root causes of this violence can we hope to prevent future tragedies, and ensure a safer, more inclusive world for everyone.

Amine Ayoub, a Middle East Forum Fellow, is a policy analyst and writer based in Morocco.

The post The New Orleans Attack and Hamas’ October 7 Massacre Share the Same Ideology and Motivation first appeared on Algemeiner.com.

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FBI Investigating ‘Targeted Terror Attack’ in Boulder, Colorado, Director Says

FILE PHOTO: FBI Director Kash Patel testifies before the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on President Trump’s proposed budget request for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 8, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo

FBI Director Kash Patel said on Sunday the agency was aware of and fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado.

While he did not provide further details, Patel said in a social media post: “Our agents and local law enforcement are on the scene already, and we will share updates as more information becomes available.”

According to CBS News, which cited witnesses at the scene, a suspect attacked people with Molotov cocktails who were participating in a walk to remember the Israeli hostages who remain in Gaza.

The Boulder Police Department said it was responding to a report of an attack in the city involving several victims. It has not released further details but a press conference was expected at 4 p.m. Mountain Time (2200 GMT).

The attack comes just weeks after a Chicago-born man was arrested in the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy employees in Washington, D.C. Someone opened fire on a group of people leaving an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee, an advocacy group that fights antisemitism and supports Israel.

The shooting fueled polarization in the United States over the war in Gaza between supporters of Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrators.

The post FBI Investigating ‘Targeted Terror Attack’ in Boulder, Colorado, Director Says first appeared on Algemeiner.com.

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Terrorist Responsible for Death of 21 Soldiers Eliminated

An Israeli F-35I “Adir” fighter jet. Photo: IDF

i24 NewsKhalil Abd al-Nasser Mohammed Khatib, the terrorist who commanded the terrorist cell that killed 21 soldiers in the southern Gaza Strip on January 22, 2024, was killed by an Israeli airstrike, the IDF said on Sunday.

In a joint operation between the military and the Shin Bet security agency, the terrorist was spotted in a reconnaissance mission. The troops called up an aircraft to target him, and he was eliminated.

Khatib planned and took part in many other terrorist plots against Israeli soldiers.

i24NEWS’ Hebrew channel interviewed Dor Almog, the sole survivor of the mass casualty disaster, who was informed on live TV about the death of the commander responsible for the killing his brothers-in-arms.

“I was sure this day would come – I was a soldier and I know what happens at the end,” said Almog. “The IDF will do everything to bring back the abductees and to topple Hamas, to the last one man.”

The post Terrorist Responsible for Death of 21 Soldiers Eliminated first appeared on Algemeiner.com.

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Stanley Fischer, Former Fed Vice Chair and Bank of Israel Chief, Dies at 81

FILE PHOTO: Vice Chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve System Stanley Fischer arrives to hear Governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney delivering the Michel Camdessus Central Banking Lecture at the International Monetary Fund in Washington, U.S., September 18, 2017. Photo: REUTERS/Joshua Roberts/File Photo

Stanley Fischer, who helped shape modern economic theory during a career that included heading the Bank of Israel and serving as vice chair of the US Federal Reserve, has died at the age of 81.

The Bank of Israel said he died on Saturday night but did not give a cause of death. Fischer was born in Zambia and had dual US-Israeli citizenship.

As an academic at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Fischer trained many of the people who went on to be top central bankers, including former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke as well as Mario Draghi, the former European Central Bank president.

Fischer served as chief economist at the World Bank, and first deputy managing director at the International Monetary Fund during the Asian financial crisis and was then vice chairman at Citigroup from 2002 to 2005.

During an eight-year stint as Israel’s central bank chief from 2005-2013, Fischer helped the country weather the 2008 global financial crisis with minimal economic damage, elevating Israel’s economy on the global stage, while creating a monetary policy committee to decide on interest rates like in other advanced economies.

He was vice chair of the Federal Reserve from 2014 to 2017 and served as a director at Bank Hapoalim in 2020 and 2021.

Current Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron praised Fischer’s contribution to the Bank of Israel and to advancing Israel’s economy as “truly significant.”

The soft-spoken Fischer – who played a role in Israel’s economic stabilization plan in 1985 during a period of hyperinflation – was chosen by then Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon as central bank chief.

Netanyahu, now prime minister, called Fischer a “great Zionist” for leaving the United States and moving to Israel to take on the top job at Israel’s central bank.

“He was an outstanding economist. In the framework of his role as governor, he greatly contributed to the Israeli economy, especially to the return of stability during the global economic crisis,” Netanyahu said, adding that Stanley – as he was known in Israel – proudly represented Israel and its economy worldwide.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog also paid tribute.

“He played a huge role in strengthening Israel’s economy, its remarkable resilience, and its strong reputation around the world,” Herzog said. “He was a world-class professional, a man of integrity, with a heart of gold. A true lover of peace.”

The post Stanley Fischer, Former Fed Vice Chair and Bank of Israel Chief, Dies at 81 first appeared on Algemeiner.com.

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