Symbols serve several purposes for terrorist groups. Appearing on flags, communiqués, the Internet and as graffiti, they announce a group’s identity and purpose, deepen its sense of unity, appeal to the like-minded and frighten those to whom the group is opposed .
Each symbol is an arrangement of visual information drawn from the culture in which the group operates. The information has been arranged in order to convey, in a dramatic manner, ideas about the group’s founding, ideology, aims and methods. It is important to bear in mind that the elements in a symbol, taken by themselves, often have no innate connection to terrorism or political and religious radicalism.
Most of the Islamic group symbols include a Koran, for instance. Depending on the symbol, the Muslim holy book denotes one or more of the following similar, though not identical ideas: that its teachings are the reason for the group’s existence; that group members are especially pious; that the group views its actions as a religious duty; that the entire world should follow Islam; that the Koran justifies killing and conquest.
The elements of a symbol provide telling details about the group they represent. Flags and maps underscore nationalist aspirations. A sword, unlike a rifle, emphasizes historical Islam as well as violence. In grasping these details, our understanding of these groups becomes more vivid and specific.
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Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade
Al Qaeda in Iraq (1)
Al Qaeda in Iraq (2)
Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)
Al Shabaab
Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (1)
Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (2)
Hamas (1)
Hamas (2)
Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades
Hezbollah
Islamic Palestine Block, An-Najah Students Cell
Jaish-e-Mohammed
Kahane Movement (1)
Kahane Movement (2)
Kurdistan Workers Party (1)
Kurdistan Workers Party (2)
Lashkar-e-Taiba
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (1)
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (2)
Muslim Brotherhood (1)
Muslim Brotherhood (2)
Palestinian Islamic Jihad
Palestinian Liberation Front
Palestinian National and Islamic Forces
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (1)
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (2)
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine - General Command (1)
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine - General Command (2)
Salafist Group for Call and Combat (GSPC)