Psychological Profile: Osama Bin Laden

Psychological Profile: Osama bin Laden (Taken from Youtube clip-2min/33sec)

Terrance Jones

Executive Director

The JISS Corporation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiKyWJRRjnU&feature=PlayList&p=837D7D3CD0933FB6&index=0

Rifle in video presentations- bin Laden is projecting his focus on jihad and articulating that jihad is very much a relative and cumulative variable that sustains and expands Islam.

Prominent Gray in Beard- bin Laden is indicating that he has the seniority and experience of a sheik and an established member of the Islamic ulamah (scholars). Sheik is a title in Islam which is given after years (normally decades) of study concerning Islamic law, tafsir or commentary of Quran and hadith (words and actions of Prophet Muhammad). Bin Laden does not have these requirements; however, he has obtained this distinction from many Muslims due to his experience in the Afghan jihad against Russia.

Length of Beard- Bin Laden is articulating his compliance with the “pure” era of Islam, the Salaf concerning Islamic customs. Such a display in modern times facilitates a control point over Muslims who see themselves as non compliant with hadith customs. Bin Laden is also articulating his anti bida stance. Bida means innovation and is not tolerated in Islam as it challenges the “example” or sunnah of Prophet Muhammad.

Swaying and Rocking Movements- Bin Laden is attempting to merge the physical and spiritual tasks he has taken on into a rhythm that can be adapted to. Notice the symmetry of his speech and movement patterns. When you add his rifle and military dress to the equation, you will see that bin Laden is guided by spiritual, physical and psychological representations of fundamentalist jihad compliance.

Animal Parables and Analogies- Bin Laden is articulating and expressing his disdain for America who he sees as animals and predators concerning their opposition to Islamic jihads.

Right hand/Three Finger Gesture- This is how Muslims use their right hand to partake of their meals. This gesture indicates that bin Laden is consuming the seeds of hatred and defiance concerning those who seek to enforce a moral prerogative that is not subordinate to “pure” Salaf era Islam. The fact that a left handed bin Laden is gesturing primarily with his right hand is an indication of his disdain with innovation concerning Islamic customs in addition to his denial of his natural anatomical prominence concerning his hands.

Left to Right Circle Gesture – Bin Laden is articulating what he perceives as an unnatural influence and control concerning America’s enforcement of theatre, regional and global security. Bin Laden is also articulating his global intentions that are geared towards an expansionist agenda that is global in nature (Caliphate equivalence). This is a controlling gesture.

Right to Left Gesture –Bin Laden is articulating from what he sees as the natural flow creation in a world that is dominated by Islam. This is a controlling gesture as well.

Military Jacket- Bin Laden is organizing those inclined towards jihad.

Question- Can bin Laden be stopped?

Answer- Bin Laden will be stopped decisively.

Terrance Jones (The Dark Knight)