Why the Guardians of Religion? This is an important question that merits an answer, since it is a relatively small organization compared to al-Qaeda, ISIS, or al-Nusra Front, and has dealt with major crises from the outset. However, the case of the Guardians of Religion sheds light on what happened to al-Qaeda in the Arab Mashriq.

This book examines the ideological and organizational dimensions of al-Qaeda’s efforts to penetrate the Levant. This is a history marked by moments of transformation, beginning with the shift from local jihad against the “near enemy” towards a globalized jihad against the “far enemy.” This later evolved into al-Zarqawi’s project in Iraq, which combined both approaches. The book traces the progression of the Syrian crisis, including the rise of al-Nusra and the ensuing ideological conflicts, critiques from the central branch of al-Qaeda, political conditions, and foreign policy that have all contributed to the rise and fall of al-Qaeda-affiliated organizations.