Guidebook to Hell

Did you ever wonder how to get yourself a one way ticket to oblivion while pretending you are going to paradise? (Oh! And the virgins! Never forget the virgins!)

Thanks to The Mudville Gazette for the heads up.

When travelling, wear jeans and carry a walkman - try not to look like an Islamic fundamentalist - and for precise instructions on how to link up with Iraqi groups "contact the Salafite jihadist exponents in your own countries".

These are just some of the travel tips and suggestions provided on an Islamist internet site for potential al-Qaeda recruits from various Arab and Western countries who have signalled their desire to go to Iraq to fight against the American troops.

"The route to Iraq for mujahadeen who want to reach the country of two rivers" is the title of a message that appears on a prominent Islamic internet forum often used by the al-Qaeda network. "To reach Iraq, you will need detailed instructions," notes the message, signed by "Doctor Islam", "not just on how to get to the country, but on how to enter one of the mujahadeen groups there.

"The instruction booklet begins with the recruiting phase, which is normally used by Salafite imams in Arabic or Western countries. "The Salafite Jihadists are spread throughout various countries. Many are under surveillance or hunted by the police, but despite this they manage to send zealous young people to Iraq. They [the recruiters] are not far away but among us, though you will need Allah's help to reach them, as on making contact, we could be accused of terrorism.

"The instructions confirm the crucial role of fundamentalist Imams in recruiting aspiring guerrillas for the Jihad in Iraq, but technology also plays a part. "Some of these Salafite mujahadeen participate in our forums" the message says, "and if they do not post many messages it is because they are involved and being hunted by the tyrants".

According to the report, there is the risk of fraudsters even in the recruitment of Islamist terrorists, people who take advantage of the passion of aspiring jihadists to rob them. "Brother, beware of the lies that you find on forums, of those who say they know the way of the Jihad and ask for money. Never give them cash unless they are trusted people in whom you have great faith".

Yeah, keep the faith, baby.