The image carries the caption “silsilat ta‘liqat ‘ala ahdath 11 September; akthar min thalathat ajza’” (“series of commentaries on the events of 11 September; in more than three parts”). Jihadi propaganda often references important jihadi operations/violent events in order to establish these events as key milestones that shape the current jihadi movement. Usually, the events are reinterpreted as illustrations of the effectiveness of the violent jihadi struggle and its successes in targeting its enemies. In particular, the propaganda uses examples of jihadi victory against much stronger and more powerful Western forces as evidence of the imminent victory of jihadist Islam over Western imperialism and secularism. This framing of events facilitates faith and confidence in the jihadi enterprise, and is intended to inspire others to join in the growing success of the jihadi movement.
On the left of the image appears the figure of Usama bin Ladin in traditional Arab garb, standing in front of what is clearly a black banner with the text of the shahada (Islamic testimony of faith holding that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger). According to prophetic tradition, the black flag was the battle flag of the Prophet Muhammad and it was carried into battle by many of his companions. The image of the black flag has been used as a symbol of religious revolt and engagement in battle (i.e., jihad). In the contemporary Islamist movement, the black flag is used to evoke notions of jihad and of reestablishing the Islamic Caliphate.
