Jihad Watch
Network Map
Organizational hierarchy & network connections
Connected Organizations
OVERVIEW
Jihad Watch is a blog and program of the David Horowitz Freedom Center, launched in 2003 and directed by Robert Spencer. The site's stated purpose is to research "the current state of radical jihad worldwide," though the SPLC and ADL consider it an active hate group due to "extreme hostility toward Muslims." Spencer was banned from the United Kingdom in 2013 by Home Secretary Theresa May, with his presence deemed "not conducive to the public good."
KEY FIGURES
Robert Bruce Spencer (Director) — Has no formal academic training in Islamic studies. Author of over 25 books, three reaching the New York Times Best Seller list. Co-founded Stop Islamization of America / American Freedom Defense Initiative with Pamela Geller (2010). Has given seminars to U.S. Central Command, Army Command and General Staff College, FBI, and U.S. intelligence community.
CONTROVERSIES
Anders Breivik Citation: The 2011 Norway mass attacker cited Spencer 64 times in his manifesto. Critics including Dinesh D'Souza, Karen Armstrong, and Cathy Young have cited Spencer's "deliberate mischaracterizations" of Islam.
Country Bans: Books banned in Pakistan and Malaysia. Removed from Patreon in 2018.
NETWORK CONNECTIONS
- David Horowitz Freedom Center — Parent organization; Spencer is a Shillman Fellow
- Pamela Geller / AFDI — Co-founded Stop Islamization of America
- FrontPage Magazine — Regular contributor
- Robert Shillman — CEO of Cognex Corporation, endows Spencer's fellowship
Linked Profiles
Individuals documented in connection with Jihad Watch
