Adam Gadahn

Adam Yahiye Gadahn, (1978-) also known as Abu Suhayb Al-Amriki, Abu Suhail Al-Amriki, Abu Suhayb, Yihya Majadin Adams, Adam Pearlman, Yayah, Azzam the American, Azzam Al-Amriki, was born in the United States and is a spokesman for al-Qaeda. He is under indictment for providing support to al-Qaeda, for charges including treason, an extremely rare U.S. accusation.

Gadahn is considered an effective propagandist, especially when appealing to potential Western recruits. His appearance in an al-Qaeda video, rather than that of a higher-ranking spokesman such as Ayman al-Zawahiri or Abu Yahya al-Libi does not lower the importance of the messages, but is a clue as to its targeting. Al-Zawahiri, as an Egyptian, would be a better communicator to Egyptians.

Status
There were early reports that he had been captured, in March 2010, by Pakistani security forces, but these do not seem to be correct. A U.S.-born sympathizer was captured, but he appears to be Abu Yahya Mujahdeen al-Adam.

Messages
In recent broadcasts, he has urged sympathizers not only to support massive attacks of the 9-11 Attack form, but "Even apparently unsuccessful attacks on Western mass transportation systems can bring major cities to a halt, cost the enemy billions and send his corporations into bankruptcy,"  These are interpreted as invitations for self-radicalized "lone wolf" or small group actions.

In a recent broadcast, he praises the careful technique of Nidal Hasan at Fort Hood. “the Mujahid brother Nidal Hasan is a pioneer, a trailblazer and a role-model who has opened a door, lit a path and shown the way forward for every Muslim who finds himself among the unbelievers and yearns to discharge his duty to Allah.” He adds that Hasan was the “ideal role model” for Muslims serving in the armed forces of Western countries and of their Muslim allies. Hasan “didn’t unnecessarily raise his security profile or waste money better spent on the operation itself by traveling abroad to acquire skills and instructions which could easily be acquired at home, or indeed, deduced by using one’s own powers of logic and reasoning.”

His emphasis on small attacks reflects what may be a reorientation in al-Qaeda. While the core group always emphasized spectacular attacks, he is encouraging, presumably with support from senior leadership, a style first advocated by Nasir al-Wahayshi, leader of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula in October 2009, which encouraged jihadists to conduct simple attacks with readily available weapons.