All around Iran and occupied Iran, a slight different version of the first part of the Salat was spoken; Praise be to Allah, the most merciful, the most benificient, lead us to victory against the infidels. This new fundamentalist attitude was far different than the classical Mudhajeen or Wahabist attitudes. It was coined by warlords and administrative branches alike as the al-da'wa al-jadīda al jadida, or the new, new doctrine. This doctrine did not entailed the old their life for the cause, but a much more thought out tactic that would set the precedent for asymmetric warfare for quite some time. It was based off the idea that goal of god was to sacrifice it in the cause of spreading Islam and protecting the nation. This gave rise to the suicide bombings and other extreme acts.
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A large van door slams very audibly in the distance. Their loading up, better hurry up, I say as I break my walk into a run across the dimly lit parking garages pavement. I look up, at the lights, flashing yellow as I pass under them, then down to the black concrete with similar flashing white and green lines. In the vast volume of the near empty parking garage, my foot steps echo with slight sounds from the van. I took a turn around a pillar and I saw my co-workers.
As-Salamu Alaykum the one I only know as Ali, our leader, says cheerfully.
As-Salamu Alaykum I say politely back as I start approaching the van.
Glad you could join us he says as I step over some remaining bags to get to the front of the van. I trip over a particularly bulky duffel. As I get up. I am surprised by the large window on the side of the van. I quickly realize that the vehicle is an old ice cream van.
So we have this van full he starts to say, I interrupt him saying This is an ice cream van.
Yes, cheapest car with the room we need. he says dismissively.
For the first time I noticed a young boy, at most 15 years old leaning against a car next to us. I walk up to him brushing dirt that landed on my cloths off. How could Ali be so stupid as to bring in this young one on this mission. Ali must be so stupid, so idiotic , so-
Crazy! That is what whoever set these fuses must have been! says Ali looking inside a bag, he adds, realizing my slight curiosity at this sudden addition of the team Oh, that is a dear friend of mine.
A turn around quickly, and pull Ali off to the side. What are you thinking, bringing this new person in on this day, such a young one too, how can we trus- I whisper annoyed, but am interrupted by Ali.
How can we trust him?! he whispers, his father died in the service in the initial soviet attack, doing what?
I remain silent
He was a cook... I would have never brought him into the Northern Resistance if i didn't think he could be trusted he responds, now finish loading the bags!
I return to the white ice cream truck and bring up the remaining heavy bags to the van's floor. All of them were laden with explosives, fuses and incendiaries. These were the ingredients, as well as bullet lead, that I knew would bury the Soviet Bear.
After everything was loaded, Ali stepped inside the truck to make sure everything was set and rigged correctly. Bring them to their knees, In Sha Allah Ali said as he stepped out the back Van door, Blessings and Peace be upon you he said as he closed the door of the van, and out of this world as far as my mind was concerned. I covered the explosives with a tarp, I opened the side door and stepped out, and into the main compartment, which I found that the boy was already sitting in the drivers seat.
Ali set an electronic detonator from up here he said hesitantly as he handed me a green switch with wires going through a small hole to the rear compartment. He started up the engine, and started out of the building. He was silent to the small talk I was saying and as we entered the vibrant sunlight with a flash I noticed tears starting from the boys face.
Hold yourself together, we are going to pave the way towards the downfall of the communists. I said reassuringly as the van turned onto Malik street. These words seemed to have been lost in the space between us, as he started into a audible cry. He turned the car to the side of the road and placed his head down on the steering wheel weeping.
I cannot do this! he cried lifting his head momentarily.
Friend! We must do this for the blessings of god and all that is holly. Think of the wrongs that the enemy has done to us, we must push forward, and fight with all the strength that god can give us! I responded, apparently aptly as he seemed to have stopped crying, and turned back onto the road. We continued to the target, a building that was used as a headquarters of the Soviet forces of the town. We got the the front of the building, and pulled off the road.
Do you wish to do the honors? I said holding the switch in front of him.
I cannot! he broke down crying again. He opened the driver'sdoor and ran across the street, much to the surprise of Soldiers in front of the stone building.
Well then, I said to myself, Allah Akbar
With that I flicked the green switch and a bright flash appeared all around me.
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