Hizb ut-Tahrir America

Hizb ut-Tahrir America (HTA; حزب التحرير في أمريكا) is a separate, but linked entity to the international pan-Islamist and fundamentalist organization that seeks to establish a global caliphate governed under Shariah law. Under this caliphate, members work toward uniting all Islamic countries as well as transforming secular, host countries into Islamic states. Hizb ut-Tahrir America's goals are the same as the global organization – the installation and implementation of sharia law as the sole source of law. Hizb ut-Tahrir, which does not engage in political struggle in America, has chapters throughout the world which have caused a variety of security concerns leading to an outright ban of the organization from operating legally within several host countries, including Bangladesh, Egypt, England, Germany, Russia, Turkey and several other Arab countries. Furthermore, as a result of Hizb ut-Tahrir’s activities, the organization has undergone close scrutiny by countries like Australia, Azerbaijan, China, Denmark, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Initially, the group struggled to find an identity and, more importantly, recruits. However, the group managed to keep recruitment to levels able to sustain the organization’s existence. While other HT groups around the world have expanded quickly, HTA has taken roughly two decades to establish a concrete presence within the U.S. The group is still wary of outsiders, however, wide use of the internet is now used for recruiting and spreading their message. Reasons for impotent beginnings are attributed to their founders’ paranoid mentality regarding possible Western “spies” and their suspicion of the internet. This state of mind appeared unnecessary to targeted Muslim recruits who found their paranoia unattractive and strange. However, after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, HTA’s paranoid behavior seemed to justify itself after many Muslims felt unjust scrutiny over the terrorist attacks.