Oliver Duggan — Telegraph.co.uk July 6, 2014
The alleged leader of the ISIS wearing an expensive, ostentatious watch, which seems at odds with claims that he’s a devout Muslim
The emergence of the highly-secretive Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi from the shadow of Iraq’s sectarian crisis put a face to the threat of a global Islamic caliphate.
The Islamic State leader spoke publicly for the first time at Mosul’s Great Mosque of Friday, an intervention in which he called on the world’s Muslims to “obey” him as “the leader who presides over you”.
But the self-anointed ‘Caliph Ibrahim’ also brought a touch of branding into the bloody conflict, with many who have seen the 20-minute sermon commenting on his bulky and expensive wristwatch.
Appearing in black robes and a turban in an attempt to evoke memories of the last Caliphs to rule from Baghdad, the jihadist broke with the tradition to sport an ill-fitting chrome watch with a dark face.
His choice of accessory, which is believed to be either a Rolex, Sekonda or £3,500 Omega seamaster, has been highlighted as jarring with the content of his controversial speech.
He said that under the Islamic State’s direction the Muslim world would be returned to “dignity, might, rights and leadership”.
“I am the wali (leader) who presides over you, though I am not the best of you, so if you see that I am right, assist me,” he added.
“If you see that I am wrong, advise me and put me on the right track, and obey me as long as I obey God in you.”
Video footage of Baghdadi’s appearance, the veracity of which is disputed by the Iraqi government, was posted on Youtube and prompted an outpouring of confused comments on social media.
https://twitter.com/malasqalani/status/485462338276188160
"Did anyone find out what watch the Caliph of the Islamic State was wearing? #ISIS"#justwondering
— Speak Up Justice (@AatifMir2) July 6, 2014
The watch bore an obvious resemblance to models designed by a number of famous watchmakers, including the £3,490 Omega seamaster Aqua Terra and a much cheaper Sekonda time piece.
Other Twitter users attacked the Islamic State leader for attempting to cast himself as the successor to a group of Islamic rulers who presided over the Abbasid empire more than 1,000 years ago.
I mean the caliph looks like he's doing alright, #ballsohard #iraq #isis #rolex #mosul #NO2ISIS pic.twitter.com/oVp82SBynH
— Nawar Khabbaz (@nawar29) July 6, 2014
Another key point to make re Baggdadi appearance is the way he's dressed is supposed to look like Abbaside caliphs. Connotations obvious.
— Hassan Hassan (@hxhassan) July 5, 2014
@hxhassan He looked more of an #Orthodox Priest than an Abbaside #Caliph, with a righthand watch probably branded #ISIS. He is a fake actor.
— Luay al-Khatteeb لؤي الخطيب (@AL_Khatteeb) July 5, 2014
Also see: ISIS Is A Zionist Plot; A Jew Is Leading The Group – Reports Claim