Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Terrorism’s new avatars - part II

By Gabriel Weimann - posted Thursday, 14 January 2010


Although the last two options seem a bit far-fetched and difficult for terrorists to carry out successfully, the first option is a viable threat. The instantaneous update capabilities could help the terrorists organise more precise and detrimental ambushes.

According to the SITE report, despite the use of Twitter, jihadists continue to be wary of networking sites such as Facebook. In response to a forum members’ suggestion to become friends on Facebook, Ansar al-Mujahideen posters cautioned that such a network of friends was a danger to Western jihadists. Several forum members noted that the risks of having their real identity tied to their online personas outweighed the potential gains from networking with other jihad supporters. A member of a Jihadi forum in English issued a warning, reminding readers that a Facebook network would allow security agencies to trace entire groups of jihadists, arguing: “Don’t make a network in Facebook ... Then kuffar will know every friend you have or had in the past.”

Noting the prevalent use of Facebook, jihadists suggested that it be used to strengthen jihadist media and reach a wider audience. A jihadist posting on al-Faloja, a password-protected jihadist forum, on December 9, 2008, applauded the “YouTube Invasion”. He noted the “great success” thus far in publishing jihadist media on YouTube, and urged jihadists to maintain that campaign. It was through YouTube that the five American youth, now in custody in Pakistan, sought to contact terrorist groups in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Advertisement

By harnessing the power of a global community created by online social networks to their advantage, not only can terrorists promote global paranoia, share their messages with sympathisers and obtain donations; they can also create more terrorists.

The Internet has provided terrorists with a whole new virtual realm to conduct their sinister back-ally transactions. Instead of waiting for web-surfers to come across their websites and propaganda materials, terrorists can now lure targeted individuals to the sites. The best way to persuade individuals to support your cause is to create an emotional, psychological or intellectual bond with the victim. The perspective adherent should feel that he is part of a community. What better way to do that than to send them a friend request?

Still, while terrorists appear to use online networking more frequently and efficiently, they have also become more aware of the risks involved. Paradoxically, the most innovative network of communication developed by the West with its numerous online networking platforms, now serves the interests of its greatest foe - namely international terrorism.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All

Reprinted with permission from YaleGlobal Online (www.yaleglobal.yale.edu). Copyright © 2009, Yale Center for the Study of Globalization, Yale University.



Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

4 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Gabriel Weimann is Professor of Communications, Haifa University, Israel and The School of International Studies, American University, Washington, DC.

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Article Tools
Comment 4 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy