Global Terrorism and New Media: The Post-Al Qaeda Generation -Book review

In the first chapter of “Communicating Terror: The Role of New Media in the 21st Century,” the author delves into the complexities of media and its pivotal role in shaping the ideological battles within Islam and the broader dissemination of terrorism-related narratives. This chapter offers a nuanced perspective on how different factions within Islam use media to their advantage, contrasting the views of moderates and reactionaries and emphasizing the transformative impact of new media technologies. An alternative to Huntington’s “clash of civilizations” thesis, suggesting that the real conflict lies within Islam itself, between moderates and reactionaries. Both factions strive to use mass communication to propagate their ideologies and gain adherents. This internal clash is depicted as crucial, with figures like Yusuf al-Qaradawi and Amr Khaled exemplifying different approaches to media engagement. Al-Qaradawi, an old-school religious leader, uses platforms like Al Jazeera and Islam Online to spread his orthodox yet modernly phrased theology, appealing to a transnational audience. In contrast, Khaled, a newer generation media leader, utilizes Western vernacular and modern platforms to reach and mobilize a global audience, especially focusing on the second-generation European Muslims. The erosion of traditional media’s gatekeeping role due to the rise of new media. Previously, mainstream news organizations acted as gatekeepers, filtering and sometimes censoring information deemed too graphic or inflammatory. However, terrorists have found ways to bypass these traditional gatekeepers by leveraging the internet to directly reach large audiences. This shift has forced news organizations to reconsider their standards, as seen in the example of Saddam Hussein’s execution footage, which, despite being suppressed by major news outlets, spread virally online. This phenomenon underscores the changing landscape of news dissemination, where the presence of citizen journalists and the internet’s reach make traditional media’s gatekeeping increasingly obsolete. The role of online radicalization in sustaining terrorism. The internet has become a crucial tool for terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda, which use online platforms for recruitment and dissemination of their ideology. The National Intelligence Estimate of 2006 noted the rapid, widespread, and anonymous nature of online radicalization, making it challenging to track and counteract. Marc Sageman’s analysis emphasizes the shift from face-to-face radicalization to online forums that provide a virtual marketplace for extremist ideas, linking individuals to a broader terrorist movement. These forums enable interaction that can profoundly change individuals’ beliefs, promoting a collective discourse that serves as an invisible hand organizing terrorist activities worldwide. The complexities of media influence, using the death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi as an example. Information released by American officials was framed differently by extremist websites, portraying Zarqawi as a martyr rather than a terrorist. This divergence in framing highlights how the interpretation of events can vary dramatically depending on the cultural and political context. Such differences in framing illustrate the challenges in combating terrorism narratives, as terrorist organizations adeptly use online technologies to disseminate their messages and recruit members, taking advantage of the decentralized, networked structure of modern terrorism .

The chapter 2 High-Tech Terror: Al Qaeda and Beyond delves into the intricate web of extremist organizations and their utilization of new media platforms for dissemination and recruitment. The Taliban’s embrace of print, radio, and new media, particularly their use of DVDs for recruitment and morale-boosting purposes. It discusses the shift in their tactics from gruesome beheadings to more conventional military action showcased in online videos. This evolution underscores the adaptability of extremist groups in leveraging technology to further their agenda. The narrative shifts to Hizb ut Tahrir, emphasizing its ideological mission and increasing militancy. The group’s adeptness in utilizing the internet to foster a virtual Islamist community reflects the global reach and influence of online platforms in radicalization efforts. While discussing the Latin American, the tactics of FARC and ELN in Colombia. FARC’s reliance on media, particularly YouTube, for propaganda dissemination is juxtaposed with the grassroots anti-FARC movement initiated through Facebook, demonstrating the dual nature of online activism in countering extremist narratives. At the end of this chapter author describe the interconnectedness of extremist groups through their online presence, emphasizing their ability to amplify their message and solidarity on a global scale. It highlights the emergence of media groups in Central Asia and their role in disseminating extremist content.

In chapter 3 Terrorists’ online strategies is about an in-depth exploration of the ways in which terrorist organizations utilize the internet as a tool for communication, recruitment, propaganda dissemination, and fundraising. The chapter presents a comprehensive analysis of terrorists’ online strategies, examining their purposes, effects, language differences, and the underlying reasons for using the internet. Like various examples are cited to illustrate how terrorist groups leverage the internet to further their objectives. From disseminating propaganda and organizing operations to communicating with the public and soliciting financial support, highlighting the multifaceted nature of terrorists’ online activities. Real-world incidents such as the Mumbai attacks and the Bali bombings serve as compelling case studies to underscore the significance of online communication and coordination in modern terrorist operations. Moreover it delves into the effects of terrorist websites and online activities on users, exploring indicators such as forums, discussions, and polls. It sheds light on how users engage with the content and express their opinions, while also addressing challenges posed by language differences in translated websites. Further-more the authors describe the reasons why terrorist organizations choose to utilize the internet as a communication medium. Factors such as globalization, technological advancements, and the relatively low cost of internet access are discussed in relation to the rise of online terrorism. Furthermore, the ongoing debate surrounding the real threat posed by terrorists’ use of the internet is explored, taking into account factors such as internet penetration rates and the effectiveness of online recruitment strategies.

In chapter 4 Targeting the Young is all about disturbing reality of how extremist organizations manipulate and exploit children through various mediums, including online platforms, television programs, and educational materials. The chapter, divided into four distinct segments, meticulously examines the methods used by groups like Hamas to indoctrinate young minds with violent ideologies. The pervasive nature of online recruitment, highlighting how terrorist organizations target impressionable teenagers through rap videos and interactive websites. By blending entertainment with propaganda, these groups effectively normalize violence and martyrdom among the youth, perpetuating a cycle of radicalization. Moving forward, the narrative explores Hamas’s deliberate efforts to groom elementary school children through Al-Fateh Magazine and other digital platforms. By incorporating political cartoons, religious stories, and glorified depictions of martyrs, Hamas instills a sense of duty and allegiance to their cause from a young age, further fueling the cycle of violence. The role of televised programming in shaping children’s perceptions of conflict and resistance. Through shows like “Pioneers of Tomorrow,” Hamas portrays Israel as the enemy and promotes armed resistance as a noble endeavor. Characters like Farfour and Nahoul the Bee, depicted as martyrs, reinforce the glorification of violence and martyrdom among young viewers. The extremist propaganda on societal attitudes and future generations. It challenges the notion that exposure to such content is harmless, emphasizing the potential for long-term psychological and ideological effects. Despite some pushback from moderate voices and counter-narratives, the pervasive influence of extremist propaganda poses a significant challenge to efforts aimed at promoting peace and tolerance.

In the fifth chapter Women and terrorism the authors provide the comprehensive examination of women’s involvement in conflict zones presented in this piece offers a nuanced understanding of their roles, motivations, and societal impacts. Through a series of insightful observations and analyses, the article sheds light on the complex interplay between gender, ideology, and armed conflict. One notable aspect explored is the elevated status of mothers of martyrs in regions of conflict. The portrayal of these women as revered figures, despite their personal grief, highlights the intricate dynamics at play within societies grappling with conflict. The narrative skillfully navigates the tension between societal admiration for martyrdom and the private anguish experienced by these mothers. Moreover, this chapter delves into the emergence of women’s movements against occupation, underscoring the multifaceted nature of resistance efforts. By linking women’s rights advocacy to broader nationalist and political aspirations, the narrative underscores the agency of women in shaping the trajectory of conflict. The examination of online forums and social media platforms provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of extremist ideologies and recruitment tactics. Through the exploration of female voices in online spaces, the article illuminates the diverse ways in which women contribute to extremist narratives and movements. Furthermore, the discussion surrounding the portrayal of women in media and propaganda underscores the strategic importance of gendered imagery in shaping perceptions of armed conflict. The analysis of iconic figures such as Reem Al-Rayashi offers a compelling exploration of the intersection between gender, violence, and media representation.

In the sixth chapter Terrorism’s online future, it provides a comprehensive examination of terrorism’s evolving online presence, spanning from the early 2000s to the early 2010s. It delves into various aspects, including the radicalization process, the utilization of social media platforms like Facebook, the role of forums and blogs, and recent developments in terrorist communication strategies. It describes that how homegrown terrorism emerged as a significant concern in the United States, citing the case of Kevin Lamar James and his formation of the Jamiyyat Ul Islam Is Saheeh (JIS) group. This sets the stage for understanding the radicalization process, outlined through the four-step model developed by the NYPD. It effectively captures the progression from pre-radicalization to jihadization, highlighting the role of online platforms in disseminating extremist ideologies. The authors provide critical analysis of how terrorist groups leveraged social media platforms like Facebook for recruitment, networking, and disseminating propaganda. It presents real-life examples, such as Hezbollah’s and Hamas’s presence on Facebook, illustrating how these groups exploit the platform’s features to advance their agendas. It adeptly evaluates the challenges faced by Facebook in balancing freedom of expression with the need to combat hate speech and extremist content. The expanding scope beyond social media to explore the potential use of platforms like Twitter for terrorist activities. It discusses the real-time capabilities of Twitter and the emergence of mobile technologies in coordinating terrorist operations. Furthermore, authors critically examine recent developments, including Osama bin Laden’s audio message endorsing terrorist actions and the Taliban’s strategic shift towards a more flexible approach. The role of online forums and blogs in fostering extremist ideologies. It discusses the efforts of individuals like Samir Khan in disseminating jihadist propaganda through blogs operated within the United States. The review effectively highlights the challenges faced by counterterrorism entities in combating online radicalization, including the proliferation of extremist content and the difficulty in shutting down such platforms permanently.

The final chapter of the book Responding to Terrorism provides an insightful and comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted approach required to combat terrorism effectively. This chapter underscores the significance of understanding the deep-rooted causes of terrorism and the vital role of media and communication in both perpetuating and countering extremist narratives.

This chapter gives perspective of the Palestinian-produced version of Sesame Street, Shara’a Simsim. The program serves as a powerful example of how media can be used constructively to address the psychological and social challenges faced by children in conflict zones. By offering positive messages and promoting non-violent ways of resolving conflicts, Shara’a Simsim is a beacon of hope in an environment fraught with anxiety, depression, and the threat of radicalization. This section eloquently illustrates the potential of educational media to counteract the negative influences that can push young minds towards extremism. The importance of proactive media strategies in combating terrorism. The discussion around the Taliban’s use of various media platforms, from FM radio to sophisticated online content, reveals the adaptability and modernity of terrorist organizations in leveraging new technologies to spread their ideology. This underscores the urgent need for counterterrorism efforts to not only respond to but also anticipate and preempt these media strategies. The comparison with the constructive use of media in Northern Ireland and Kosovo further enriches this argument, showcasing how tailored, context-sensitive media interventions can promote peace and understanding in post-conflict societies. A particularly compelling part of the chapter is its examination of the generational aspects of extremism. The narrative of figures like Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and Anwar al-Awlaki illustrates how younger, tech-savvy terrorists have managed to amplify their influence through consistent and sophisticated use of media. This generational shift emphasizes the need for counterterrorism strategies to evolve continuously, integrating new media tools to undermine the appeal of extremist ideologies. Also, the authors criticize the current counterterrorism approaches, particularly the over-reliance on military solutions. Citing a RAND Corporation study, it convincingly argues that military force often exacerbates the problem by alienating local populations and inadvertently aiding terrorist recruitment. Instead, the chapter advocates for a shift towards intelligence and police work, combined with a strong emphasis on soft power and political solutions. This perspective is both pragmatic and forward-thinking, recognizing the limitations of hard power and the potential of more nuanced, non-military interventions.