The Internet and terrorism: In addition to its extensive Internet presence, Hamas recently launched a new website called AqsaTube. Hamas makes intensive use of its website network to wage the battle for the hearts and minds of its various target audiences in the Palestinian Authority and worldwide.
Certain security analysts feel that the virtual and arguably uncontrolled world of Second Life maybe being utilised by militants who can communicate and organize themselves freely and have a a wider base for recruitment. It is still too early however to establish for certain that SL is indeed being used by militants for the above purposes. Watch this space for further updates and analysis on Second Life!
Some disturbing SL posts
Several banners were posted on Jihadist website early September announcing a video by Al-Sahab production will be available for the audience on the 7th anniversary of 911 to anticipate the audience. The long awaited video was not available at that date; Al-Sahab production’s attempt to release it was thwarted by the shut- down of several prominent Jihadist websites that prevented people from viewing it. The delay was surprising since Al-Sahab production has been constantly using advanced tools, this could be caused by hackers who caused the shut-down of the forums, or because of damages inflicted on the technological divisions of al Qaeda that could be located in Pakistan.
The video with the duration of 1:27 minutes; provided English subtitles for viewers which reflects that they are not simply targeting Muslim audience who read Arabic, but aim to disseminate it internationally. The video adopted the latest form of technology in this video that has a high resolution and embedded bright graphics.
The video was rather a typical type of Jihadist video that included repeated propaganda al Qaeda constantly uses, it did not present the audience with any new information or more appealing graphics; it starred several top commanders in al Qaeda including Ayman Al-Zawahiri and Mustafa Abu Al-Yazeed and others.
Ayman Al-Zawahiri advocated for the Jihadist media stressing on the argument that their media is free and not controlled by states such as the traditional media internationally, where only the jihadist media is reflecting the truth. The video as usual attacks the Saudi regime and its acceptance of foreign troops and creating a harmonious relationship with the Christians and the Jews while attacking the Jihadists who are described by Al-Zawahiri as the saviors who attempt to liberate the Muslims. The video chose selectively various University professors and intellectuals supporting al Qaeda’s ideology and its cause.
Mustafa Abu Al-Yazeed discussed the situation in the two conflict zones Iraq and Afghanistan, he viewed Afghanistan’s situation as a success for the Mujahideen whom were provided with support from the Pakistani tribes, the video also discussed the situation in Iraq mentioning the Awakening councils that they portray as a failure that enabled the Mujahideen means to counter it, where the Mujahideen will not surrender and continue their fight.