Dissecting Daesh (ISIS) propaganda
In a joint investigation TRAC and the Quillaim Foundation take apart a recent Daesh video of a group execution - all is not what it seems. Shadows added for example and the time track shows gaps.
From TRAC's introduction:
Quote:
Since its inception, the Islamic State (IS) propaganda machine has repeatedly demonstrated its sophistication and complexity. IS has abandoned the often ramshackle methods of international outreach common to its rivals (e.g. bin Laden's cassette tapes) in favor of meticulously planned, high-quality videos. In one of its most recent releases, Although the Disbelievers Dislike It, IS attempts to provide a graphic cinema-quality experience to its viewers. Nevertheless, upon close examination, it becomes apparent that discrepancies were overlooked in the editorial process, leading to telling anomalies.
There is a video on the TRAC site, which will be graphic.
Link to TRAC:http://www.trackingterrorism.org/art...ry-expansion-0
Link to Quilliam, which is a PDF report (no video, just photos):http://www.quilliamfoundation.org/wp...anda-video.pdf
One wonders how such a forensic, if not technical analysis can be exploited within the areas Daesh control, shown to those who watch such videos on their radicalisation route and as evidence to support a war crime investigation.
Why the fight against IS is not the success we're told it is
Professor Scott Lucas has a commentary:https://www.opendemocracy.net/open-s...7re-told-it-is
It starts with:
Quote:
Is John Kerry right to be so gung-ho about military successes against Islamic State? Not really—as the fundamental political challenges in Iraq and Syria remain unaddressed.
As he notes where is there progress, excluding the increasing Iranian influence, if not power:
Quote:
The blunt reality is that, with the exception of Kobanê, there can be no effective campaign against IS without the support of a local ground force.
What is needed? Well it is not SOF and bombing, that is just about containing the Daesh. He advocates:
Quote:
There are alternatives that could really challenge IS: an Iraqi Kurdistan with real international recognition and support, an Iraqi government answering to all communities, a Syrian opposition supported in a political vision that overcomes not only the jihadists but the Assad regime.
A book for MG Nagata and a few more
In August 2014 MG Nagata, Centcom SOF commander, stated 'We do not understand the movement...'. Well there is a book coming that aims to do so. The linked article gives a glimpse into ISIS:http://www.theguardian.com/world/201...raining-camps?
The article is worth reading, the sub-title is shorter:
Quote:
We reveal how the terror group recruits and retains its members through zealotry, rhetoric and obscure theology
Back to MG Nagata:
Quote:
We do not understand the movement, and until we do, we are not going to defeat it We have not defeated the idea. We do not even understand the ideaa...There is a magnetic attraction to IS that is bringing in resources, talent, weapons, etc., to thicken, harden, embolden IS in ways that are very alarming.
Link:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...ecruiting.html
The book is due to be published February 17th 2015. From:http://www.amazon.com/ISIS-Inside-Te.../dp/1941393578
In the UK:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Isis-Inside-.../dp/1941393578
Dozen former French soldiers, including elite troops, join ISIS
Quote:
A dozen former French soldiers, mostly from special forces and the Foreign Legion, have joined jihadists fighting in Syria and Iraq, a defense ministry source confirms, as the government readies a new multimillion anti-terror plan.
http://rt.com/news/224983-french-mil...ome-jihadists/
The Islamic State’s model
A review article by ICSR's Aaron Zelin that compares the 'wilayat' strategy of Daesh (ISIS) and the 'franchise' model used by AQ. Alongside a quick summary of what is happening where jihadists operate.
Link:http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/...-states-model/
His article was presented at a POMEPS conference this month alongside three others see:http://pomeps.org/2015/01/27/islamis...c-state-memos/
“Jihadi-Salafi views of the Islamic State,” by Joas Wagemakers, Radboud University Nijmegen
“Brotherhood activism and regime consolidation in Egypt, ” by Steven Brooke, University of Texas at Austin
“The ISIS-ification of Islamist politics,” by Khalil al-Anani, George Washington University and John’s Hopkins University SAIS