Jihad Moves to the Internet

The Economist in this week's issue had a fascinating briefing about jihad online. It followed the trail of a cyberjihadist who devoted all his energies to spreading his cause on the web rather than on the battlefield.

The article gave a good overview of the extent of the issue. Despite the anonymity of the Internet, making it a fertile ground for publicity-shy terrorist organizers, it has some weaknesses in this area too.

The Internet served mostly as an organizing and indoctrination tool, the article said, and wasn't a replacement for live activity on the ground.

Unrelated to the Economist article, an electronic jihad site was taken down about two weeks ago by authorities.