Jihadists Leverage Social Media to Condemn US-Led Airstrikes

Islamic State extremists rely on social media, specifically Twitter, to critique US airstrikes in Syria and Iraq. Tweets show graphic images of civilian deaths, exaggerate IS military success and issue threats to civilians of specific nations. Verification of the report or a reason for such deaths is impossible in the war zone. The jihadists also criticize Arab nations participating in the air strikes. The tweets, written in multiple languages, demonstrate how a decentralized organization can effectively spread propaganda. But decentralization can make it difficult to control its message. Meanwhile, airstrikes are limiting internet access in the region. With limited venues to propagate messages of savagery and their victories, the Islamic State could face waning morale. Matthew Hillburn, writing for Voice of America, concludes, “Robbed of a freewheeling social media presence, IS could find itself hamstrung.” – YaleGlobal