Quote: (06-21-2014 12:36 AM)Quintus Curtius Wrote:
Interesting development here. ISIS is showing an unexpectedly advanced use of social media and marketing to get its message out there.
For example, they're mocking Michelle Obama with a hashtag campaign on Twitter:
http://rt.com/usa/167436-isis-twitter-mi...a-hashtag/
They are also using YouTube to recruit internationally, and ramping up the propaganda campaign:
http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows...ernet.html
They have also managed to become a major force despite being relatively few in number. This article explains how:
http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/20...hters.html
They even issue "annual reports" detailing operations, investments, and objectives.
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-06-17...nvestment-
This is not your ordinary gang of rabble. There is major funding going on here from outside donors, a fanatical belief in victory, and a ruthless willingness to do what is necessary. There are lessons to be learned here and pondered.
Even though I loathe this type of organization, their experiences offer many lessons on how small, dedicated groups can influence major events. I think this subject is so important that I thought about making it a separate thread, but decided it might be better in the Iraq thread here.
Students of history and military affairs should take note, and draw their own conclusions. Small, dedicated organizations can accomplish big things with discipline, aggressiveness, militancy.
al baghdadi seems to have come up with a pretty smart strategy. if the US acts against ISIS, it is defacto helping Assad. Plus the iranian thingmakes US intervention that much more unpalatable. After the capture of mosul, they are actually self funding. Judging from the fact that US recon flights are from carrier aviation, the sunni neighbors of iraq do not want to play ball.
Columnist at Return of Kings