The number of countries from which al Qaeda operates is numerous. Speculations range from a low of thirty countries to having at least some presence in up to one hundred countries. Whether the number is thirty or one hundred, al Qaeda has emerged as one of the most prominent terrorist organizations in the world because of its ability to capitalize on emerging technologies in the communication environment. As the leader of al Qaeda, Osama bin Laden recognized the importance of communication early in his career and exploited its benefits up until his death in 2011. In the words of William Butler Yeats, bin Laden was able to “think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people” (Krieger 2002, 38). Osama bin Laden was able
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Videos and DVDs were created, sold in the back streets of Peshawar or in the markets of Kabul, and circulated among followers that featured acts of braveries and victories against the enemy. Conversely, but just as motivating, were separate videos showing atrocities committed by infidels against Muslims. Both of these styles were designed as an internal form of propaganda to justify acts of violence, to compel individuals deeper into the battle, and to strengthen their resolve that their fight was just. Distribution of these videos was no longer limited to select individuals but could be downloaded, emailed, and shared with anyone anywhere in the world. Bin Laden essentially created a community of enthusiasts by manipulating video messages that incorporated a specific agenda and was successful at keeping followers focused and loyal to the …show more content…
It was no longer confined to other countries. When bin Laden was forced into hiding because of the efforts to bring him to justice, bin Laden sporadically appeared in television broadcasts to dispel rumours of his capture and provide motivation for supporters to continue the fight. It didn’t hurt either that al Qaeda established its own production company so that bin Laden could dictate what, where, and when messages would be delivered. With this capability, al Qaeda was able to control and manipulate the content without revealing any clues as to its origin.
Since the death of bin Laden in 2011, al Qaeda seems to have lost some momentum. The current leader of al Qaeda, Ayman Mohammed Rabie al-Zawahiri, does not possess the same effective communication skills that bin Laden exhibited. Consequently, al Qaeda is losing ground to other jihadi groups that are better at communicating and spreading their message. The terrorist group that bin Laden so expertly built is being challenged by other affiliates and risks being propelled into obscurity. Like any effective organization, communication is essential to the existence of al Qaeda and for its
Videos and DVDs were created, sold in the back streets of Peshawar or in the markets of Kabul, and circulated among followers that featured acts of braveries and victories against the enemy. Conversely, but just as motivating, were separate videos showing atrocities committed by infidels against Muslims. Both of these styles were designed as an internal form of propaganda to justify acts of violence, to compel individuals deeper into the battle, and to strengthen their resolve that their fight was just. Distribution of these videos was no longer limited to select individuals but could be downloaded, emailed, and shared with anyone anywhere in the world. Bin Laden essentially created a community of enthusiasts by manipulating video messages that incorporated a specific agenda and was successful at keeping followers focused and loyal to the …show more content…
It was no longer confined to other countries. When bin Laden was forced into hiding because of the efforts to bring him to justice, bin Laden sporadically appeared in television broadcasts to dispel rumours of his capture and provide motivation for supporters to continue the fight. It didn’t hurt either that al Qaeda established its own production company so that bin Laden could dictate what, where, and when messages would be delivered. With this capability, al Qaeda was able to control and manipulate the content without revealing any clues as to its origin.
Since the death of bin Laden in 2011, al Qaeda seems to have lost some momentum. The current leader of al Qaeda, Ayman Mohammed Rabie al-Zawahiri, does not possess the same effective communication skills that bin Laden exhibited. Consequently, al Qaeda is losing ground to other jihadi groups that are better at communicating and spreading their message. The terrorist group that bin Laden so expertly built is being challenged by other affiliates and risks being propelled into obscurity. Like any effective organization, communication is essential to the existence of al Qaeda and for its