The 1990’s foreshadowed a preview of 21st century mass-casualty-terror tactics; bombing attacks that included the World Trade Center (1993), Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, the U.S …show more content…
Both employ methods, which are not exclusive, but have evolved from the method in which terrorist related attack were delivered prior to and on 9/11. Terrorism networks now rely more on technology, self-radicalization and decentralization in reaching their objectives. For instance, during the War in Iraq, al Qaeda used intermediaries to spread its propaganda. ISIS has taken social networking to an entirely different level as a recruiting method and for soliciting contributions. They have exploited the use of Twitter and social networking in furtherance of their jihad. Furthermore, the jihadists have used barbaric imagery to recruit supporters and strike fear in its enemies. Mosul has been a defining moment, as much of the social media since June, 2014 has been in English with a focus towards reaching western recruits (Siegel, …show more content…
ISIS, in its twisted ideology, attempts to obtain control through Iraq and Syria by way of beheadings, crucifixions and “jihadist blitzkrieg.” (Simon, 2014, para. 14)
There are unprecedented numbers flocking to join ISIS. Presently, 20,000 are streaming into Syria and Iraq, including 3,400 from western countries. There are as many as 150 Americans who have attempted to join the fight in Syria. The volume of the conflict’s diversity makes disruption particularly challenging since there is no single route of travel for foreign fighters to and from Syria.
What’s particularly disturbing, other than their brutal methodology and twisted ideology is their capacity to launch attacks against the West. The main theme of ISIS and other terror organizations is their intent on bending will, destroying the state of Israel and killing every Christian in sight. There are presently thousands of foreign fighters, many with western passports with the ability to return to their country of origin. When Abu al-Baghdadi, the leader of ISIS, was released after spending four years in an American military prison in Iraq, he was quoted as saying to U.S. soldiers, “I’ll see you in New York.” (Sanderson, 2014,