Al Queda Disses Pakistani, Chechen Propaganda
Al Queda has published another in what appears to be a series of English-language (propaganda) magazines, and one article actually takes digs at other jihadi media efforts.The magazine,”Jihad Recollections” (.zip file of 73 pg .pdf available here at non-terrorist web page) is the second such magazine out there, courtesy of Charlotte, N.C. based al Fursan Media.
One of the things I found interesting in the latest issue is an article entitled, “Revisiting The Global Media Jihad,” attributed to “Savvy Irhabi” (.pdf of article here at non-terrorist web page).
In addition to offering tips to would-be jihad info-warriors (more on that in a future blog post), it critiques different jihadi media campaigns.
The “champion of jihad”, according to what appears to be a home-team-rooting Savvy, is AQ’s own production house, As-Sabab Media. This is because of (red highlight mine – good office politician this Savvy guy)
“…. high quality cameras, experienced use in professional video developing programs, access to important jihadi figures, quality translations, patient video uploading personnel, IT security and networking personnel, staying up-to-date on current events through the media outlets, relevancy in message to the international occurrences, media coordinators, and genius media strategists ….”
Who else gets high marks?
AQ ally “Shabab al-Mujahdeen’s media sector” (focussing on the bad guys in Somalia) and “al-Qaa’idah in Islamic Maghreb’s (AQIM) media sector” (most recently best known for the “hosting” and release of Canadian diplomats Robert Fowler and Louis Guay).
Bad marks go to Bad Boy media efforts out of Chechnya. Some advice offered: “get with TODAY’s technology, people!” (with a plug for Adobe products, no less),
“…. Purchase multiple high quality cameras and put an end to cell phone camera quality videos (and) If it’s not already implemented, use professional video editing software such as Adobe After Effects & Adobe Premiere Pro. Make it a point to learn professional video editing software, because the way you present yourself should reflect the struggle for perfection ….“
“More battle imagery, less just hangin’ around with your buds imagery”
“…. posing in pictures and videos gives off the feeling that the Mujahideen are not what they are supposed to be: ‘camera haya’ and hatred for recognition. Only the important fighters should be shown such as the leaders, but even that should be limited to snapping images/videos which show them doing action rather than posing. In general, posing in front of the camera gives the impression that our brothers are ‘camera hungry’ which means that they are obsessed with getting recognized. The Mujahideen should be humble and shy from posing in front of the camera ….”
and “Ixnay with the pix of the ladies”
“.… Avoid showing the faces of sisters. Sometimes, we see sisters who are fighters themselves, but their faces are not covered. This is not correct especially when presenting yourselves as a pure movement based on the Salaf as-Salih. Learning how to blur their faces goes back to (getting and using better video editing software) ….”
The article also has advice for Pakistan’s Taliban comms office as well, such as “show more of the bosses, and go over the media’s heads”
“…. A 1 hour question and answer session with Muslim Khan – where he is asked good and tough questions – will answer more questions than 20interviews with Pakistani media outlets. Moreover, if something like that is spread throughout Pakistan, there’s a great chance of it changing public opinion on the Pakistani-Taliban ….”
Tomorrow: What advice does Savvy Irhabi have for getting the message out in the States?
