Information War: Internet Videos and Material Support for Terrorism

Today I go to war. It is "virtual war", but it is a battle none the less for a space that has been generally left to the terrorists. It is a vast space, but it is not completely unchartered or unknown.

Terrorists work through informal networking. This networking is not necessarily through real person to person contacts. Nor even through infamous mosques or madrassas or Islamist universities. This informal networking takes place every day on the internet. Much in the same manner that we socialize through milblogging, link lists or other other internet organization. It is not only a matter of websites or chat rooms dedicated to terrorist activities. It is also open network spaces like Myspace, LiveLeak and YouTube.

For sometime, I have noted the presence of Islamist terrorist propaganda video on YouTube and have flagged them as I ran across them. Now, a group of bloggers have taken the next step and that is to form an internet army whose function is clandestine warfare against such blatant use of public space to further terrorist propaganda, recruit fighters and provide direct material support to such organizations.

All of which is against the law. Not even the auspices of free speech protect such things as terrorist videos showing attacks on our forces, our allies or civilians on YouTube. No nation, not even ours with such open discourse or laws protecting speech, can be compelled to provide a platform for our enemies to conspire, plan and carry out attacks against the government or the people of the United States. Not even those under arms in a foreign nation. The 1st Amendment does not intend to imply nor state any such suicidal pact. That is what a terrorist video does. In fact, their very presence on YouTube, an American company with servers in the United States, breaks the law that states no such material support can be provided to terrorist organizations or individuals.

Hosting a terrorist video, even for free, is providing material support. The value of this free hosting is immense. It actually has a monetary value as, without this free service, terrorist organizations would actually have to spend their own money to set up, maintain and operate servers, electrical power, back up power, cable connections, software and a whole host of other costs associated with such an endeavor. Therefore, it is expressly breaking the law that prohibits such material support.

Of course, YouTube can stand behind its claim that it does not have the resources or capabilities to determine what is illegal and what is not when thousands of video are posted every day. Fair enough. Neither does our government have the type of resources nor organization that civilian internet social networks can bring to bare, inexpensively, yet effectively on such a battle space. But that is why I am posting here today. It is we on the internet and particularly those who have the social network of like mined bloggers who have the power of numbers to take on this important aspect of the war.

So, today I join the internet war with Operation YouTube SmackDown to interdict, interrupt and destroy terrorist abilities to spread their propaganda, educational and recruiting devices for FREE on an American website that reaches millions across the world.

There are times when YouTube gets it right. And then there are the times YouTube gets it wrong. Jihad has come to the Internet. And YouTube is helping them. We're not saying they set out to, but that's the result. Jihadist videos have found a home there. Our enemies are using that website, and others, to spread propaganda and recruit new terrorists. YouTube allows anyone to post anything and doesn't take it down unless someone objects, at which point they might take it down.

Well, we object. We object to YouTube making a profit hosting videos celebrating the death of Coalition Soldiers (and pretty much everyone else) while washing their own hands of any responsibility. We're out to smack those videos down, and maybe shake a little sense into YouTube in the process.

Terrorists video tape many attacks on our forces and those of our allies. They run back to their hidey-holes where they set up large banks of computers to edit, burn CDs and upload the video to known terrorist websites and to free hosting services like YouTube. A known terrorist group even had a set up in a "media van" with satellite hook up. Some terrorists have even become so sophisticated that they use basic photoshop and video editing tools to create fake backgrounds, blend images and remake them to fit their story for the day. These videos receive hundreds and thousands of hits. Somewhere in those thousands are men waiting to be recruited to either attack the United States and our allies directly, or to join terrorist organizations over seas to attack and kill our men and women, not to mention innocent civilians.

So, I have taken up virtual arms to assist in decreasing that number, even if it is by one since one suicide bomber can kill hundreds of people with one bomb. Thus, our endeavor is not fruitless. It is true that a "user" can create a new name and post the videos again. It is true that there are many such videos that abound in cyberspace. But it is equally true that our numbers vastly outnumber those who are posting. We have but to organize and dedicate ourselves to the battle. Remembering that their defeat is not in their total or instantaneous destruction, but in the harassment and continual interdiction of their abilities. Remember that all efforts are worthy if even one life is saved.

It costs nothing but your time and but a few seconds of that daily to take up virtual arms and become a part of the war effort. You do not have to do your own "reconnaissance" if you do not wish to. The group provides the "hit" of the day as well as the top 12 offenders (daily dozen) that is revised as videos and terrorist or terrorist sympathizers go down. This is how it works - How to Guide:

Short version: Just view the videos linked on our Daily Dozen. If you agree they deserve it, click the 'flag as innapropriate' button below the video. Select from the menu of reasons, typically 'graphic violence' or 'hate speech'. This will help get these videos reviewed, and maybe removed. Thank you.

Yeah, it's that simple. You want a sample of what is on YouTube? Check this out:

Al Sahab Media (the Cloud) is the media arm of Al Qaeda. "Sword of Baghdad" posted this video showing a rocket attack on a US base in Iraq.

Also from Al Qaeda in Iraq: Insurgent Sniper shoots American Soldier

If you want more information and would like to join, please go to Operation YouTube Video Smackdown and find out what you can do in the war on terrorism.




PS..the fighting 101st Keyboardist insignia goes back up today. It's no longer about "chickenhawks" v. "anti-war". This is virtual warfare via the internet and our group has received a new mission. I hope that you will answer the call.

Feel free to use the insignia below:





Terrorists Delende Est!

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Information War: Internet Jihad

Now the question is, how do you combat it?

In some ways, the internet can create an insular, closed of society of its own that may or may not reflect the real world. In the case of propaganda that is spread via the "new media", it is very true that those that imbibe may in fact believe that the real world does not reflect the reality. Until, of course, it does.

This is the same concept that sometimes has left and right bloggers working in a box. They can become closed off, particularly if they think traditional media has nothing to offer.

How does the insular internet world become effected by the real world? By real world happenings.

An example, though not using the internet, would be the propaganda of Saddam's regime during the invasion of Iraq and the subsequent drive to Baghdad. "Baghdad Bob" continued his propaganda and was nearly effective in creating at least a fog over reality until an American tank was seen driving behind him into al Fardos square.

In the case of Jihadist internet propaganda, the first blow can only come when reality is so obviously different than the propaganda that these internet sites lose the trust of their usual adherents.

It is unlikely that we will get something so obvious as the tank in the square incident in the near future to damage these propaganda outlets. However, each day they can be whittled down. One of the most important "reality" v. "propaganda" actions was the capture of al Mashahdani and his confession that Omar al Baghdadi does not exist. Of course, we do not know what all of the jihad websites are saying. They could be claiming that Mashahdani was coerced or drugged or otherwise dubbed to make that statement. However, this is coupled with the fact that the Ba'athist insurgent network TV coming out of Syria said several months ago that they did not know this "al Baghdadi" and they would not swear allegiance to him. The entire issue is confirmed with Mashahdani's confession and is probably helping to destroy the veracity of many jihad websites not to mention accelerating cooperation by Iraqis.

Still, what do you do about the internet jihad globally?

The reporter says that we cannot do "nothing". That is correct. The military has recently stepped up and began putting their own internet videos up of failed attacks by the jihadists and ferocious attacks on the enemy. That is one aspect of this internet war.

Beyond that, the real world will eventually reach the internet world. Events on the ground will show the propaganda is false and the credibility of sites, organizations and leaders will be damaged. If Iraq becomes relatively peaceful, there are limited attacks and it prospers while Al Qaeda is beaten back there, it will be a bad time for AQ and the internet jihad wannabes.

Still, a comprehensive program for combating terrorism in the "new media" would go a long way towards speeding up the demise of such programs and, thus, damage their ability to recruit.

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Operation Aces High: Poker Run for the Troops

Find out more information here: Operation Aces High: Poker Run for the Troops

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Remember Them - Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day. Today we remember all those who have served our nation and made the final sacrifice on behalf of our nation, in defense of freedom.

Today, we will eat barbecue and watermelon, drink soda, and enjoy a fantastic day with our families and friends. This unique freedom was purchased for us with the blood, sweat and tears of millions of men and women in uniform for over 230 years. In another place, our men and women are still at war. In places around the country, families, friends and loved ones will be grieving for our fallen.

While we enjoy this day, please give a moment of thought to those who never made it home and those whose names you will never know, but purchased this day for you with the utmost love and devotion.

The following is an original song, written and performed by me. I don't claim to be a professional singer (or one at all) and Jimi Hendrix may be turning over in his grave from my guitar playing, but it comes straight from the heart in hopes that you will remember to "Thank a Vet".



We remember Sgt. Ian Anderson, Prairie Village, Kansas who died in Iraq

We remember Cpl. Lucas Frantz, Tongonoxie, Kansas who died in Iraq, whose parents were friends of my family

We remember Sgt. Donald Walters, Lee's Summit, Missouri who died during the invasion of Iraq and fought until he ran out of ammunition. First Kansas City area death.

We remember Spc. Benjamin Ashley of Independence, Missouri who died in Iraq

Family and Friends

I remember Pvt Babe Howard, US Army, WWI, great, great uncle

I remember S1C Leroy Henry, USN World War II, grandfather and the best history teacher I ever had

I remember AA Leon Henry, USN Korean War, great uncle, great friend

I remember S2C Lonnie Howard, USN, great uncle

I remember PFC Fred Bratcher, US Army, WWII, great uncle

I remember Pvt Floyd Bratcher, US Marines, WWII, great uncle

I remember Sgt Fred Waters, US Army, WWII friend of family

I remember TC1 Donald Kuehl, US Army and Air Force, Army of Occupation Germany and Korean War, uncle and beloved brother to my mom

I remember Sgt. Lewis Henry, US Army, Vietnam, favorite uncle who taught me to love history and ride motorcycles

I remember them.

Castle Arrggh Remembers

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Soldiers' Angels Kansas City and Talking With Heroes

I have the video of our event up at Soldiers' Angels Kansas City. I was able to interview some wonderful people from the support groups and, even more important, some of our great troops.

Please check out what these folks had to say.

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Talking With Heroes: I Was There and Got an Exclusive

Hey! Missed everyone last night at the "talking with heroes" event down in Olathe, Kansas. It was wonderful to meet all of the great heroes, families and supporters. Bob Calvert was a little under the weather, but he pulled through like the trooper he is and made it a fantastic experience.

I will post more about the event and, of course, I have video which will be available in the next day or two.

One big "exclusive" that I was able to pull off was an interview with David Chavaria who is the "behind the scenes" man at JD Johannes' Outside the Wire. David is the co-producer of Johannes' documentary "Outside the Wire" where he followed the expoits of the Marines of Silver Platoon in OIF-III. JD is over in Iraq right now doing video.

David was scheduled to do an interview on Hannity and Colmes at 8:40pm CST Friday night, but I scooped them by two hours. And, they don't have their video up yet for the internet so, while they may beaten me "on air" by six hours, I am going to get out there ahead of the internet curve.

Even before the interview, David and I spent some time talking about blogging, JD Johansens' committment to the Marines and telling their story, and quite a bit about the disparity of reporting in the media (we both agreed it "sucked"; my words, he was much more diplamatic).

I hope you enjoy this video, check out their site and start understanding why military blogging (milblogging) and independent films like Outside the Wire are an important part of the story, filling in the gaps left by professional journalism.



Watch JD's blog for updates directly from Iraq and hit his home page to see an excerpt of the original documentary, "Outside the Wire". I've seen the full version and I highly recommend it.

Check out these stories about the marines in Bad Karmah.

Troops on Patrol
Iraq town returns to normal after raid

These men are a big part of the reason that the Al Anbar province is beginning to turn. It took persistance. It took patience. It took extreme prejudice when it was called on and plenty of improvising, adapting and overcoming. The Marines are some of the best, when it comes to those necessities.

Karmah, where the marines in outside the wire were serving, is a town between Ramadi and Fallujah, two of the hottest (in terms of war) cities in Iraq for the last three years. It is only recently that Ramadi began to turn. Karmah continued to be a tough town full of insurgents and generally unenthused about the marines presence. JD showed what it took to make al Anbar a success story, long before anyone ever thought it would be.

Outside the Wire was fortunate enough to be there to record part of that history.

- May no soldier go unloved

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Firefight in Afghanistan: Dutch and Afghans duke it out with Taliban

Firefight in Afghanistan: Dutch and Afghans duke it out with Taliban (video)

Taliban are apparently very bad shots. Something we've heard before.

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Walking and Talking History

On April 7, 2007, Soldiers' Angels in Kansas City met with the American Legion Riders of Post 370 to finalize details for Operation Aces High: Poker Run for Our Wounded Troops (see updates to information including one of the prizes).

After the meeting was adjourned, Angel Julie O. and I had an opportunity to talk to two veterans and members of the American Legion about their service and some unique history.

On my previous visit to Post 370, I met Rosie the Riveter. Saturday, Julie and I were fortunate to meet Jerry Raymond, Yeoman, United States Navy (ret) and Bob Warner, Petty Officer, United States Navy (ret). Both of these gentlemen are former commanders of Post 370 in Overland Park, Kansas and Mr. Warner is the chairman of the House Committee that approves projects and programs for this American Legion post.

I hope you enjoy this Audio/Photo presentation: Walking, Talking History.



Ronda G provided Soldiers' Angel's Pins and Soldiers' Angel's Coins in appreciation for Mr. Raymond and Mr. Warner's time given for the interview and excellent service to our country.

Someday, our serving men and women will have stories of their own to tell about their time serving our nation in these days of peril. Please help us make Soldiers' Angels and the unwavering support of our nation a part of that story.

Soldier's Angels provides support through letters, care packages, First Response Back Packs for the wounded, Blankets of Hope, Project VALOUR IT and many other great programs for our men and women in the military as well as their families.

Adopt a soldier, sailor, airman or marine today or make a donation so our heroes know that their sacrifices have not gone unnoticed and we support them.

To learn more about the history Jerry and Bob shared with us, please visit these sites:

Korean War
USS Coral Sea
USS Coral Sea Association
SB2C Helldiver: Last of the Dive Bombers
World War II
USS DuPage
Battle of Okinawa
World War I: Best Websites
The 40 and 8

History of the Gratitude (Merci) Train
History of the "Merci" Box Car
Holly City, Florida Boxcar Memorial Park (Highly Recommended)

Writing from a Paris hospital, Louis Brunel, a 24 year old veteran, paralyzed by wounds, spoke for his countryman: "I feel the need to tell you what the French people want to express to your great country by this symbolic train."

To you Americans who have done so much, given so much to our children, the aged and the people of France, it is affectionate thanks, the sincere gratitude of my country. This train, made up of cars that your GI's know well, is a token of our affection, of our friendship to all of your 48 states. Each one of these cars.. will tell those of you who know us, that we do not forget. And to those of you who never come to our land, may it bring a message from the people of France to all the people of the U.S.A. In dawn of 1949, I see in this gesture of friendship more than an omen, more than a message, in it I see a pledge that men can love and understand each other when they silence their self interest and only listen to their hearts."

Boxcars Full of Gratitude
Oregan Train Restored and Relocated
Nevada Merci Boxcar Saved
Rhode Island Boxcar Restoration and History Project

Volunteers have added several other interactive exhibits to educate them about the wartime experience. One kiosk will include interviews with veterans from southern New England.

One, an Army man named Julien Mitchell, described what it was to ride in the "40 & 8" boxcar, so named because each could fit either 40 servicemen on a straw floor, or eight horses.

"The only way to sleep was head to foot in two lines across the car," he related. "Often, a heavy boot would be in your face."

Worse was when the soldiers rode in cars that had carried the horses. "The odor of their waste was still present, ground into the floor and walls," Mitchell recalled. "I always tried to be near a door or over a crack for fresh air."

Cross referenced at the Castle and Soldiers' Angels KC

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Drowning Pool Supports the Troops: This is for the Soldiers

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US Soldiers Rescue Kidnapped Iraqi: Family Is Overjoyed

h/t Kevin McCullough, townhall



Watch also, Hunting Insurgents. At 1:05min, a humvee knocks politely on the door (politely for a humvee that is).

Nebraska Army National Guard at War

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