March 24, 2007

Annoying Yet Hopeful Sign that Google is Learning

Okay, in column "A" we have loads of evidence that both of Google's two main self-publishing platforms, Youtube & Blogger (.blogspot), are absolutely crawling with the vermin that call themselves the "internet mujahidin", but who we just like to call "butt-munchers". Every single complaint we've ever sent into both Blogger or Youtube about the use of their servers for spreading violent jihadi propaganda has been---literally---ignored.

No, more than ignored. It's almost like Google is proud to be hosting propaganda designed to garner support for, train, and finance terrorists. A smug holier than thou attitude about how tolerant they are and how freedom of speech trumps lesser concerns like, you know, mass murder at the hands of terrorists.

But, finally, it looks like we have an entry in column "B". That was the heretofore empty tally of Google taking down jihadi propaganda.

The other day al Qaeda leader Abu Yahia al-Libi released a high quality English-subtitled (no doubt the work of Adam Yahiye Gadahn, aka "Azzam al-Amreki") video (may be downloaded here courtesy of Laura Mansfield). The video was interesting because it included a plea from the escaped detainee for unity between various terrorist factions in Iraq. Specifically for The Army of Ansar al-Sunnah, the Islamic Army in Iraq, and the Jaish al Mujahideen--all of whom have refused to join the al Qaeda umbrella and front group "The Islamic State of Iraq"-- to get with the program. A sure sign that al Qaeda is worried about the offensive in Iraq. Very worried. (See Stratfor's excellent synopsis and analysis here).

So, Howie thought there would be some value in posting the video so all of you could see it. The problem? Google rejected the video. Which is kind of irritating. But, at the same time, a hopeful sign.

You see, they post these videos in order to discourage us (a common theme is that we can't win in Iraq or Afghanistan), to encourage support for their cause, to recruit, to train (some videos are actual "how to" guides), and even to raise money.

We post these videos in an effort to use their propaganda videos for our purposes. We think, given the proper context, these videos are actually pretty good at showing our Islamist enemies as the barbaric fools that they are.

So, even if we are a little ticked that the new al-Libi video was rejected by Google, perhaps this is a good sign that they are finally cracking down on the internet jihadis. At least, we hope so.

Parting advice from Kim Jong Il on the Jawa Report's online counterterrorism strategy.