Texting Terrorism

Al Qaeda in Iraq uses cell phone text messages as a way to organize local protests, writes Small Wars blogger and Iraqi-based counterinsurgency adviser David Kilcullen.

“This is classic AQI info ops -- stirring up the population through a combination of manipulation, intimidation and fear of other groups. The level of coordination and media manipulation applied in this case is also a hallmark of AQI info ops,” Kilcullen adds.

Domestically, text messaging has a reputation as something mostly for kids. Messaging requires an agile thumb and often involves use of annoyingly cute abbreviated slang. But texting’s propagation in Iraq should remind us that when it comes to communication, it's the message, not the medium, that's important.

Hat tip: Smart Mobs