News & Opinion on Terrorism & Strategic Communication — September 13, 2007

Arabs Blame GWOT for Terrorism Increase. “Some six years after the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, many in the Arab world say the US-led ‘war on terror’ is spurring terrorism everywhere and that the world is less safe as a result.” (Bangkok Post, 9/12).

Fighting Terrorism Since 1492. “Without a major adjustment in our approach to international power, partnerships, and possibilities, America will continue to wane in its ability to positively influence foreign audiences, costing lives, untold dollars, and risks to our own security.” (Huffington Post, 9/12).

Austria Arrests Three Islamists. “Three people have been arrested in Austria in connection with a video posted on a website threatening attacks on Germany and Austria” (BBC, 9/12)

Not If But How. “U.S. military sources said the Pentagon has vastly increased its capabilities for conducting a major military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities and other targets in Iran since 2001.” (Infuential Bloggers’ Alliance, 9/12)

Osama Talks But Nobody’s Listening. “He quotes the Koran, he invokes historical figures, he dips into poetry and song; it is Osama being Osama. He should stick to what made him a star and leave global warming to the experts.” (CBS, 9/12)

Is Financial Warfare Coming Trend in International Conflict? “Financial warfare is likely to be an increasing form of conflict because it lies at the intersection of powerful long-term trends in technology, networks, and finance.” (Foreign Policy Research Institute, September 2007)

Is “Psychotronic Warfare” the Coming Wave in Info Ops? “In reality, the game is about protecting or affecting signals, waves, and impulses that can influence the data-processing elements of systems, computers, or people. We are potentially the biggest victims of information warfare, because we have neglected to protect ourselves.” (Sinisterspace, 9/11)