While it’s true that the internet is a powerful organizing medium, and can be so used by terrorist recruiters, it’s also true that it’s an easy medium to penetrate. “On the internet, nobody knows you’re a dog.” Or an FBI agent. Fore every real Jihad Jane, there should be six fakes.
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Daniel Davies (d-squareddigest.blogspot.com; I can’t find the actual post) mentioned this a while back. His theories were (a) it’s to the interest of counter-terrrorist forces to have a bunch of ‘jihadist’ websites and forums, and (b) it’s an indication of how screwed up most of these groups are.
How many Jihad Janes are competent to carry out any terrorist acts. From the sound of the reports so far, the Jane in custody could hardly tie her shoelaces. If most volunteer jihadists are flakes like her, that should make counter-terrorism a more manageable task. I think this may be what Barry’s point (b) is driving at, but maybe he can clarify this.
Recruiting online is highly insecure, since you’re putting stuff out where anybody could read it. Not only that, but anybody responding to such a thing is already proving to be either stupid or incredibly naive.
Hello good friend Barry:
I am Jihad Ed and I am waging holy war against infidel pig-dog. I have received many fund dollars from holy man Osama and I would like to help you join sacred cause. Just to send me your bank account information so I can put in large deposit and help you too overthrow degenerate Yankee wine-bibbers.