NCJ Number
225434
Date Published
2007
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study uses a case study of al-Qaeda in Turkey in examining the communication methods of religiously motivated terrorist organizations.
Abstract
The major ways that al-Qaeda communicates with its members and allies in Turkey are through face-to-face conversation, couriers, the Internet, telephone, and proclaiming attacks in mass media. One of the most safe and clear means of communication is face-to-face conversation, which high-level al-Qaeda members prefer. This occurs through contacts at companions’ homes or at a specified location, as well as through social activities. Communication by courier is through persons who deliver packages and mail. Couriers are members of the organization who deliver an open or secret note or instruction, money, weapons, or other items. Communication through the Internet via e-mail or a chat room is widely used by local al-Qaeda members, but there is no information on the use of these means of communication by the top management of al-Qaeda. Methods of telephone communication are over international companies’ telephone network, running telephone shops, and cell phone communication during attacks. Another means of communication by al-Qaeda in Turkey is by claiming responsibility for a terrorist attack through contact with the mass media and offering propaganda statements to justify the deaths and injuries they have caused. In the latter case, this chapter advocates sanctions for delivering any terror organization’s propaganda materials, especially video compact discs (VCDs) that can be produced easily in high quality through the use of technology. In addition, television stations should not be allowed to broadcast those VCDs even in the interest of broadcasting news. 18 references