Communications Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant

1 communications

1.1 propaganda
1.2 traditional media
1.3 social media

communications
propaganda

isil known extensive , effective use of propaganda. uses version of muslim black standard flag , developed emblem has clear symbolic meaning in muslim world.

traditional media

in november 2006, shortly after group s rebranding islamic state of iraq , established al-furqan foundation media production, produces cds, dvds, posters, pamphlets, , web-related propaganda products , official statements. began expand media presence in 2013, formation of second media wing, al-i tisam media foundation, in march , ajnad foundation media production, specialising in nasheeds , audio content, in august. in mid-2014, isil established al-hayat media center, targets western audiences , produces material in english, german, russian , french. when isil announced expansion other countries in november 2014 established media departments new branches, , media apparatus ensured new branches follow same models uses in iraq , syria. fbi director james comey has said isil s propaganda unusually slick, noting that, broadcasting... in 23 languages .

in july 2014, al-hayat began publishing digital magazine called dabiq, in number of different languages including english. according magazine, name taken town of dabiq in northern syria, mentioned in hadith armageddon. al-hayat began publishing other digital magazines, including turkish language konstantiniyye, ottoman word istanbul, , french language dar al-islam. late 2016, these magazines had apparently been discontinued, al-hayat s material being consolidated new magazine called rumiyah (arabic rome).

the group runs radio network called al-bayan, airs bulletins in arabic, russian , english , provides coverage of activities in iraq, syria , libya.

social media

isil s use of social media has been described 1 expert more sophisticated [that of] companies . regularly uses social media, particularly twitter, distribute messages. group uses encrypted instant messaging service telegram disseminate images, videos , updates.

the group known releasing videos , photographs of executions of prisoners, whether beheadings, shootings, caged prisoners being burnt alive or submerged gradually until drowned. journalist abdel bari atwan described isil s media content part of systematically applied policy . escalating violence of killings guarantees attention of media , public.

along images of brutality, isil presents emotionally attractive place people belong , brother or sister . potent psychological pitch of isil media promise of heavenly reward dead jihadist fighters. posted in media dead jihadists smiling faces, isil salute of right-hand index finger pointing heavenward , , testimonies of happy widows. isil has attempted present more rational argument in series of videos hosted kidnapped journalist john cantlie. in 1 video, various current , former officials quoted, such president barack obama , former cia officer michael scheuer.

it has encouraged sympathisers initiate vehicle-ramming , attacks worldwide.