Penny's Computer

emga asked: Hi! I'm a high school junior and I've been working on a documentary with a group of three others for the National History Day competition. The project requires us to research, analyze, and present an innovation in history, and we chose Al Qaeda's use of the internet as our innovation. I came across your blog one day when I was searching "jihad" on tumblr (I figured there was a possibility that jihadists use tumblr, too!) and that's when I started following you. I guess I was wondering what your connection to the Middle East is. Is it your job to specialize in the Middle East/Islamic terrorism? Thanks!

Hi Emily,

Your project sounds great! Its definitely something that I’ve been thinking about extensively. 

In terms of connection to the Middle East, I don’t think mine is any closer than yours may be, but as Americans and citizens of the world its a connection close enough. Anyone concerned about security, global and domestic, should take an interest in the complexities of that region. 

I’m a Columbia University Journalism School student, and to be honest, my specialization is not in any particular region, but in the way that states and global actors struggle for power, for better or for worse. It just so happens that when it comes to the US and the Middle East, its usually the worst, and as they say, “good news is good, bad news is better.”

In terms of al-Qaeda, power comes through violence and intimidation. For them, the internet isn’t just a way to recruit, its a place to exist… a location where they can show their stuff to the world (intimidate). An online presence is an amazing thing for them to have because a location is exactly what we are trying to deny them on the ground.

I hope that helps. Good luck on your project!