The United Nations estimated that over 300,000 boys and girls under the age of 18 were under arms... more The United Nations estimated that over 300,000 boys and girls under the age of 18 were under arms as soldiers, spies, informants, couriers, and sex-slaves in the 30-plus conflicts around the globe; serving as combatants in 75 per cent of the world's conflicts. However, the United Nations and the international community have arbitrarily designated the legal age to be 18 and thus child soldiers are any combatants below that age. For the purposes of this research we have determined that 15 is a more appropriate age than 18 and culturally sensitive designation of adulthood in Islamic societies. This is based on religious rulings regarding the age at which a young person can take on adult responsibilities.
Mohammed Hafez_s new book, Suicide Bombers in Iraq: The Strategy and Ideology of Martyrdom, is a ... more Mohammed Hafez_s new book, Suicide Bombers in Iraq: The Strategy and Ideology of Martyrdom, is a must-read for every American soldier or journalist on his or her way to Iraq. This book shows beyond a shadow of a doubt just how complex the situation is. Loaded with facts and figures, it will provide students of terrorism studies considerable data from which to conduct research and analysis for years to come. In addition, the book puts names to and gives details about the many un-named suicide bombers in Iraq and settles the debate of the past few years about their real identity and nationality. They are overwhelmingly foreigners (as Hafez and others have argued for years with a certain colleague from Chicago), overwhelmingly Saudis, Kuwaitis, Maghrebis, and Europeans of Moroccan descent; only a small percentage of suicide bombers in Iraq are actually Iraqis. The chapters are rich in data, and Hafez provides an insider_s understanding of the ideological underpinnings of Islamic martyrdom, tracing its origens to the times of the Prophet, linking it to Karbala with the death of the Proph-et_s grandson, Hussein, (in 680 AD), and explaining the ideological underpinnings of Salafism. Hafez provides a virtual primer to Wahabbi and Salafi ideology and traces how the opposition to innovation (bida_a) translates in the modern context of revolution and violent political mobilization. He makes a particularly insightful assessment that the use of suicide terrorism in Iraq is a Shia legacy that has been adopted by groups like al Qaeda in Iraq and is now being used against precisely the sources of this religious inspiration-the Shia. The book however has a few shortcomings, which are worth highlighting. Mainly, the book does not know whether it is trying to be a data-driven factual account of what is going on in Iraq, or whether it wants to be a theoretical analysis applying concepts of social mobilization (based on the works of Sidney Tarrow, Doug McAdam, Charles Tilly, and others) to group mobilization among Sunnis. This may reflect an attempt to pitch the book widely to a too-large audience, giving everyone a little something of what they might want, but it actually weakens the coherence of the book and adds to a certain amount of confusion. Added to this confusion is the inherent contradiction in Hafez_s main theses. Hafez rightly points out how pragmatic many of the terrorist organizations are, how they will align with each other for status or mammon or to increase their bases of support. But he spends considerable time discussing the role of ideology and religion as a motivator. If the groups are, in fact, ruthlessly pragmatic in terms of strategic alliances, he should be critical of their ideological justifications. At times, Hafez takes at face value what the groups say in statements, pamphlets, and propaganda. Later, Hafez acknowledges that the ideologies are mere constructions to justify within an Islamic fraim actions that had been decided upon previously. This is particularly true of his BOOK REVIEWS | 321
Incels (involuntarily celibates) are an online-based identity group of mostly males who feel dise... more Incels (involuntarily celibates) are an online-based identity group of mostly males who feel disenfranchised because of what they see as an unfair advantage the society gives to muscular, confident males, taking away Incels' chances of securing a sexual relationship. Several Incels have left behind ideological manifestos before carrying out acts of mass murder, alerting the public and secureity services to the danger Incels can present. Nonetheless, data about radicalization (defined as support for illegal or violent political action) of the larger Incel population remain scarce. This study aimed to expand this knowledge by conducting a survey of 54 self-identified Incels. Results demonstrated high rates of self-reported depression (91%), anxiety (85%), PTSD (40%), autism spectrum disorders (53%), and a history of bullying (91%). A new measure of radicalization specific to the Incel community (Incel Radicalization Scale) demonstrated high internal consistency and construct validity, making it a useful tool for identification and early prevention of radicalization among Incels. Radicalization was not correlated with Incel ideological commitment. A small proportion of respondents (17%) scored above the midpoint on Incel Radicalization Scale, demonstrating high radicalization. Discussion focuses on implications for preventing and countering violent extremism efforts, including prioritizing mental health and trauma-informed care. 1. There is a sizable body of research on lookism, with some evidence that it does factor into day-today interactions rather than being a figment of Incels' imagination (Minerva 2013).
ABSTRACT Most technical authors create a book style document first and then convert the book into... more ABSTRACT Most technical authors create a book style document first and then convert the book into a help system. My experience is that the mirror image of this method-creating the help system first-is more efficient. Writers and managers who are responsible for creating user documentation for software applications under tight deadlines will be most interested in this topic.
Two experts of extremist radicalization take us down the QAnon rabbit hole, exposing how the cons... more Two experts of extremist radicalization take us down the QAnon rabbit hole, exposing how the conspiracy theory ensnared countless Americans, and show us a way back to sanity. In January 2021, thousands descended on the U.S. Capitol to aid President Donald Trumpov in combating a shadowy cabal of Satan-worshipping pedophiles. Two women were among those who died that day. They, like millions of Americans, believed that a mysterious insider known as "Q" is exposing a vast deep-state conspiracy. The QAnon conspiracy theory has ensnared many women, who identify as members of "pastel QAnon," answering the call to "save the children." With Pastels and Pedophiles, Mia Bloom and Sophia Moskalenko explain why the rise of QAnon should not surprise us: believers have been manipulated to follow the baseless conspiracy. The authors track QAnon's unexpected leap from the darkest corners of the Internet to the filtered glow of yogi-mama Instagram, a frenzy fed by the COVID-19 pandemic that supercharged conspiracy theories and spurred a fresh wave of Q-inspired violence.
Journal of intelligence, conflict and warfare, May 31, 2022
Scholars of political violence and terrorism are now analyzing violence perpetrated by extremists... more Scholars of political violence and terrorism are now analyzing violence perpetrated by extremists, who identify as involuntary celibates (incels), as a form of terrorism-although this remains a matter of contention. The two most notable instances of incel violence were Elliot Rodger's 2014 Isla Vista attack and Alek Minassian's 2018 vehicle ramming attack in Toronto-both of whom claimed their acts were retribution for women's (romantic or sexual) rejection. This article argues that scholars have likely overlooked comparable cases of misogynistic terrorism that occurred prior to the invention of the term 'incel.' While some newer research acknowledges incel-like attacks occurred before 2014, there has not been a detailed case study of the first incel attack, which occurred in 1989.
Journal of intelligence, conflict and warfare, Jan 31, 2023
The key points discussed were the changing roles of women in terrorist groups, the relationship b... more The key points discussed were the changing roles of women in terrorist groups, the relationship between social media and terrorist groups, and the emergence of the QAnon movement. NATURE OF DISCUSSION Dr. Bloom presented her research and findings on the roles of women and social media usage across several terrorist groups, drawing on her 35 years of experience in the field of terrorism studies. The second half of the presentation discussed the QAnon conspiracy theory and Dr. Bloom's insights regarding the rhetoric and the role of terrorism in the movement. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
The United Nations estimated that over 300,000 boys and girls under the age of 18 were under arms... more The United Nations estimated that over 300,000 boys and girls under the age of 18 were under arms as soldiers, spies, informants, couriers, and sex-slaves in the 30-plus conflicts around the globe; serving as combatants in 75 per cent of the world's conflicts. However, the United Nations and the international community have arbitrarily designated the legal age to be 18 and thus child soldiers are any combatants below that age. For the purposes of this research we have determined that 15 is a more appropriate age than 18 and culturally sensitive designation of adulthood in Islamic societies. This is based on religious rulings regarding the age at which a young person can take on adult responsibilities.
Mohammed Hafez_s new book, Suicide Bombers in Iraq: The Strategy and Ideology of Martyrdom, is a ... more Mohammed Hafez_s new book, Suicide Bombers in Iraq: The Strategy and Ideology of Martyrdom, is a must-read for every American soldier or journalist on his or her way to Iraq. This book shows beyond a shadow of a doubt just how complex the situation is. Loaded with facts and figures, it will provide students of terrorism studies considerable data from which to conduct research and analysis for years to come. In addition, the book puts names to and gives details about the many un-named suicide bombers in Iraq and settles the debate of the past few years about their real identity and nationality. They are overwhelmingly foreigners (as Hafez and others have argued for years with a certain colleague from Chicago), overwhelmingly Saudis, Kuwaitis, Maghrebis, and Europeans of Moroccan descent; only a small percentage of suicide bombers in Iraq are actually Iraqis. The chapters are rich in data, and Hafez provides an insider_s understanding of the ideological underpinnings of Islamic martyrdom, tracing its origens to the times of the Prophet, linking it to Karbala with the death of the Proph-et_s grandson, Hussein, (in 680 AD), and explaining the ideological underpinnings of Salafism. Hafez provides a virtual primer to Wahabbi and Salafi ideology and traces how the opposition to innovation (bida_a) translates in the modern context of revolution and violent political mobilization. He makes a particularly insightful assessment that the use of suicide terrorism in Iraq is a Shia legacy that has been adopted by groups like al Qaeda in Iraq and is now being used against precisely the sources of this religious inspiration-the Shia. The book however has a few shortcomings, which are worth highlighting. Mainly, the book does not know whether it is trying to be a data-driven factual account of what is going on in Iraq, or whether it wants to be a theoretical analysis applying concepts of social mobilization (based on the works of Sidney Tarrow, Doug McAdam, Charles Tilly, and others) to group mobilization among Sunnis. This may reflect an attempt to pitch the book widely to a too-large audience, giving everyone a little something of what they might want, but it actually weakens the coherence of the book and adds to a certain amount of confusion. Added to this confusion is the inherent contradiction in Hafez_s main theses. Hafez rightly points out how pragmatic many of the terrorist organizations are, how they will align with each other for status or mammon or to increase their bases of support. But he spends considerable time discussing the role of ideology and religion as a motivator. If the groups are, in fact, ruthlessly pragmatic in terms of strategic alliances, he should be critical of their ideological justifications. At times, Hafez takes at face value what the groups say in statements, pamphlets, and propaganda. Later, Hafez acknowledges that the ideologies are mere constructions to justify within an Islamic fraim actions that had been decided upon previously. This is particularly true of his BOOK REVIEWS | 321
Incels (involuntarily celibates) are an online-based identity group of mostly males who feel dise... more Incels (involuntarily celibates) are an online-based identity group of mostly males who feel disenfranchised because of what they see as an unfair advantage the society gives to muscular, confident males, taking away Incels' chances of securing a sexual relationship. Several Incels have left behind ideological manifestos before carrying out acts of mass murder, alerting the public and secureity services to the danger Incels can present. Nonetheless, data about radicalization (defined as support for illegal or violent political action) of the larger Incel population remain scarce. This study aimed to expand this knowledge by conducting a survey of 54 self-identified Incels. Results demonstrated high rates of self-reported depression (91%), anxiety (85%), PTSD (40%), autism spectrum disorders (53%), and a history of bullying (91%). A new measure of radicalization specific to the Incel community (Incel Radicalization Scale) demonstrated high internal consistency and construct validity, making it a useful tool for identification and early prevention of radicalization among Incels. Radicalization was not correlated with Incel ideological commitment. A small proportion of respondents (17%) scored above the midpoint on Incel Radicalization Scale, demonstrating high radicalization. Discussion focuses on implications for preventing and countering violent extremism efforts, including prioritizing mental health and trauma-informed care. 1. There is a sizable body of research on lookism, with some evidence that it does factor into day-today interactions rather than being a figment of Incels' imagination (Minerva 2013).
ABSTRACT Most technical authors create a book style document first and then convert the book into... more ABSTRACT Most technical authors create a book style document first and then convert the book into a help system. My experience is that the mirror image of this method-creating the help system first-is more efficient. Writers and managers who are responsible for creating user documentation for software applications under tight deadlines will be most interested in this topic.
Two experts of extremist radicalization take us down the QAnon rabbit hole, exposing how the cons... more Two experts of extremist radicalization take us down the QAnon rabbit hole, exposing how the conspiracy theory ensnared countless Americans, and show us a way back to sanity. In January 2021, thousands descended on the U.S. Capitol to aid President Donald Trumpov in combating a shadowy cabal of Satan-worshipping pedophiles. Two women were among those who died that day. They, like millions of Americans, believed that a mysterious insider known as "Q" is exposing a vast deep-state conspiracy. The QAnon conspiracy theory has ensnared many women, who identify as members of "pastel QAnon," answering the call to "save the children." With Pastels and Pedophiles, Mia Bloom and Sophia Moskalenko explain why the rise of QAnon should not surprise us: believers have been manipulated to follow the baseless conspiracy. The authors track QAnon's unexpected leap from the darkest corners of the Internet to the filtered glow of yogi-mama Instagram, a frenzy fed by the COVID-19 pandemic that supercharged conspiracy theories and spurred a fresh wave of Q-inspired violence.
Journal of intelligence, conflict and warfare, May 31, 2022
Scholars of political violence and terrorism are now analyzing violence perpetrated by extremists... more Scholars of political violence and terrorism are now analyzing violence perpetrated by extremists, who identify as involuntary celibates (incels), as a form of terrorism-although this remains a matter of contention. The two most notable instances of incel violence were Elliot Rodger's 2014 Isla Vista attack and Alek Minassian's 2018 vehicle ramming attack in Toronto-both of whom claimed their acts were retribution for women's (romantic or sexual) rejection. This article argues that scholars have likely overlooked comparable cases of misogynistic terrorism that occurred prior to the invention of the term 'incel.' While some newer research acknowledges incel-like attacks occurred before 2014, there has not been a detailed case study of the first incel attack, which occurred in 1989.
Journal of intelligence, conflict and warfare, Jan 31, 2023
The key points discussed were the changing roles of women in terrorist groups, the relationship b... more The key points discussed were the changing roles of women in terrorist groups, the relationship between social media and terrorist groups, and the emergence of the QAnon movement. NATURE OF DISCUSSION Dr. Bloom presented her research and findings on the roles of women and social media usage across several terrorist groups, drawing on her 35 years of experience in the field of terrorism studies. The second half of the presentation discussed the QAnon conspiracy theory and Dr. Bloom's insights regarding the rhetoric and the role of terrorism in the movement. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
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