Israel Matzav

Facebook shuts down Haniyeh's friends page

Facebook, the popular social networking site, has shut down the 'friends page' of Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh. Haniyeh had more than 10,000 friends. It also appears likely that Facebook will shut down Hamas politburo chief Khaled Meshaal's 'friends page.' Meshaal, who is apparently more popular than Haniyeh, has 17,000 friends. Hamas is accusing the United States and Israel of pressuring Facebook, but terrorism expert Steve Emerson has another explanation.

Many radical Islamic groups have utilized social networking sites such as Facebook in order to recruit, disseminate propaganda, and fundraise, according to Steve Emerson, terrorism expert and founder of the non-profit research group The Investigative Project on Terror.

"The terrorist war is a two-prong war, one war is fought militarily but the other war is a propaganda war, and that's what the social networking Websites accomplish," stated Emerson.

According to Emerson, the social networking websites are utilized by Islamic radicals to humanize themselves and their struggle, and serve as a means of communication within the group.

"There's a battle for the hearts and minds of the western world and using social networking sites increases their audience, it humanizes them, and that's what they want," said Emerson.

When did Facebook get a conscience anyway?

Okay, if this represents a change of policy on their part, I am happy about it.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 9:30 PM