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Predicting and Thwarting the Islamic State’s “Virtual Caliphate” through Analysis of Revolution Muslim

Predicting and Thwarting the Islamic State’s “Virtual Caliphate” through Analysis of Revolution Muslim

Created: Tuesday, June 12, 2018 - 14:06
Categories:
Intelligence, Physical Security, Research

New America has published a five-part online report about Revolution Muslim, which from December 2007 to May 2011 promoted “open-source jihad” from its base in New York City. Revolution Muslim was a pioneer in using online propaganda, social media, and covert communications to radicalize and recruit followers, and the report’s authors emphasize a study of its methods can help counterterrorism practitioners understand the potential trajectory of the Islamic State following its territorial losses and transition to a “virtual caliphate.” This report was written by Mitch Silber, the director of intelligence analysis at the New York City Police Department at the time Revolution Muslim was operating, and Jesse Morton (aka Younus Abdullah Muhammad), a founder of Revolution Muslim and former extremist. Between 2007 and 2011, the two men were working directly against each other. New America.