Pro-Islamic hacker groups have been using US and UK e-commerce and information sites as mirrors broadcasting disturbing images of Iraqi child victims in the last 24 hours, reported the mi2g Intelligence Unit.
Evidence is mounting of growing resentment towards American and coalition action against Iraq on the Internet and satellite television. Islamic hacker groups appear to be inspired by Arab satellite channels like Al-Jazeera and Abu Dhabi TV beaming live images of bombings in Iraq and their impact on the civilian population.
"During the Gulf war in 1991, the Arab and Islamic populations were primarily receiving live telecasts from Western media such as CNN and BBC. On this occasion, Al-Jazeera and other Arab channels are broadcasting live images directly to the same people. The disturbing TV images are now being brought to the attention of the Western population through continuous digital attacks on websites mirroring the striking content. This is likely to polarise cultures further," said Executive Chairman of mi2g, DK Matai.
"If the battle for hearts and minds is lost, this could sow bitterness for years to come, perhaps fuel radicalism and accelerate the recruitment of potential terrorists and their facilitators," added Matai.
The worldwide economic damage caused by digital attacks in March, primarily protesting the war with Iraq, is estimated to be between $2.9 and $3.5 billion so far. The overall economic damage from digital attacks and malware is estimated to be between $17.3 and $21.2 billion in 2003 up until the end of March. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
