Young Journalist Enters The Isis Recruitment Network

In 2015, journalist Ruth Sherlock went undercover to investigate the Islamic State's recruitment network. She spent months posing as a potential recruit, communicating with ISIS recruiters and supporters online and in person. Her investigation provides a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the group and the tactics they use to attract new members.

In the Skin of a Jihadist: A Young Journalist Enters the ISIS Recruitment Network

by Anna Erelle

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1736 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages
X-Ray	:	Enabled

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Going Undercover

Sherlock's investigation began with a simple online search. She typed "ISIS recruitment" into Google and wasすぐに presented with a number of websites and social media pages dedicated to promoting the group. She started by following these accounts and interacting with their content. Soon, she was contacted by ISIS recruiters who began to groom her for recruitment.

The recruiters used a variety of tactics to try to convince Sherlock to join ISIS. They told her that she would be fighting for a just cause, that she would be part of a global community of Muslims, and that she would be rewarded with a place in paradise. They also played on her fears and insecurities, telling her that she was being watched by the government and that she would be safe if she joined ISIS.

Sherlock was able to resist the recruiters' attempts to convince her to join ISIS. However, she was disturbed by the ease with which she was able to connect with the group and by the sophistication of their recruitment techniques.

The Recruitment Process

The ISIS recruitment process typically begins online. Recruiters use social media and other online platforms to identify potential recruits. They look for people who are disillusioned with their lives, who are looking for a sense of purpose, or who are angry at the West. Once they have identified a potential recruit, they will begin to groom them for recruitment.

Grooming can take many different forms. Recruiters may try to build a rapport with the potential recruit by talking to them about their interests and concerns. They may also try to indoctrinate them with ISIS ideology by sharing propaganda videos and articles. Once the potential recruit is sufficiently groomed, the recruiter will try to convince them to travel to Syria or Iraq to join ISIS.

The recruitment process can be very effective. In 2015, it was estimated that ISIS had recruited over 20,000 foreign fighters from over 90 countries. The group's success in recruiting foreign fighters is due in part to its sophisticated online propaganda and its ability to exploit grievances and disaffection.

The Dangers of Recruitment

Joining ISIS is a dangerous decision. The group is known for its brutality and its disregard for human life. Foreign fighters who join ISIS often end up dying in battle or being executed by the group. Even if they survive, they may be traumatized by their experiences and face difficulty reintegrating into society.

In addition to the physical dangers, there are also legal consequences for joining ISIS. In many countries, it is a crime to travel to Syria or Iraq to join the group. Foreign fighters who return home may face charges of terrorism or treason.

Countering ISIS Recruitment

There are a number of things that can be done to counter ISIS recruitment. One important step is to address the underlying grievances that make people vulnerable to recruitment. This means providing economic opportunities, promoting social inclusion, and countering extremist ideology.

Another important step is to disrupt ISIS's online recruitment efforts. This can be done by taking down propaganda websites and social media accounts and by working with technology companies to develop tools to identify and remove extremist content.

Finally, it is important to provide support for foreign fighters who want to leave ISIS. This can include providing them with transportation, financial assistance, and counseling.

ISIS is a dangerous and violent group that poses a threat to global security. The group's recruitment efforts are a major concern, and it is important to understand the tactics they use to attract new members. By addressing the underlying grievances that make people vulnerable to recruitment, disrupting ISIS's online recruitment efforts, and providing support for foreign fighters who want to leave ISIS, we can help to counter the group's threat.

In the Skin of a Jihadist: A Young Journalist Enters the ISIS Recruitment Network

by Anna Erelle

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1736 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages
X-Ray	:	Enabled

FREE