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Nicko · Jul 30, 2006, 12:55 PM

Israel backed by army of cyber-soldiers

[FONT=Arial]From Yonit Farago in Jerusalem [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]WHILE Israel fights Hezbollah with tanks and aircraft, its supporters are campaigning on the internet. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]Israel’s Government has thrown its weight behind efforts by supporters to counter what it believes to be negative bias and a tide of pro-Arab propaganda. The Foreign Ministry has ordered trainee diplomats to track websites and chatrooms so that networks of US and European groups with hundreds of thousands of Jewish activists can place supportive messages. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]In the past week nearly 5,000 members of the World Union of Jewish Students (WUJS) have downloaded special “megaphone” software that alerts them to anti-Israeli chatrooms or internet polls to enable them to post contrary viewpoints. A student team in Jerusalem combs the web in a host of different languages to flag the sites so that those who have signed up can influence an opinion survey or the course of a debate. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]Jonny Cline, of the international student group, said that Jewish students and youth groups with their understanding of the web environment were ideally placed to present another side to the debate. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]“We’re saying to these people that if Israel is being bashed, don’t ignore it, change it,” Mr Cline said. “A poll like CNN’s takes just a few seconds to vote in, but if thousands take part the outcome will be changed. What’s vital is that the international face of the conflict is balanced.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]Doron Barkat, 29, in Jerusalem, spends long nights trawling the web to try to swing the debate Israel’s way. “When I see internet polls for or against Israel I send out a mailing list to vote for Israel,” he said. “It can be that after 15 minutes there will be 400 votes for Israel. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]“It’s very satisfying. There are also forums where Lebanese and Israelis talk.” [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]Israel’s Foreign Ministry must avoid direct involvement with the campaign but is in contact with international Jewish and evangelical Christian groups, distributing internet information packs. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]Amir Gissin, the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s public relations director, said: “The internet’s become a leading tool for news, shaping the world view of millions. Our problem is the foreign media shows Lebanese suffering, but not Israeli. We’re bypassing that filter by distributing pictures showing how northern Israelis suffer from Katyusha rocket attacks.”[/FONT]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/printFr...9232-3,00.html

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So this is interesting, I wonder if there are any 'agents' perusing good ol' macnn

PacHead · Jul 30, 2006, 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by Nicko

So this is interesting, I wonder if there are any 'agents' perusing good ol' macnn

I wonder if terrorists or governments like Iran pay people to post here, that would make more sense.

Athens · Jul 30, 2006, 01:04 PM

Propaganda is part of all conflicts, and usally the victor re-writes history to validate what they have done. Nothing new, except now its technology based.

Busemann · Jul 30, 2006, 01:30 PM

http://forums.macnn.com/95/political-war-lounge/303108/conservatives-getting-paid-to-post-here/

And the plot thickens..

Krusty · Jul 30, 2006, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by PacHead

I wonder if terrorists or governments like Iran pay people to post here, that would make more sense.

If they're paying people to post, they aren't getting their money's worth ... I've not seen a single post by anyone in these forums advocating that Iran or Hizbollah defeat Israel. I've only seen posts from people, like me, who think that the pre-text of Israel's attack are little soggy ... at best (a non-govermental group takes 2 hostages so you flatten the whole country including as much civilian infrastructure as humanly possible ?).

Seriously, this whole situation reeks of "Gulf of Tongkin".

amsalpemkcus · Jul 30, 2006, 02:02 PM

Athens' sig provoked me. I guess that says it all!

goMac · Jul 30, 2006, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by PacHead

I wonder if terrorists or governments like Iran pay people to post here, that would make more sense.

Considering Iran wouldn't let people on those sort of sites in the first place, I would say no.

Honestly, the Muslim countries have their own big media. They have no interest in messing with western media. They already have an outlet for propaganda if needed.

What is sad about this is they are altering polls which American media will quote on saying how much Americans are supporting the war, when in reality, the majority of the votes will be Israeli (5000 votes in a poll can sway a poll an awful lot).

Adding to the public debate I can understand. But it's sad the Israeli's feel the need to alter the public debate.

Buckaroo · Jul 30, 2006, 02:33 PM

No. Americans are fed up with all of the crap that is coming out of the Koran. This piece of trash (Koran) should be banned world wide.

Athens · Jul 30, 2006, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by Buckaroo

No. Americans are fed up with all of the crap that is coming out of the Koran. This piece of trash (Koran) should be banned world wide.

As should the peaice of trash (Bible). Ban both books and be ride of religion.

goMac · Jul 30, 2006, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by Buckaroo

No. Americans are fed up with all of the crap that is coming out of the Koran. This piece of trash (Koran) should be banned world wide.

Ummm. The Koran isn't actually the problem. The problem is that various religious leaders have written editorials on the Koran over time, which have all been assembled into a book of their own. Those editorials are the problem.

greenamp · Jul 30, 2006, 02:56 PM

Apparently they haven't discovered Digg.com yet. Just saying something neutral about Israel will get your comments dugg down to oblivion over there. It's nothing but jew bashing that is tolerated.

Buckaroo · Jul 30, 2006, 03:01 PM

No, the Koran was written by a terroist, and should be treated as such.

Athens · Jul 30, 2006, 03:03 PM

Originally Posted by Buckaroo

No, the Koran was written by a terroist, and should be treated as such.

as is the case with the Bible

PacHead · Jul 30, 2006, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by goMac

Adding to the public debate I can understand. But it's sad the Israeli's feel the need to alter the public debate.

There's tons of disgusting pro-terrorist and anti-American lowlife losers posting all over the internet. Do you even know what you are talking abouut ?

greenamp · Jul 30, 2006, 03:17 PM

Originally Posted by Athens

as is the case with the Bible

Source?

Athens · Jul 30, 2006, 03:22 PM

Originally Posted by greenamp

Source?

and your not asking for the source for the other book, do I detect some bias here?

Nicko · Jul 30, 2006, 03:26 PM

Originally Posted by greenamp

Source?

Ask the Romans

greenamp · Jul 30, 2006, 03:28 PM

Originally Posted by Nicko

Ask the Romans

You have their email?

PacHead · Jul 30, 2006, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by greenamp

You have their email?

I think it's - TheRomans@Gmail.com

jamil5454 · Jul 30, 2006, 05:32 PM

Is it just me, or does it seem like the only ones supporting Israel and the U.S. on this issue are Israelis and Americans?

yakkiebah · Jul 30, 2006, 05:38 PM

I'm Dutch.

spacefreak · Jul 30, 2006, 05:49 PM

Originally Posted by goMac

Honestly, the Muslim countries have their own big media. They have no interest in messing with western media. They already have an outlet for propaganda if needed.

The New York Times

Kitschy · Jul 30, 2006, 06:11 PM

Originally Posted by jamil5454

Is it just me, or does it seem like the only ones supporting Israel and the U.S. on this issue are Israelis and Americans?

I have noticed that. And I wonder why.

I heard on the radio the other day on some talk show a caller say that the United States should get their "nose out of everybody's business" all over the world. That got me thinking... If we really did keep to our own affairs completely, what would happen...

All the humanitarian aid could be spent here instead. The military could just defend our borders here which would drastically reduce the number in harms way as well as reduce the money spent. Money would definitely be saved. But, I wonder at what cost.

Perhaps the next President will do that. If it happened, I think the world will be pleased at first. The "bad" power of the United States would diminish. This would cause other world power to come into play. I wonder if those powers (whomever they are) will be be better or worse for the planet as a whole.

<my opinion>In my opinion, I would say that as "bad" as the United States is perceived around the world, the power that would rise in its place would be fundamental Islam. And I would imagine that the "bad" power the United States had will be viewed as "not so bad" comparatively. However, by that time it will be too late. <my opinion>

That said, it truly would be interesting to see played out. Is the world right? Does America really have their "nose in everyone's business" for all the wrong reasons? It seems that's how it is portrayed. If America just up and left everything internationally (both good and bad), would the world be better? Again, it would be interesting to find out.

Face Ache · Jul 30, 2006, 06:39 PM

Originally Posted by jamil5454

Is it just me, or does it seem like the only ones supporting Israel and the U.S. on this issue are Israelis and Americans?

On the Australian TV news last night the lead headline was "Israel massacres children with US supplied weapons". I'll bet they didn't say that on FoxNews.

Doofy · Jul 30, 2006, 06:48 PM

Originally Posted by jamil5454

Is it just me, or does it seem like the only ones supporting Israel and the U.S. on this issue are Israelis and Americans?

It's just you.

goMac · Jul 30, 2006, 06:51 PM

Originally Posted by PacHead

There's tons of disgusting pro-terrorist and anti-American lowlife losers posting all over the internet.

And Israel has joined their ranks. As you've noted yourself.

Kevin · Jul 30, 2006, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by PacHead

There's tons of disgusting pro-terrorist and anti-American lowlife losers posting all over the internet. Do you even know what you are talking abouut ?

PacHead · 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by goMac

And Israel has joined their ranks. As you've noted yourself.

Sorry, but no matter how much you wish it to be true, or no matter how many times you and other propagandists repeat it, Israel is not a terrorist state and neither is the USA.

Kevin · Jul 30, 2006, 07:19 PM

Pachead we are in Bizarro land

PacHead · Jul 30, 2006, 07:23 PM

Originally Posted by Kevin

Pachead we are in Bizarro land

You're absolutely right. That's why I've always been an advocate for war, there is no discussing with people who are so messed up in their thinking.

greenamp · Jul 30, 2006, 09:45 PM

Originally Posted by Face Ache

On the Australian TV news last night the lead headline was "Israel massacres children with US supplied weapons". I'll bet they didn't say that on FoxNews.

What a stupid thing for a News outlet to say. You support that kind of sensationalized hyperbole?

Face Ache · Jul 31, 2006, 12:13 AM

Originally Posted by greenamp

What a stupid thing for a News outlet to say. You support that kind of sensationalized hyperbole?

No but I hear it rates well.

Nicko · Jul 31, 2006, 03:56 AM

Originally Posted by Face Ache

On the Australian TV news last night the lead headline was "Israel massacres children with US supplied weapons". I'll bet they didn't say that on FoxNews.

Its funny because its true. Well, maybe more like a tragicomedy.

goMac · Jul 31, 2006, 04:15 AM

Originally Posted by Kevin

Translated: I'm afraid people will think I'm anti semitic if I criticize Israel.

Doofy · Jul 31, 2006, 04:24 AM

Originally Posted by greenamp

What a stupid thing for a News outlet to say. You support that kind of sensationalized hyperbole?

ITV (Channel 3) here has been doing nothing for the last couple of weeks other than show us Lebanese kids in hospital. Like, every news report - and they're supposed to be the least biased of the channels.

The BBC, who're supposed to be biased, actually ran a current affairs show last night which showed the BS coming out of Palestine. You can watch a re-run here.

yakkiebah · Jul 31, 2006, 04:29 AM

Originally Posted by Doofy

ITV (Channel 3) here has been doing nothing for the last couple of weeks other than show us Lebanese kids in hospital. Like, every news report - and they're supposed to be the least biased of the channels.

The BBC, who're supposed to be biased, actually ran a current affairs show last night which showed the BS coming out of Palestine. You can watch a re-run here.

It looks like the BBC is finally waking up, or atleast partly. I've watched it last night, a very good show with a pretty frightening ending.

I wonder how long until the rest of Europe wakes up. It took me about 10 years.

Monique · Jul 31, 2006, 01:59 PM

Israel does not need to use propaganda; they just need to tell the truth and show the graves of the people assassinated by the terrorists.

amsalpemkcus · Jul 31, 2006, 09:44 PM

Here is some anti-jihad propaganda of the funny kind:

Dated 25 July:

http://www.coxandforkum.com/