Sunni-Shiite Sectarian Conflict Moves into Cyberspace

By Evan Kohlmann

Reflecting the ongoing downward spiral of relations between Sunni and Shiite Muslims--not only in Iraq but across the entire Middle East--Sunni militants have announced a campaign to attack certain Shia websites that they have accused of besmirching the honor of the late Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and the mujahideen of Iraq. In a plea to other Sunnis on the Internet urging them to volunteer to take part in this cyberattack, the campaign organizers have admonished, "O', where are those who are proud of their commander, Abu Musab (may Allah have mercy on him)... and of Islam?" The organizers also offered a download link for simple Windows-based hacking software that would allow even web novices the chance to participate in the upcoming attack. According a subsequent notification posted today, the planned cyberattack will commence on this Friday, December 15 at 11am eastern time (7pm Mecca time).

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