The Foreign Service Journal, December 2005

and local newspapers sometimes lift their articles in their entirety. That constant of Internet use, pornography, is as popular in the Arab world as elsewhere, if not more so. Governments in many parts of the region throw up fire- walls and filters, but they scarcely inhibit thrill-seeking young people. As a prominent Saudi editor told me a few years ago, “They have created a nation of hackers. They try to keep us from looking at anything related to politics, religion or sex. What else is there in the world?” The Internet has also been a boon to the volatile mix of politics and religion that helps sustain the modern Islamist militancy. Although dramatically reduced since law enforcement stepped up efforts to control it after the 9/11 attacks, Web sites feature dramatic pictures of dead and mutilated Muslims, religious edicts, appeals to group solidarity and calls for vengeance. Western and Arab intelligence services have used electronic sleuthing to swoop in and shut down servers hosting such sites on the one hand, while monitoring those seeking to access them on the other. The Internet’s role is not limited to rallying the mass- es. Terrorists, including the 9/11 hijackers, have found the vastness of the Internet an inviting and anonymous ocean in which to swim. They use anonymous e-mail accounts, send coded messages and converse in pass- word-protected chat rooms that are often beyond intelli- gence services’ ability to penetrate. For movements engaged in global jihad, the Internet’s global character, size and indifference to distance make it an increasingly valuable tool. Such users are few in number, but they have a huge impact. The Rise of Game Shows and Reality TV Terrestrial television, led first by satellite program- ming, has sought to go where the audiences are. Confronting the threat of irrelevancy as audiences flee the mundane for something new and edgy, programmers have revolutionized coverage. News is much more watchable, and much less heavy-handed, than it was even a decade ago. Debate shows have flourished. Celebrity F O C U S D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 5 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 39 The Embassy Plan Overseas Insurance Personal Auto & Contents Coverage Experience that helps you avoid the pitfalls of a highly complex business. Repeat business that results from providing what’s best for the customer not the agent nor the insurance company. Since 1969, Harry M. Jannette International has provided dependable coverage with U.S. carriers with a financial rating of A+ or higher to thousands of Foreign Service Personnel worldwide. Thus you gain the broadest U.S. terms and conditions and flexible value limits often not available from other insurance carriers. MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED: SEE OUR WEBSITE APPLICATIONS Harry M. Jannette International, L.L.C. 8111 LBJ Freeway, Suite 585 Dallas, Texas 75251-1334 Toll Free (800) 256-5141 (972) 783-4915 Fax (972) 783-0545 E-mail: hmjintl@jannetteintl.com www.jannetteintl.com • WORLDWIDE COVERAGE Fire, theft, comprehensive and collision protection are available at foreign posts. • U.S. AUTO LIABILITY Available for short term on home leave, change of assignment, and new auto purchase prior to foreign departure. This coverage must be issued in combination with an “Embassy Plan” policy. • FOREIGN LIABILITY Contact your post for compliance with local laws, Excess liability limits are available over local liability coverage. • PERSONAL COVERAGE Household goods and transit, valuable articles, personal liability, life insurance . • EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION INSURANCE Employee association insurance Including directors and officers. Your Reliable Choice