In light of the worsening conflicts witnessed in the Middle East over the last few years, the “military media” model has been brought back to life. This model is now being used by a number of media outlets in the region in order to reach the various conflicting parties and enforce their power, as well as to attract support for military opinions and policies.
Military media seems to be playing a clear role in affecting the outcome of events by directly influencing public opinion. The closest example to this in western media is the handling of the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. The mainstream media helped to create a wide base of support for the war, in spite of the grave financial and human losses paid by the US.
In tandem with the increasing role of military media in affecting conflicts, it has also contributed to the polarization of many of the region’s countries. Military media is a type of “targeted” media, which is often biased and has its own preconceived notions and ideologies to support. In addition, it is considered a method of psychological warfare due to its ability to mobilize supporting powers, and lobby to neutral or undecided parties in certain conflicts.
Multiple Models
Recently, the use of military media can be seen in the launch of new channels, websites and social media accounts. Some public and private channels have also been reshaped to follow the new military model.
The Syrian crisis represents the real starting point of this kind of media, which has steadily emerged over the last few years. Parties to the conflict have given that kind of warfare special attention, dedicating large swathes of controlled channels and websites to focus on what they consider “victories” in overtaking more land and announcing press releases.
The Syrian regime has recruited its official television channels for this purpose. This strategy was also utilized by internal and external opposition. These groups used television channels like “Syria Al-Shaab” and “Syria 18 Athar,” in addition to websites and social media channels as a means to push their own agenda.
With similar intent, ISIS has utilized a number of media organizations within its territory including Ajnad, Al-Farkan, Al-Etesam, Kanat Al-Hayah, Etha’at Al-Bayanand Dabiq magazine and website. This is all in addition to the large number of social media channels run by the organization.
It is worth noting Iraq’s experience with military media formed during the rise of the “Public Mobilization” militia, which used existing pro-Iran media platforms and launched new ones as well. Public Mobilization used channels such as Al-Anwar and Al-‘Ahd in addition to websites like Kata’eb Al-E’lam Al-Harby and the Facebook page Kata’eb Al-E’lam Al-Harby Al-Da’em Leneda’ Al-Marje’eya Al-Dinia (Military Media Brigades in Support of Religious Reference) to influence public option and extend their reach.
In Libya, there is clear presence of military media activity and it is not limited to visual media. The Al-Mosalah (the Armed One) magazine is prominent in Libyan military media, and focuseson promoting the Libyan military at home and abroad. Other examples include the Al-Ofok (Horizon) and Al-Tadrib (Training) magazines, as well as the radio show Nosoor Al-Gaw (Air-born Eagles), and a number of websites and social media channels.
In Yemen, Houthi-controlled channels carry out the same purpose. Most prominent among these is the Al-Masira (The March) channel, as well as a number of websites working to the same end.
Meanwhile, the media controlled by Palestinian organizations, including various TV channels, websites and social media accounts, remain the classic ongoing model of “military media” aimedat mobilizing public opinion to adopt their stances. Examples include the website Al-E’lam Al-Harby Le-Saraya Al-Quds (Military Media of The Quds Palace) and the military wing of the Al-Jihad Al-Islamy (Islamic Jihad) movement.
Five Indicators
Military media has evolved significantly over the past few years, in both form and method, as is clearly seen by the below indicators:
1. Different methods: There has been a clear development in the methods used to carry messages from military media to recipients. It has grown far beyond depicting military operations and inflating victories large and small. For example, traditional military media previously depended on diminishing the enemy or opposing party, and reducing any victories they may have had. Current military media, however, depends in part on defacing the enemy or raising hatred in the general public towards the antagonistic and fierce operations they employ.
In this context, many videos showing the killings carried out by ISIS have appeared in pro-regime Syrian channels, militia channels in Iraq and in pro-Iranian programs, no doubt with the aim of justifying ongoing participation in cross-border armed conflicts.
2. New causes: Military media has grown to include addressing national security threats, which had previously been prohibited. A number of talk shows addressing national security issues, especially terrorism, have started appearing. Instead of hiding the number of victims and the terrorists’ ability to infiltrate countries, these programs reveal the details of terrorist attacks. This has now become of the aims of military media, to prepare public opinion to support anti-terrorism efforts and working to limit its capabilities. The theory behind this is that the stability of governments depends on their realization of the security, social and political threats they face.
3. Advanced technology: Military media has benefited from recent developments in international media and communications. Broadcasts are no longer limited to war coverage in newspapers and satellite channels. Military media social media pages have spread. Examples include the Al-Hashd Al-Sha’by militia’s Farik Al-E’lam Al-Harby (military media team) Twitter account, which has 104 thousand active followers. Another example is the Facebook page, Al-E’lam Al-Harby Lel-Gaysh Al-Yamani wa Al-Ligan Al-Sha’beya (Military Media of the Yemeni Army and Civilian Patrols), which has the slogan “Together Towards Mobilization and Jihad,” and has 44,499 followers.
4. Wide range: Even though military media channels often belong to a single party or country, some websites now specialize in providing military media on a larger scale, rather than being limited to one country or group of individuals. This can be seen in a number of media channels and social media accounts that spread news and reports of the various regional conflicts.
5. Multiple missions: The mission of military media has grown to include strengthening the cultural security of societies by creating a culture of awareness regarding safety procedures, as well as relieving prevalent fear by preparing people for the possibility of armed conflict. A clear example of this was the heavy coverage by the Russian media of the possibility of World War III starting soon. The Russia-24 news channel published a report on preparing nuclear shelters in Moscow and St. Petersburg, while the Russian news magazine Fontanka has covered news of the possibility of the city government rationing bread in preparation for a potential war.
Conflicting Directions
Finally, it can be said that, while events in the region have necessitated the use of military media, the use itself will highlight particular issues both regionally and internationally that can shape events on the ground. This is especially true in light of the clear bias of the media channels using this kind of coverage, which often leads to swaying public opinion by focusing on certain issues instead of others, or even by magnifying certain threats and minimizing others, to serve the goals and interests of the countries and parties involved.
