Fears of the cut cables
The Middle Eastern internet cable cut is eliciting a series of theories, which are interesting to examine. They reveal a spectrum of political fears, with some flavoring of the fearsome internet.
Reports claim a variety of sources that might have incapacitated the cables, from the U.S. Secret Service, to Islamic fundamentalists, or other military exercises. Others maintain the damage signifies retribution for the impending opening of the Iranian Oil Bourse, which will allow trading in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, potentially diminishing the value of the dollar.
Other theories touch on America preparing for a strike on Iran through information warfare. Some name al Qaeda directly. Wired finds more:
Professional terrorist fear monger Annie Jacobsen says Middle Eastern governments are lying about the real reason for the cuts. 9/11 truthers suggested the cuts came in preparation for a U.S. government-faked terrorist attack on the Super Bowl. Bloggers have suggested that the cuts are cover for the NSA installing taps on the lines using the U.S.S. Jimmy Carter.
The news cycle has advanced rapidly, leading to parodies of these theories. The Wall Street Journal, for example, while ruling out head-mounted shark lasers, blames Gamera.
The causes largely remain mysterious. The number of breaks, and Egypt not finding video evidence, add to the puzzle's allure.
Previously on this topic: John Robb considers the cuts as if they were a probe.
am i the only one this freaked out about "professional terrorist fear monger?" how in the heck do you get paid for that? i bet she makes a ton of money. where do i sign up? O_O
Posted by: Cayden | February 09, 2008 at 18:39
And how do you put it on your resume?
This sounds like a party game waiting to be played.
Posted by: Bryan Alexander | February 11, 2008 at 08:55