05 September 2014

Inside Jobs and Israeli Stooges: Why Is the Muslim World in Thrall to Conspiracy Theories?

Did you know that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of Isis, was trained by Mossad and the CIA? Were you aware that his real name isn't Ibrahim Awwad Ibrahim Ali al-Badri al-Samarrai but Simon Elliot? Or that he's a Jewish actor who was recruited by the Israelis to play the part of the world's most wanted terrorist?

If the messages in my email in-box and my Twitter timeline and on my Facebook page are anything to go by, plenty of Muslims are not only willing to believe this nonsensical drivel but are super-keen to share it with their friends. The bizarre claim that NSA documents released by Edward Snowden "prove" the US and Israel are behind al-Baghdadi's actions has gone viral.

[TOP RATED COMMENT] Great question. How can anyone with an unwavering belief in angels, virgin births, and an unseen supernatural power that writes books and sends down messengers POSSIBLY ever believe in conspiracy theories? [The Huffington Post UK] Read more