Slashdot Mirror
Taliban Seizes and Burns PCs, Cell Phones To Stop Obscenity
retroworks writes "As translated from Central Asia Online, Cellular News reports that militants from South Waziristan set ablaze about 300 cellular phones and a number of computers in Wana because the devices were allegedly used to spread obscene materials. Prior to taking the action, they gave everyone fair warning with 'leaflets.' 300 cell phones down, 5 or 6 billion to go.
No need. The US Congress is racing to do that for them. (I wish this was a joke)
There are two possibilities. Either they are eliminating all cell phones, or only the cell phones of the non-Talaban under their control. If the get rid of all cell phones, then their ability to coordinate and send/receive timely information will be seriously impacted. They will become less effective.
If they keep cell phones for themselves, they become much more obvious targets. It will be easier to listen in on their communications because they will be the only ones talking. Even just detecting a cell phone signal will flag the location of a Talaban member. Not such a good move in the era of loitering UAVs with GPS enabled munitions.
It's nice when your enemies are such stupid fanatics that they either shoot themselves in the foot, or paint a target on their backs. I hope they find even more ways to use their religious fanaticism screw themselves up.
Why is Snark Required?
"Taliban Seizes and Burns PCs, Cell Phones To Stop Obscenity"
Contrast with:
US Government Seizes and Burns DNS domains, To Stop Copyright Infringement.
Discuss.
"National Security is the chief cause of national insecurity." - Celine's First Law