Bottom Line Up Front:
As the
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has captured the heightened attention of the general public, the TRAC Team has been keeping track of the of all incidents related to the outbreak and the quarantines ordered around the globe. Both of the extremes from right & left intend to sow distrust in federal governments worldwide. Multiple messages from both the extreme far right & extreme left as well as jihadist have responded. Some highlights include:
A segment of right wing extremists have taken to 'Promote the Panic' as a white 'accelerationst' strategy to eradicate minorities, Jews and other racial enemies.
Left-wing anarchists have created a new website "The Plague and the Fire," of which the basis of the topics and content indicates a clear intent to incite civil unrest and stir up anger over the restrictions put in place to flatten the curve of the virus.
Several jihadist organizations are also responding to the impact the virus. The Taliban/IEA are most notable in distributing a statement that the Coronavirus is the result of divine wrath and that the "threat" should be confronted with measures in accordance with Islamic teachings, such as praying and consulting the Quran. However, contrary to more jihadist ideologies, the group also asked that civilians take care to heed the precautions outlined by healthcare professionals. Moreover, the Taliban are allowing aid workers to pass through their areas of control.
