Second online anti-Daesh center may open in Malaysia

WASHINGTON

The U.S. may join to establish another online center to counter radical ideology and Daesh tactics, this time in Malaysia, a U.S. spokesman said Thursday.

On a recent trip to Malaysia, President Barack Obama discussed with that country’s prime minister the intent to set up an additional Sawab center there, said White House spokesman Josh Earnest.

He said it was a must for the U.S. to partner with the leaders of Muslim countries to defeat Daesh.

"The United States government is probably not going to be the most effective voice to try to counter them," he said. "ISIL has a rather sophisticated operation when it comes to social media.”

The first Sawab center was established last July in Abu Dhabi – a joint effort by the U.S. and United Arab Emirates. Sawab is an Arabic word that means “the right path.”

The center is the first multinational online engagement program in support of the U.S.-lead coalition fighting Daesh.

Officials hope the center will allow quick and effective direct online interaction to counter terrorist propaganda that uses messaging, the recruitment of foreign fighters and fundraising.

"The Sawab center will increase the intensity of online debate by presenting moderate and tolerant voices from across the region and amplifying inclusive and constructive narratives," according to the State Department.

Daesh has been cited for its effective use of social media to attract and recruit a growing number of foreign fighters to fight for the group in Iraq and Syria.