In case you are wondering, you are not alone. How come the fearsome jihadi fighters, shown on videos going about their business of beheadings and other deeds, are all wearing veils, looking like niqabs? Why are they hiding their faces behind such garments? Are they all like the women who are supposed to wear such things?
According to Wikipedia, these balaclava-like veils are "worn by some Muslim women in public areas and in front of non-mahram adult males" and "it is claimed that under Islam the niqab is a requirement for all women."
Balaclava Mask
Wiki also claims that, in the Crimean War (in 1854) "balaclavas were sent over to the British troops to help protect them from the bitter cold weather." They were to protect from frostbite when temperatures and wind chill factors cause freezing of exposed skin within minutes.
I didn't realize it was that cold in Syria and Iraq at this time of the year that these fighters/insurgents/militants/jihadists need to wear them at all. It's not cold there right now. In fact, looking at the current information from weather.com, it shows day/night temperatures for Baghdad (Iraq) as 90/85 F. Clearly, that's not "bitter cold" but rather "steaming hot" weather.
So, the question remains, why are these fearsome warriors wearing them? Could it be that they are afraid of being recognized? If so, they are deluding themselves. Modern recognition software is extremely powerful and can identify most of these individuals within seconds.
Recognition Software
Well, whether balaclava or niqab or whatever it is that all that these warriors can hide behind, it doesn't account to much. Modern facial, iris and other personal feature characteristics are easy to determine and analyze. Even behind such veils many of these individuals can be rapidly recognized. For example, when I cross the Canada/US border at points where iris-scan machines are located, all I need to do is to look at the machine for about three seconds--upon which it knows who I am and responds with a message like "Welcome Mr. ..."
Frankly, I am amazed every time about the speed and accuracy of that technology, but it truly works well as I have yet to be mistaken for someone else. Of course, the system requires that the person's data are recorded and known in advance of the arrival. That scan is better than a passport, more secure and equally fast or faster, which leads me to the advice for any potential jihadists:
Advice for Jihadist Recruits
Don't be shy. Be brave and show your face!
Your after-life rewards are waiting in any event, but how can one recognize you positively without a pre-recorded iris-scan? Therefore, you should welcome the news that all fighters can get such scans for free when they depart to overseas missions.
Actually though, such scans may soon become superfluous too. With so many high-resolution cameras at airports and other public venues these days, more likely than not you are already recorded and your identity known by the time you step across the front door threshold.
Simply, join the crowd, stand up and be counted:
"Jihadists be brave, uncover your face as there is no more need to wear a balaclava!"
