A terrorism and information warfare expert analyzed the video recently posted online by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) and explained why the group chose a British journalist to deliver its message.

According to Professor David Charters, who teaches military history at the University of New Brunswick and is an expert in warfare information and propaganda videos, the newest video was different from the previous ones released by the group, which could be a sign that it's attempting to change their image.

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Departing from its usual theme of declaring war, mass killings and beheadings, the new video featured John Cantlie, a British photojournalist, delivering a message on behalf of the militant group

In the video called "Lend Me Your Ears," Cantlie was shown in an orange clothing with his hands resting on the table, as he addressed the Western public.

Charters said that the previous videos painted the group as "horrific," and with the new video, the group is attempting to show the world that they were not "beastly."

In addition, the military history professor said that the group's move may be a way to tell the world they are giving Cantlie a chance to speak under reasonable circumstances to manage people's perception of them.

The videos showing the mass killings and beheadings may have created reactions from the public that was contrary to the group's intention. The less-intense video of Cantlie may be the group's way of delivering a message in a way that will not produce a dramatic reaction from people, Charters explained.

Additionally, Charters pointed out that it was clear that Cantlie was reading the message from a teleprompter or a prepared text, adding that the British journalist was "coerced."

Cantlie was speaking in English, but the video had an Arabic subtitle. This implied that the group was targeting both the western and its local audience.

The theme of the video is similar to those conveyed by other insurgents --- that it was an unwinnable war, and that the forces opposing the extremists will eventually be defeated, according to Charters.

In conclusion, Charters said that the insurgents may have failed to realize that the United States' and Britain's actions against them may not even be affected by their antics.

TagsISIL, ISIS, David Cantlie, ISIL video, Lend Me Your Ears