The Italians have mastered the art of Tweetfare

After ISIS butchered Egyptian Coptics, members of the terror group threatened Rome and Pope Francis.

Subsequently, ISIS unleashed a Twitter campaign: #We_Are_Coming_O_Rome.

The Italians counter-attacked with a great deal of humor.

For the government in Italy, the prospect of IS-inspired attacks was cause for real concern. Indeed, the Italian foreign minister said last week that Rome would weigh participating in any military intervention to keep Islamic State forces from advancing in Libya. But while some in Italy fear the risk that terrorists, mingled among boatloads of migrants, could reach Italy from Libya, others have greeted the prospect with humor. They exploited the #We_Are_Coming_O_Rome Twitter hashtag to offer mock travel advice to IS operatives, including warnings about Rome’s terrible traffic congestion and restaurant recommendations.

They promised ISIS entertainment:

They promised to show ISIS famous landmarks, including the Leaning Tower of Pizza:

OK ISIS. This was it. We had enough. Don’t touch our beloved Tower of Pizza! #We_Are_Coming_O_Rome pic.twitter.com/CZ0QXaQ3gN — Rodrigo Galindez (@rodrigogalindez) February 24, 2015

The Italians promised ISIS great food:

#We_Are_Coming_O_Rome #ISIS fighters stop at highway restaurant for the typical Italian food, La "Porchetta". pic.twitter.com/bgncLwPmat — Giuseppe S. (@micios68) February 21, 2015

They offered travel tips:

Finally, they listed Italy’s strategic assets.

#We_Are_Coming_O_Rome What a great choice! Lovely weather, beautiful culture and fantastic women. All you don't have. pic.twitter.com/QJVGHxZcCj — Pierre Le Van ✈ (@VoyageForEver2) February 20, 2015

Perhaps our own administration can learn from the Italian’s example! The most effective social media campaigns are those that arise spontaneously; they cannot be staged efforts full of talking points.

If Italy’s military tactics are as impressive as the wit of its people, then ISIS is facing a formidable force, indeed.



