I’m starting a series of posts with the …

I’m starting a series of posts with the tag ‘Spin Cycle’ to demonstrate how easily real information can be used to create false narrative. The most obvious way to do this, of course, is to take a widely believed ‘fact-based’ narrative and argue exactly the opposite, also using facts.

I’ll start with a shot at the home team before I move on to the jafis, just to play fair.

Narrative: Starbucks is a Zionist entity, and funds Zionist causes. This idea is almost ubiquitous among educated Muslims, who cite its CEO’s well-documented ties with Jewish charities. The idea that, as a result, Starbucks profits go straight into Israel’s coffers demonstrates a profound ignorance of the way modern corporations function.

Counter-Narrative: Starbucks is a Jihadist entity


FACT: All Starbucks outlets in the Middle East are operated by MH Alshaya WLL, a Kuwaiti company.
FACT: Kuwait plays host to many small jihadist cells, including members of Al Qaeda from neighboring Saudi Arabia
FACT: Alshaya also operates in Saudi Arabia
FACT: Starbucks terminated its relationship with its Israeli distributor in 2003, citing “ongoing operational challenges.” There are no Starbucks outlets in Israel, but dozens in its hostile Muslim neighbors.
FACT: A Starbucks is currently in operation within view of the Kaba in Mecca. It opened a week before the Islamic hajj in 2007.

Starbucks has given the cold shoulder to Israel while deepening its relationship with Muslim countries known to harbor terrorists. The company has gone so far as to open a store in Islam’s holiest city, tacitly endorsing the religion. Its green-and-white logo shares design elements with Saudi Arabia’s green-and-white flag. Some might call it a coincidence, but given Starbucks buddy-buddy relationship with hostile Muslim nations, it doesn’t seem far-fetched…