How different sides of the Internet are using the fake Syrian passport to push their agenda

Published November 17th, 2015 - 04:35 GMT
The Syrian passport found at the scene of one Paris attack has left many wondering how it got there, and what it means. (AFP/File)
The Syrian passport found at the scene of one Paris attack has left many wondering how it got there, and what it means. (AFP/File)

As more information emerges about one of the Syrian passports found at the Paris attacks, voices from all side of the political spectrum are clamoring to use it to make their case. 

New evidence suggests the document was forged and used at one point by an individual in Greece—authorites there have matched the paperwork with a set of fingerprints taken during a refugee intake in the country. French officials are now investigating whether those prints match any taken from the crime scene in Paris.

Experts warn there's still no certainty the same individual who used the ducument in Greece traveled to France through the European migrant row, but that hasn't stopped social media from throwing out their ideas. 

Some suggest Daesh organized for the passport to be planted near the site of the attack in order to deepen European mistrust of refugees arriving from Syria. A write-up on Egyptian Streets suggests Daesh's aim may be to promote the idea of a "West vs Islam" conflict, thus causing Syrian refugees to side with them after facing persecution at the hands of Europeans. Or at least cause those planning to flee Syria to rethink their plans and remain in areas controlled by Daesh.

This theory has been one of the most popular among Twitter users.

 

Meanwhile, the ring-wing corner of the Internet is hailing the document as proof that Daesh militants are entering the West unabated, disguised as asylum seekers. They claim that's what caused the Paris attacks, meaning the safest option for Europe is to close its borders entirely.

 

Finally, there are those who scream conspiracy, claiming it was the French government or some other official entity who planted the passports in order to stir up a xenophobia in Western cities as an excuse to close their borders and get rid of refugees. 

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