So too has the response of the rebel leaders, who have provoked a minor backlash by setting up their own rather crude whipping operation to stiffen the resolve of waverers.
Some counterterrorism experts believe that Droukdel suspected Belmoktar of a role in the Benghazi attack and was anxious that such a high-profile operation would promote a severe backlash from the United States, setting back AQIM's efforts to establish a foothold in Mali and Libya.
While the social media backlash had no visible impact on television ratings, the issue raises a concern on whether the IOC is setting a precedent for how social media will be monitored at upcoming sporting events, such as the Super Bowl and the World Cup.