Iraqi Teen on Becoming a Terrorist

One of the questions often asked in discussions about terrorism and terrorist groups is why anyone would join up for their causes. Why would anyone voluntarily become a terrorist? The reasons vary, but in many cases heavy doses of indoctrination are good tools in the hands of capable fanatics.

Tom Lassiter writes for Bradenton about the experiences of Ali, a 14-year-old boy who joined Ansar al Islam, a radical Islamic in Iraq, between the summer of 2001 and the winter of 2002:

The Ansar members accused Ali of being a spy, of being an infidel. They shouted at him. They beat him. They threatened to kill him. For two hours, the threats and screams continued. Then an older man walked in the room and in a calm, kind voice began to speak about Islam. ... "He told me about paradise, about virgins, about Islam," Ali said.

The imam told him that, as a Muslim, Ali was part of a brotherhood that stretched back hundreds of years. He had an important role to play in the world, one that would bring prestige and glory. There were 70 virgins waiting for him in a promised land, a paradise just for him.

The conversation lasted for hours. At the end, Ali was taken to a little room and given some food and a blanket. The next morning, an Ansar official came by and said that while Ali wasn't a prisoner, they wanted to keep him for a few days to make sure he wasn't a spy. Ali was invited to attend religion classes.

After 15 days of nothing but his cell and religious classes, they had him - instead of dreaming of studying in France, his dreams turned towards fulfilling his "duty" as a Muslim. The concept of "duty" was, naturally, determined by the leaders of Ansar al Islam. A young man without much direction and purpose was offered both. It's no surprise that the lept at the opportunity.

Ali left the group in 2002, but he doesn't regret his membership and would consider joining again. Is there anyone in Iraq who can offer him something better for his life and his future? If not, then we should expect a lot more Alis to rise up. There are plenty of people like the Ansar imam who are willing to take advantage of such young men.

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