A glimpse into the mindset of a teen terrorist
Der Spiegel conducted an interview with a 16-year old IED bomber from Rawah, a small town in Anbar province. This young man was recruited by an older "fighter" from the village, taught how to build an IED, and was caught after an unsuccessful attempt to kill US Marines on patrol.
The striking thing about the interview is hearing the completely contradictory statements coming out his mouth - contradictions he is able to live with easily. Take this for instance:
"We still hate the Americans. In truth no one likes them. Iraq isn't free, that's why we have to keep on fighting," says Diya....he's also perfectly willing to enjoy the protection of the hated Americans:What would he do if he got a visa tomorrow to travel to the US? He would definitely take it, says Diya. Asked if he is aware of how contradictory that sounds, he smiles bashfully and buries his hands deeper into his armpits.
Diya has been lucky in one respect. The building in which he is incarcerated also houses the company of Marines stationed in Rawah. They all live on the same floor: US Marines, Iraqi police and the prisoners. The Americans guarantee the prisoners at least a minimum of good treatment.... and finally we have:
Asked what he wants to do with his life when he is released, Diya says: "I want to work for the Iraqi police." Asked if he thinks the Iraqi police will take him, he looks up at his interpreter and says, "Perhaps?"The entire interview is well worth reading, as it outlines the entire life cycle of the Sunni insurgent. My point here, though, is that as far as the Sunni component of the violence triangle goes, the propaganda component of the peace mission is extremely important in terms of de-muddling these kids' minds. In that respect, the left can take a bow for giving enemy propagandists all the ammunition they need to prolong the conflict and ruin these kids' lives.