5 myths about who becomes a terrorist

[bik0]

It's a little less black and white and a bit more complicated than what some people want you to believe...

Myths...

1. Most terrorists are spoiled rich kids.
2. Al-Qaeda members come from repressive countries in the Middle East.
3. Al-Qaeda is made up of religious zealots.
4. Terrorists are motivated by a strong belief in their cause.
5. The typical terrorist recruit is an alienated loner.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/08/AR2010010803585.html

[aquart]

1. The NYT did a terrorist profile about thirty years ago.

I remember two of the contributing factors: political instability in the home area and, and I thought this was strange, a prolonged childhood illness.

[Political_Junkie]

2. Surprisingly good article.

This needed to be said: "Rather than Islam leading young recruits toward al-Qaeda, it may be an ignorance of Islam that renders youths vulnerable to al-Qaeda's violent ideology."