Terror Threat by Dwight Hamilton

Author:Dwight Hamilton
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780252094538
Publisher: Dundurn Press

8: Bodies

INTELLIGENCE FILE 006/2007 — Recruitment and — DEVELOPMENT

INTRODUCTION

In the past here in Canada, the recruitment of domestic terrorists and their direct support networks has been accomplished not only in university settings but also in certain progressive boutique bookstores that distributed terrorist propaganda (some of which is shown in the illustration section) in addition to the typical tomes promoting national liberation in Third World countries, the peace movement, environmentalism, animal rights, women’s rights, and various left-wing ideologies. New customers were always approached by a very friendly clerk who would attempt to determine their areas of interest — in itself not unusual — but depending on the answers given and the books bought, an invitation to have a cup of coffee might follow. This in turn could lead to further invitations to attend after-hours gatherings to watch films or attend special presentations on different subjects. Avid readers could eventually find themselves in demonstrations or in direct action operations.

Terrorist organizations have different methods of recruitment and development, and these are always tailored to the operational environment. The style can be divided along geographic lines as well as by group.

In Western Europe, Australia, and North America, the profile and development of a recruit for a traditional terrorist group was generally similar. The average age was twenty-two, one-third were female, and 80 percent were single (although this was not necessarily true at recruitment time, as many divorced soon after getting involved in the process). Most were from the middle or upper classes and had above-average IQs. Many had at least partially completed university or college. Key parts of the personality profile were a need to feel important and a desire for publicity. Recruits often lacked friends and therefore needed companionship and a sense of belonging. They were rarely stupid people and definitely not crazy, and all possessed a desire for self-sacrifice. Some would flip-flop from an extreme right-wing ideology to the extreme left, and all believed that violence is morally justified to support the cause. Individuals who have a need for revenge or strong hatred are ideal. This was the personality profile of those that often became terrorist cell or group leaders. Another key profile was an individual whom we can call a clean slate, someone with few friends and no strong beliefs about anything. Such individuals are easy to mould and often make good foot soldiers.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.