How to run snitches inside a terrorist group

Washington, Dec 26 (ANI): What's the best way to penetrate a terrorist organisation? Think as they do - pick out the outcasts and prey on their anxieties.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service created a sheet of how-to tips in 2005, which taught how to run sources inside extremist organizations.

An ideal source was the same for counter-terrorists as for terrorists: someone disciplined, capable of keeping secrets, and highly motivated.

NCIS found that people with low self-esteem who turn to religious extremism after experiencing a crisis are ideal candidates.

Western converts to Islam fit the bill, as do Muslims living in or educated in western countries. They'll feel like they've got the most to prove. But that also means they'll feel apprehensive about putting their fellow extremists in the crosshairs of law enforcement.

"That ambivalence is often best managed by developing a strong relationship with the source by activating his core motivation to 'stop the killing' and bring peace to the world, including the Muslim world," Wired News quoted NCIS as saying.

Once chosen, the next step follows.

"For the source to be successful, he will be making commitments to the target group as he becomes a more trusted brother. "For the source to be successful, he will be making commitments to the target group as he becomes a more trusted brother."

The document doesn't take the most nuanced view of Islamic cultures.

"Embedded within the Arabic culture is a normative acceptance of conspiracy theories."

"Persons from Middle Eastern and Arabic cultures often prioritize their social image and the harmony of relationships over directness or sincerity." (ANI)