CBC Radio One’s The Current today featured Chris Hunter, a bomb defuser who has written accounts of his travels.

http://www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/2008/200802/20080227.html

He talks of being able to get a detailed confession and explanation out of one of the terrorist bomb “artists” by stroking his ego and calling the bombs “masterpieces.” I would argue that he created a very strong “in-group” bond with the bomber. “You see, we are alike. We are the only ones who understand your talent…” The fellow-artist bond trumped the more natural “out-group” identity of terrorist vs. Western crusader. Hunter puts it down to ego; I disagree.

Also, Mr. Hunter is fairly straightforward about how Canada could be under imminent threat of a homeland attack. This is due to the pattern of terrorist organizations attacking countries that display internal division (e.g. conflict over relevant foreign policy). The natural example would be the attacks in Spain and England that followed debate over whether or not to engage in Iraq, etc.

One would hope that given his degree of credibility that he exhibited in the interview–and presumably through the book–that this is an objective statement, rather than a soft “plug” from someone who, as counter-terrorist consultant, could benefit greatly from a perceived threat. I do not presume to say that Mr. Hunt is overstating the situation for his own good, but the temptation must be great.

Tagged as: In-group/out-group, motivations

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