Quote:I had a hunch you or jj would take it there, and I'm disappointed. There are many easier ways to make the kid into a radical jihadist than this. It happened, the parents saw a way to get some attention (and probably easy cash), and the opportunity to move to Qatar and get a full ride presented itself.

 

I think it's more likely that his parents and backers in Qatar want him to become a world-class scientist or engineer and rub him in the United States' face. Having the "clock kid" blow up a school bus would be a massive embarrassment to all involved.

 

That's exactly what they want you to believe.  Once the idea of "being grounded in Islamic faith, practice and civilization" is taught, the next step is Jihad.  As always, I can recommend a good book that describes how this process works.

 

The kid is by no means "brilliant".  I've seen nothing that shows that he has any idea about how electronics work, or how to program something.  He didn't "build" or "make" anything at all.  I have participated in forums where kids of his age were at least trying and asking questions related to programming and/or basic electronics theory.  Those are kids that deserve praise and/or scholarships to special schools.

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