True Spies Classic: Undercover Jihadi | CSIS
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Deep Dive
Why did Mubin Sheikh decide to become super religious after throwing a house party?
Mubin decided to become super religious to redeem himself after throwing a house party that shamed and dishonored his family, faith, and community. He felt he needed to restore honor and make things right.
Why did Mubin's encounter with armed men in Quetta, Pakistan, change his perspective on jihad?
Mubin's encounter with armed men in Quetta, who he saw as heroes, reinforced his belief in using violence to change the world. This experience aligned with his desire to find a new identity and purpose, leading him to become more radicalized.
Why did Mubin's initial reaction to the 9/11 attacks change over time?
Initially, Mubin celebrated the 9/11 attacks, feeling a sense of elation and justification. However, the reactions of his co-workers, especially the emotional impact on a colleague, made him reconsider his views and realize the devastating human cost of the attacks.
Why did Mubin decide to study Islam in Syria and what impact did it have on him?
Mubin decided to study Islam in Syria to understand his faith better and de-radicalize. His teacher challenged his extremist views, leading to a full de-radicalization process and a new appreciation for his religion. He also witnessed police brutality in Syria, which made him appreciate the freedoms in Canada.
Why did Mubin agree to work as an undercover agent for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service?
Mubin agreed to work as an undercover agent to prevent terrorist attacks and make amends for his past mistakes. He saw it as a chance to be the good guy and protect innocent lives.
Why did Mubin refuse witness protection after the Toronto 18 arrests?
Mubin refused witness protection because he felt it was unacceptable to leave his community and start a new life. He believed he could handle the potential threats and wanted to face the consequences of his actions.
Why did Mubin decide to blow his cover and give an interview to a Muslim journalist?
Mubin decided to blow his cover to give credit to the Muslim community for helping prevent terrorism and to challenge the government's narrative. He wanted to explain his role and show that not all Muslim communities produced terrorists.
Why did Mubin face backlash from his community after being exposed as an undercover agent?
Mubin faced backlash because many in his community accused him of betraying them, radicalizing the Toronto 18, and setting them up. He was shunned, received death threats, and was excommunicated from the community.
Why did Mubin's faith and personal life suffer after the Toronto 18 case?
Mubin's faith and personal life suffered because he was excommunicated from his community, received death threats, and was labeled a traitor. He fell into depression, drug addiction, and became distant from his family.
Why did Mubin feel he did the right thing in the end despite the challenges?
Mubin felt he did the right thing because his actions helped prevent a catastrophic terrorist attack and led to the conviction of 11 would-be jihadi terrorists. He also became an expert in counterterrorism and used his experience to defend the Muslim community against extremist narratives.
- Mubin Shaikh's split identity growing up in Toronto
- Radicalization at 18 and involvement with the Tablighi Jamaat
- Encounter with armed Taliban members in Quetta, Pakistan
- Impact of 9/11 on his views
- Decision to leave for Syria to study Islam
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