No Stereotypical British Terrorist

The conclusions "challenge many of the stereotypes that are held about who becomes a terrorist and why," concludes the MI5 research. (The Guardian photo)

The conclusions "challenge many of the stereotypes that are held about who becomes a terrorist and why," concludes the research conducted by MI5's behavioral science unit and leaked to the daily.

The "restricted" briefing note, Understanding Radicalization and Violent Extremism in the UK, was based on in-depth case studies on "several hundred individuals known to be involved in, or closely associated with, violent extremist activity."

It came to the conclusion it would be impossible to draw up a typical profile of a British terrorist.

The study says terrorists studied were "a diverse collection of individuals, fitting no single profile, nor do they all follow a typical pathway to violent extremism."

Contradicting a perception that all those involved in terrorist activities are religious fanatics, it asserts that most terrorists are religious novices, with some rarely practicing their faith at all.

The study even found many of them to be involved in drug-taking, drinking alcohol and visiting prostitutes.

It played down the role of extremist scholars, saying their influence in radicalizing people is less likely.

Lesson

The MI5 found that terrorists are "demographically unremarkable", noting that hundreds of known and suspected extremists analyzed were "fitting no single demographic profile."

It concluded that those involved in terror activities are mostly British nationals, not illegal immigrants or people from overseas.

MI5's behavioral scientists also refuted the "mad and bad" stereotype on explaining why people turn to terrorism.

They found no evidence of mental illness or pathological personality traits among terrorists than is found in the general population.

The study, circulated within the security services in June, affirms that its results are bringing an "important lesson" for the government.

Unless they understand the varied backgrounds of those drawn to terrorism, British counter-terrorism officials will fail to beat terrorist activities, it stressed.

Britain has launched a £45m "Prevent" strategy to curb violent extremism following the 7/7 terrorist attacks.

The goals include undermining extremist ideology, identifying and supporting individuals vulnerable to recruitment by extremists and increasing the capacity of communities to resist extremism.

So far 200 projects in 70 towns and cities have been funded by Whitehall to develop the capacity of Muslim communities to challenge extremists.

Exaggerated

The MI5 study warned against the impact of those who exacerbate the perception of threat.

"Sections of the media, our own and allies' governments can sometimes make statements that are unwittingly or deliberately provocative," it said.

"Non-Muslim groups (e.g. rightwing extremists) can also stoke false fears and resentments, which can heighten the perception of threat in Muslim communities."

A Financial Times opinion poll has showed recently that Britain is the most suspicious nation about Muslims.

The UN human rights committee in July disparaged Britain over growing anti-Muslim sentiments, urging a review of its draconian anti-terror measures.

Britain's two million Muslims have taken the full brunt of anti-terror laws since the 7/7 attacks.

They have repeatedly complained of maltreatment by police for no apparent reason other than being Muslim.