Flirting with the Islamic State (video script)
PRODUCERS:Poh Si Teng and Ben Laffin / REPORTER: RukminiCallimachi
2015 The New York Times
"The first thing they told me was I was not allowed to listen to music. The second thing they told me is like how to pray. They did tell me that it is a sin to live... to stay in non-Muslim lands if you have a chance to go to Muslim lands because... why would we stay in a land of disbelievers and doubters?"
"Alex", 23, started chatting online with sympathizers of the Islamic State in August.
"I live in... like a modular home with my grandparents and it's in the middle of nowhere. Even though in the city we could walk around wherever we wanted and here it was a lot better in a lot of ways because it was safer but it was also because it was also safer it's a lot more boring. I've met my friends on the Internet. I havemore community with them than I have with people of my own community."
After James Foley, an American journalist, was beheaded by the Islamic State, she posted questions about the group on Twitter.
"I was looking for people who agreed with what they were doing so I could understand why they were doing it and it was actually really easy to find them."
In October, Alex and a man named Faisal Mostafa started exchanging messages. They chatted for hours every day.
"I thought... he is my friend."
Faisal lives in England. He is 51 and is married.
Your a nice person with a beautiful character in many ways ur much better than many so called born muslims.07:13PM - 19 Feb 15
"He always answered my questions, he always brought up things about Christianity but in a kind way."
seek knowledge always. Never be a be a blind sheep like the masses
08:31 PM - 31 Jan 15
yes the statement from the kahilfa is valid i'll explain later tonight fully inshallah 04:51 AM - 31 Jan 15
if you need money i can get some dont be shy just keep it quiet let me know please wasalaam 04:13 PM - 10 Feb 15
Faisal was twice acquitted of bomb plots in Britain. Investigators found a document titled 'Mujahedin Explosives Handbook' on his computer. But, his lawyer said the explosives in his home were for research purposes.
Faisal was also arrested and detained in Bangladesh, where he was accused of running a bomb-making factory.
salaamspls could you send me a delivery address Inshallah will send items on monday 05:25 PM - 02 Jan 15
"They were all innocent gifts: headscarves, prayer mats, chocolate, a lot of candy. Learning books. I like this one [The Rights & Duties of WOMEN IN ISLAM] because it kind of elevate the woman, not like this one... This is thicker than this one and it's all about how you're supposed to dress! [Islamic Dress Code for Women]
"Yeah, I think this is the one he sent me." [video about how to wear a headscarf]
"You're not supposed to show your hair cos if you show your hair then it's like the equivalent of being naked. I don't get that! But it's fairly normal like in real life if you are to go to a coffee shop. He was like my mentor."
we need 2 practice those arabic prayers etc on skype sometime ok
07:52 PM - 19 Feb 15
In December, Alex converted to Islam, taking a vow on Twitter.
"It was next to consciously be able to meet God, not just er... in Christianity you could talk to him whenever but because of that I usually don't."
To find a husband you ask within the muslim community, even twitter, mosques, friends etc... I know someone who will marry you
05:35 PM - 07 Feb 15
"Faisal found a guy that would marry me and if I was more serious about it he'd send me his picture and more information, but the information he gave me was... he was 45 and bald! But he's a very good Muslim."
Faisal's communications mirrored recruitment instructions found in an ISIS manual.
"I don't think the Islamic State is as bad as everyone says. I think that their atrocities are exaggerated. I think that... er... I think that they brought stability to their land... er... I think that... it might be one of the safest places to live in the Middle East. I don't know if I know the truth about the Islamic State."
Alex's grandmother: "You know I became aware when she started receiving gifts and I just knew from a married man this wasn't appropriate, I don't care where on earth he lived."
"Initially she wasn't very upset, she just said 'Don't do it again' and so I... did it again, but I had a different address so I wouldn't get caught."
Grandmother: "I tried telling her this man was grooming her."
"Yeah, he's still my friend, but I can't talk to him."
"My therapist said that I'm emotionally immature. I make decisions without thinking.It affects me like somewhere the way ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)affects people and I don't react the way I want to or should."
In February, Alex's grandmother told her to stop talking to Faisal.
"That was very important and... er... I don't know it'd be very difficult to go over there and never be able to come back."
The night after this interview, she contacted Faisal again.
Alex and Faisal resumed communication following this interview.
Zoulou57
"really miss you loads [crying icon] i'll wait whatever it takes... "I Love you God, i miss you and i forgive you" lol [smiley]" 02:59 AM - 10 Mar 15
"I'm not talking to him anymore, I was just saying good-bye!"
"No, you're not! You just scared me this morning when you told me that you talked to him again! I wouldn't mind. It would give me a lot of fun talking to him."
[Skype conversation. "I want you to know that I'm recording us." He ends the call.]
(...)
"I'm happy that I won't be lying to my parents, my grandparents anymore. I'm... sad... because I lost a friend."
Alex and Faisal resumed communication following this interview.
PRODUCED BY Poh Si Teng, Ben Laffin
REPORTER RukminiCallimachi
2015 The New York Times