Learning terrorism

There’s an interesting article here about how terrorists learn to make IEDs. Quite relevant in the light of the apparently poorly constructed IED in Times Square, New York a couple of weeks ago. Interesting concepts such as the difference between “Techne” (greek for “technical knowledge”) that is obtained by teaching and “Metis” greek for intuitive practical knowledge that is gained by experience.  Neither works on their own I guess. There are interesting implications here in terms of the ability for terrorism to transfer from say Afghanistan to the US homeland.  Interesting implications too in the sense that “home grown” terrorists understand the context better in their own homeland and have the “Metis” for conducting an operation better than, say, a guy sent from one country to another. Like – “Oh yeah, I know which shops sell peroxide….”  I think there are implications too to work I’ve done in the past in terms of predicting or at best characterising where roadside IEDs might be laid. There might be a characterised signature in that aspect between a “metis” knowledgeable man from a “techne” knowledgeable man.

There’s also a point that the “metis” of general criminality enables terrorism. Obvious when you think about it, but worth considering in that way.   This also explains why cops make good terrorist hunters when embedded with the military.  I suggest you read the article.