Unmasking of 'Jihadi John' as a London lad shocks Britain

[Lite Beer]

Unmasking of 'Jihadi John' as a London lad shocks Britain
GREGORY KATZ, Associated Press
JILL LAWLESS, Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — The unmasking of Islamic State militant "Jihadi John" as a Londoner who had repeatedly been questioned by security services sent shock waves through Britain Friday, with Prime Minister David Cameron stepping in to defend British spy craft.

Cameron tried to defuse criticism of Britain's intelligence community, which had "Jihadi John" on its list of potential terror suspects for years but was unable to prevent him from traveling to Syria, where he has played a prominent role in grisly beheading videos.

Cameron did not mention "Jihadi John" or refer to his real identity: Mohammed Emwazi, a Kuwait-born computer science graduate raised and educated in Britain. But he said the country's spies make "incredibly difficult judgments" daily about how to pursue threats to national security and have broken up plots that would have caused immense damage.

Emwazi had been known to the British intelligence services since at least 2009, initially in connection with investigations into terrorism in Somalia.

David Anderson, who is in charge of reviewing Britain's terrorism legislation, said intelligence agencies may have dropped the ball, but faced a big challenge to identify real threats from "hundreds, probably thousands" of suspects.

"Perhaps they did slip up in this case but one won't know until there's been an inquiry or a report of some kind," he told the BBC.

The case has some parallels to that of two al-Qaida-inspired extremists who murdered a British soldier in a London street in May 2013. A report by lawmakers concluded that delays and other failings by the agencies had contributed to that tragedy.

However, it is not clear what laws could have been used to prevent Emwazi from leaving Britain at the time, since he had not been charged with any terrorist-related offenses. It is not known if police or security services had any evidence he was planning to join extremists in Syria.

His identification as the front man in IS murder videos has raised questions about how a soccer-playing London youngster who liked smart clothes became one of the world's most wanted men.

Authorities were working to piece together the path to radicalization of Emwazi, who came to Britain from Kuwait as a small child and attended state schools in London before studying computer science at the University of Westminster.

Court documents from 2011 obtained by the BBC list Emwazi as part of a network of west London men suspected by MI5 of sending funds, equipment and recruits to al-Shabab militants in Somalia. The group included Bilail al-Berjawi, a Lebanese-British militant who was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Somalia in January 2012.

Emails that Emwazi sent to a Muslim advocacy group reveal a young man increasingly frustrated by the attentions of British spies and angry at the plight of Muslims around the world.

Emwazi approached the group, CAGE, after he and two friends were arrested and deported on a trip to Tanzania in August 2009. They said they were going on a post-university safari. But Emwazi said he was grilled by a British intelligence officer who accused him of trying to travel to Somalia to link up with terrorists there.

He said the agent, who identified himself as Nick, suggested Emwazi "work for us" before saying "life will be harder for you" if he did not cooperate.

It is clear that Emwazi was unnerved after his unwanted interrogation.

"He knew everything about me; where I lived, what I did, the people I hanged around with," he wrote in one of the emails that CAGE made public Thursday. "He even said that he would try to visit me. But I refused and told him that I did not want him to pay me a visit."

The following year Emwazi accused British agents of preventing him from going to Kuwait, where he had a job and planned to marry. He wrote in one email that his "'life' is kind of on a 'pause.'"

Like many British Muslims who have become radicalized in recent years, he seemed to feel that Muslims were increasingly under attack in many parts of the world and complained to CAGE of the plight of his fellow believers in Chechnya, Iraq and elsewhere.

CAGE said that Emwazi even changed his name in a bid to escape the attentions of the security services, but still was barred from going to Kuwait. His family reported him missing early in 2013. Four months later, police told them Emwazi was in Syria, CAGE said.

He appeared in a video released in August showing the slaying of American journalist James Foley, denouncing the West before the killing. A man with similar stature and voice was also featured in videos of the IS killings of American journalist Steven Sotloff, Britons David Haines and Alan Hemming, and U.S. aid worker Abdul-Rahman Kassig.

Foley's parents in Arizona on Thursday expressed surprise that "Jihadi John" was an educated man who had real prospects in life.

"So he, in a sense, had a privileged upbringing, so to me that makes that even more sad that he'd want to use his gifts for such evil and such hatred. It's very frightening to me," Diane Foley said.

"We need to forgive him for not having a clue what he was doing," she said.

The widow of Haines, a British aid worker, said Friday she would like to see "Jihadi John" captured and put on trial.

Dragana Haines told The Associated Press in a phone interview from her home in Croatia that "I really hope he will be caught, I think it would be a good lesson for all."

Haines, whose husband was killed in September, said she would rather see Emwazi judged in a court of law than killed by enemy action.

"People of his kind believe that death in combat is an honor, something special," she said.

In the modest west London neighborhood where Emwazi's family lived, citizens were shocked after his identify was revealed.

Sharaft Ullah, who worships at the Harrow Road Mosque near the family home, remembered Emwazi as a strict Muslim who prayed several times a day. He said Emwazi was "a very good local guy and polite with everybody."

"I feel angry because he was educated in this country and he graduated from Westminster," Ullah said. "If he has been doing these things it's wrong."

Another mosque that Emwazi was reported to have attended, the Greenwich Islamic Centre, said it had no knowledge of him

-- (c) Associated Press 2015-02-28

[NongKhaiKid]

Why should it be a shock as militant Islam is alive and well even thriving in Britain ?

Politicians will now go into defensive posture to deny their ' come one come all ' policy for decades plus bending over backwards to be accommodating is in any way at fault. The tail is wagging the dog.

[canuckamuck]

I wonder if his educated mind has worked out the probability of receiving a drone fired, rocket powered, prostrate surgery?

[JockPieandBeans]

Unmasking of 'Jihadi John' as a London lad shocks Britain

NO. It does not.

Millions have being saying this for decades.

The response. '' Nothing but Racists, Bigots and Islamophobes ''

[daveAustin]

I am happy that he was not stopped departing the country. Why would you want scum like that on the streets? Let them all out. The object now is to ensure he gets one right in the ear and hopefully take out a dozen of his buddies in the process.

[Briggsy]

Fifth column. I don't think anyone is shocked. I believe a significant percentage of Moslems with citizenship of the UK or other Western countries have no loyalty to their country of convenience, sympathise greatly with Islamic intolerant ideals and will continue to work against the nations that gave them financial prosperity, protection of the law, safety and the freedom to express themselves.

[Stjohnm]

Why is it a shock we know this little ? is from Walford. Just surprised with all the attention from the security services Mr Bond hasn't slotted him already.

Edited February 28, 2015 by Stjohnm

[NeverSure]

Unmasking of 'Jihadi John' as a London lad shocks Britain

NO. It does not.

Millions have being saying this for decades.

The response. '' Nothing but Racists, Bigots and Islamophobes ''

"The response. '' Nothing but Racists, Bigots and Islamophobes ''"

Those are just the ones on TVF, LOL.

[Mosha]

7/7/05 we were shocked. Now we should be way past that. Not on;y did we fail to stop the enemy at the gate, we are holding it open and ushering them through. all the while being told it's all our own fault.

[jacko45k]

I just watched the BBC where I was told what a nice lad he was!!!!!

[harryfrompattaya]

I just watched the BBC where I was told what a nice lad he was!!!!!

The BBC always loved and will love Muslims but it doesn't work the Muslims hate England more than they hate Israeli

I am sad to say England and Europe can not wake up

Edited February 28, 2015 by harryfrompattaya

[lucifer666]

Why is it a shock we know this little ? is from Walford. Just surprised with all the attention from the security services Mr Bond hasn't slotted him already.

Not possible. All the MI5- MI6 operatives are living in Thailand. Ask any drunk in a bar.

[Grouse]

So much for "it's only a small minority of extremists"

Obviously even apparany "normal" Muslims are scum and need to be eradicated.

It would be great if one political party to a strong anti Islamic line for the next election! Sadly, it won't happen because they are only interested in votes even Muslim votes

I do think now is the time for a general upsurge of anti Islamic attitudes

Nothing too extreme. Just make life more difficult and more unfriendly

Just be less inclined to provide taxi licences to Pakistanis

Ban Halal butchery

Ban headscarves in public

Make foreign funding for mosques illegal

Ban Islamic faith schools

Avoid buying anything from Muslim run shops and businesses

Just generally create an unwelcoming environment

Eventually we will have them getting off the pavement/sidewalk when we walk by.

No need for pogroms yet, just open the exits and take away their passports on the way out.

[wabothai]

Nobody is shocked and there are no shockwaves.

Mainstream news blabber.

Let's all be glad that the mofo is where he is and will have to look over his shoulder every second for the rest of his short life.

[ggold]

With all their snooping powers and they can't even keep tabs on a known Jihadist! Then they pretend to be shocked. What BS.

[soalbundy]

So much for "it's only a small minority of extremists"

Obviously even apparany "normal" Muslims are scum and need to be eradicated.

It would be great if one political party to a strong anti Islamic line for the next election! Sadly, it won't happen because they are only interested in votes even Muslim votes

I do think now is the time for a general upsurge of anti Islamic attitudes

Nothing too extreme. Just make life more difficult and more unfriendly

Just be less inclined to provide taxi licences to Pakistanis

Ban Halal butchery

Ban headscarves in public

Make foreign funding for mosques illegal

Ban Islamic faith schools

Avoid buying anything from Muslim run shops and businesses

Just generally create an unwelcoming environment

Eventually we will have them getting off the pavement/sidewalk when we walk by.

No need for pogroms yet, just open the exits and take away their passports on the way out.

You forgot ''chemical castration'', it should be mandatory as soon as they get off the plane

[NongKhaiKid]

I just watched the BBC where I was told what a nice lad he was!!!!!

Another report is now quoting one of his secondary school teachers that he had to get anger management counselling.

The teacher is wisely remaining anonymous.

[NongKhaiKid]

With all their snooping powers and they can't even keep tabs on a known Jihadist! Then they pretend to be shocked. What BS.

How many known jihadists are there in Britain ? More than we can imagine I'm sure so just think of the manpower needed as surveillance 24/7 is difficult and manpower intensive. It's not as easy as the television dramas make it out to be especially if targets are surveillance conscious.

I'm not making excuses just stating practicalities.

[Johnny S]

I just watched the BBC where I was told what a nice lad he was!!!!!

saw it too, very scary that a person like that is not thrown out w his Family to live in hell-hole they came from ...

These parasites are everywhere and they need to be kicked home where they belong

[DaddyWarbucks]

I wonder if his educated mind has worked out the probability of receiving a drone fired, rocket powered, prostrate surgery?

He would no doubt welcome "martyrdom" because it would inspire thousands of others to do what he did, and perhaps even worse.

[pedro01]

I just watched the BBC where I was told what a nice lad he was!!!!!

Yes - apparently it was the harassment from the security services that turned him into a psychopathic butcher.

[Tchooptip]

Does not shocks Britain, horrifies the whole "civilized world"

Edited February 28, 2015 by Tchooptip

[Cornhack]

And Thailand is now spending billions to support Halal butchery - I hope they just mean the food outlets.

[Grouse]

So much for "it's only a small minority of extremists"

Obviously even apparany "normal" Muslims are scum and need to be eradicated.

It would be great if one political party to a strong anti Islamic line for the next election! Sadly, it won't happen because they are only interested in votes even Muslim votes

I do think now is the time for a general upsurge of anti Islamic attitudes

Nothing too extreme. Just make life more difficult and more unfriendly

Just be less inclined to provide taxi licences to Pakistanis

Ban Halal butchery

Ban headscarves in public

Make foreign funding for mosques illegal

Ban Islamic faith schools

Avoid buying anything from Muslim run shops and businesses

Just generally create an unwelcoming environment

Eventually we will have them getting off the pavement/sidewalk when we walk by.

No need for pogroms yet, just open the exits and take away their passports on the way out.

You forgot ''chemical castration'', it should be mandatory as soon as they get off the plane

Not a bad idea. Seriously though, I'm just trying to think of things that could actually be done, in stages, to make these creatures feel uncomfortable and so disliked that they leave

[Baerboxer]

So much for "it's only a small minority of extremists"

Obviously even apparany "normal" Muslims are scum and need to be eradicated.

It would be great if one political party to a strong anti Islamic line for the next election! Sadly, it won't happen because they are only interested in votes even Muslim votes

I do think now is the time for a general upsurge of anti Islamic attitudes

Nothing too extreme. Just make life more difficult and more unfriendly

Just be less inclined to provide taxi licences to Pakistanis

Ban Halal butchery

Ban headscarves in public

Make foreign funding for mosques illegal

Ban Islamic faith schools

Avoid buying anything from Muslim run shops and businesses

Just generally create an unwelcoming environment

Eventually we will have them getting off the pavement/sidewalk when we walk by.

No need for pogroms yet, just open the exits and take away their passports on the way out.

I can understand your anger. But you are advocating racism akin to the Nazis methods.

Depriving one section of the community rights allowed to another fuels extremism and terrorism. (The Gunpowder Plot is a good example).

However, bending over backwards by the indigenous host community and allowing immigrants to shaft you is also not right.

There either has to be a balance or an expulsion - something in between simply festers.

The UK relaxed it's anti Catholic laws, welcomed Jewish refugees, welcomed many ethnic Indians fleeing from persecution in East Africa. These people settled in, retained their identity and beliefs and contributed fantastically to the success of the country. They don't want to force their beliefs on anyone.

Unfortunately whilst many Moslems are like this, many are not. They demand respect of their beliefs and are indifferent to others beliefs, and will only accept their way and fully expect to enforce this in areas where they live. This is a dangerous cancer that must be removed from Britain or other EU countries. It will never heal.

[Baerboxer]

With all their snooping powers and they can't even keep tabs on a known Jihadist! Then they pretend to be shocked. What BS.

How many known jihadists are there in Britain ? More than we can imagine I'm sure so just think of the manpower needed as surveillance 24/7 is difficult and manpower intensive. It's not as easy as the television dramas make it out to be especially if targets are surveillance conscious.

I'm not making excuses just stating practicalities.

Look at the salaries MI5 pays it's operatives. Manpower and the quality of manpower are significant issues. The police, including Special Branch and the new NCA are not set up, resourced or capable of simply dealing with this massive extra requirement. Especially at a time of funding issues.

We, Britain, has lost the Civil Defense collective social responsibility mentality that used to prevail in the early decades after WW2, preferring to pass the responsibility to an ever decreasing group of "professionals".

No one wants a police state - but look how Britain is heading. Disarm and disengage the bulk of the population. Monitor their communications and habits, but reduce the people out in the field and rely on technology. Listen in and watch on CCTV mentality.

The UK governments of recent times treat the people as sheep - with an ever reducing number of shepherds to protect them. The extremists must think their god is truly on their side.

[trainman34014]

Thing is that the Security Services are underfunded and undermanned no matter what bullshit Politicians spout. The evergrowing threat of the enemy within needs massive manpower and financial resources to contain it if Western Governments are unwilling to drastically cut down immigration numbers and weed out and deport anyone who shows signs of becoming radicalised,including all family members, shut down Mosque's etc where known radical Imam's preach and insist that Islamic's integrate in their host countries to the fullest possible extent, or go back to whence they came. One can only imagine if a 'tracked' individual leaves their host country then the Security Services are only too pleased to have one less to watch out for, a kind of 'good riddance' attitude.

It seems that the West has learned nothing from 9/11 and 7/7 in particular when the radicals involved had spent many years living and learning inside Western communities. Tough measures are needed in tough times and it is now well past the time when Western Governments need to Man up and stop back peddling every time someone shouts 'Racist'. The truth is that it is the Islamic's that are 'Racist' against all other religion's.

[kinmaew]

Listening to his Muslim supporters "Such a wonderful person" etc etc he was "Marginalised" - Once again, in Politically correct Britain, its never the fault of the Muslim community its always someone else's fault.

[Thai at Heart]

London lad?

He's a skinny little piece of S*** with a psychotic personality. All this idea that he's just a normal lad gone wrong is patently nonsense.

He's been radicalised into a murdered which is obviously quite a rare and non average occupation.

[Alwyn]

Why is it a shock we know this little ? is from Walford. Just surprised with all the attention from the security services Mr Bond hasn't slotted him already.

Not possible. All the MI5- MI6 operatives are living in Thailand. Ask any drunk in a bar.

they are, sat next to all of their mates from the SAS! If every person I met in Thailand who told me they were SAS then the SAS would be the biggest and least secret army unit in the World!