Douglas McAuthur McCain, an American recently killed in Syria fighting on behalf of ISIS, is not the first U.S. citizen to join a militant Islamist organization. Here are some ways that such groups recruit Americans:
Preying on the weak by targeting naive, uneducated members of society, such as Americans
Flattering candidates by praising their lust for violence, hate-fueled worldview, and other standout qualities
Downplaying the part about dying and being globally reviled as a coward
Wooing young people with the rare chance to have a job
Internet
Offering an even larger selection of weapons than are available in America
Playing into young people’s fears of being left out of the next big thing
Giving away free ISIS lanyards, ISIS thumb drives, and other ISIS swag at job fair
Stressing that any time commitment could be over just a few short weeks after arriving in the Middle East
Letting U.S. continue current foreign policy strategy
