Jihadi John.

This chap from West London has gone out to Syria/Iraq and killed a number of western hostages by executing them in the name of Isis. What is the motivation that can persuade a man brought up in Britain to turn to such a degree against a pluralistic secular society? Perhaps that's it? Its that security of knowing your place in a religious sect that helps in creating a clear identity. We hear little these days of the Marxian concept of 'alienation' but that is at its very core. Alienated from Western values of modernity and secularism. Having a religious sect that grafts that identity on and is a reassuring gives also a raison d'etre. We should not underestimate if someone is anomic and cut off from the values that underpin society if they then turn to these sects. Moreover if they then feel the security services are either seeking to recruit them or are watching them - this will increase that anomic feeling. Sad as it may be Isis it will continue until this poisonous murderous sect has run its course. This will undoubtedly happened in the fullness of time. However it may take some years for that to occur.