Assuming that this "puff piece" accurately conveyed the student's beliefs, he is a reformed-Taliban member - and would be able to provide valuable insights into terrorism. One of the better guest lecturers I had in a white collar crime class was the perspective of a convicted white collar criminal. You could see the brokenness in his eyes. It seems that this kid has seen why the Taliban seemed attractive to some Afganis, and yet he saw just how destructive a force they were. That's a valuable insight that academics in the ivory towers of Yale won't see.
But, even if this story wasn't accurate, its good to understand the ways of your enemies. It's still valuable to see that.
LOL
Too bad Yale isn't as generous and open minded towards the US Military!