[abner]

Just thought I would throw this out there from someone that I personally know.

[fly_so_free]

I was thinking maybe he was a CIA agent working undercover, but maybe I watch too many movies. I do remember right after 9/11 CIA and FBI were asking for people who could speak arabic. Guess we'll never know.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

It seems more likely the father and son were working on the same side -- whichever that was and regardless of their public stance.

[jwpjr]

I have to wonder if maybe Nick tought he could endear himself to the enemy by offering the use of his cell phone knowledge to help them overcome the risk associated with using those phones. It's been a real problem for them that any use of such phones is quickly intercepted and the info used to get a fix on their location. Nick might (and this is PURE speculation!) have felt he could worm his way into their inner circle and then use that to turn them in and collect the reward. Of course he could also have been Pollyanna-ish enough to be willing to do it for the cause you say he supported. I suspect these guys are ALWAYS looking for ways to hone their communication skills. Our ability to eaves drop on these animals by way of their cell phone/satcom traffic has got to be one of the untold victories in this war. I don't think we will fully appreciate the accomplishment until several years has passed and disclosing our ability won't endanger ongoing attempts to listen in on their conversations.