Portrait of a Terrorist: Mohamed Atta

Dealing as it does with the shadowy world of investigating terrorist cells and the planning and motivation of the perpetrators of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Portrait of a Terrorist: Mohamed Atta is a near perfect fit for Investigative Reports series host Bill Kurtis' measured ominous delivery. Brimming with security video clips and interviews with ancillary figures, the video identifies and analyzes Atta's leadership role and motivation in the commission of the attacks. Coming from a middle class milieu (a very thin slice of Egyptian society), Atta eventually gravitated towards the virulent Islamic fundamentalism that inspired him and his team of hijackers. Combining interviews with both government experts and current affairs analysts, together with revealing video clips, the program makes a convincing case against Atta. But the production's real strength and underlying chill comes from the insight into the crafty ways that Atta and compatriots were able to maintain secrecy regarding themselves and their plans while residing in the West. Sure to be of tremendous interest, this solid piece of investigative journalism--one of the things A&E and Kurtis do best--is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (M. Tribby)