Homegrown: The Counter-Terror Dilemma (HBO)

About Homegrown: The Counter-Terror Dilemma (HBO)

"Homegrown: The Counter-Terror Dilemma" is a 2016 HBO documentary that explores the dilemmas posed by homegrown Islamic extremism in the United States. It investigates the real-life threats and brings audiences into the world of men and women across the U.S. who are doing their best to prevent the next terrorist attack. This includes both those who work for the counter-terrorism agencies and the Muslim community leaders who are trying to counteract the radicalization of young men and women in their communities.

Making / Production

The film was produced by HBO and directed by Greg Barker, acclaimed for his insightful and grounded perspective on issues of importance in today's world. The production involved thorough research and detailed interviews with numerous people from different backgrounds, thus granting an inclusive representation of the situation.

Actors/ Participants

• Greg Barker - The director as well as the narrator of the documentary, effectively shedding light on the complexity of homegrown terrorism.
• John Brennan - Former Director of the CIA, provided an analytical perspective on the situation of homegrown terrorism in the USA.
• Philip Mudd - Former Deputy Director of CIA’s Counterterrorist Center and the FBI's National Security Branch, whose comments give a starkly real assessment of the severity and magnitude of the homegrown terror threat.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Homegrown: The Counter-Terror Dilemma was based on the Pulitzer Prize–winning Washington Post reporter Dana Priests's book "Top Secret America."
• The film was released in a period when homegrown terrorism was becoming a frequently discussed issue in the USA making it extremely pertinent and relevant.

Quotes

• “We as a country have not figured out how to come to grips with the notion of homegrown terrorists.” - John Brennan
• “Terrorism is a tactic. It's not an enemy in and of itself. It's a methodology used by groups that are trying to promote a certain cause.” - Philip Mudd