The Convert

3 comments on Hacker News

1. Mixedpavo-etcFeb 27, 2026

   The quality difference between Andor and The Mandalorian is so stark that I don't even think they are comparable. The Convert is a fine episode I guess, but next to Andor it's amateur.

   Andor is prestige TV. The Mandolorian feels like a childrens show by comparison.

   If you think The Convert was good, please, please watch Andor.

2. PositiveChathamizationOct 29, 2015

   People should also definitely check out "The Convert." The FBI sent some guy into a mosque to act like a Muslim radical and to try to get members of the mosque to plant a terrorist attack. He befriended some guys and hung out with them, and then tried to get them in trouble by telling them they should plan a terrorist attack. The guys from the mosque promptly called the FBI to turn over the FBI plant (not knowing he was an FBI plant). The FBI responded by pressing charges against one of the guys from the mosque because of some youtube videos he shared.

   It's insane.

   http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/471/the-convert

3. NeutralmarekmrozFeb 1, 2013

   Except this is not what has been happening. There have been many stories reported of FBI actively trying to make someone into a terrorist. Some of the supposed perpetrators even contacted the police while under pressure from FBI to commit acts they would not want to do. Forgive me but I do not have time currently to dig up more than one, but this one I have fresh in my memory: http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/471/the-convert?act=1

   It's a story of a sting/long con op gone really bad. Have a listen and see that it is nothing like the hypothetical that you posted.

   Edit: If anyone is interested, more similar stories can be found in democracynow.org and bestoftheleft.com podcast archives.