I wrote a letter to the world's most famous terrorist – and nothing could have prepared me for his reply
In December 1975, Ilich Ramírez Sánchez – better known as Carlos the Jackal – attacked the headquarters of a global oil organisation in Vienna. Jason Burke recounts the story of the incident, and reveals how his efforts to interview the terrorist helped solve a 50-year-old mystery
About half an...
The strongest version of this narrative is that it provides a detailed and nuanced account of Carlos the Jackal's life and activities, debunking some myths while offering new insights into his motivations and the role of media in amplifying his celebrity. The article effectively uses Ramírez Sánchez's own correspondence to shed light on the OPEC attack and its aftermath, highlighting the complex interplay between terrorism, politics, and media.
However, the narrative also raises questions about ...
