New Zealand Radical Researcher "Exposes" Israeli Spy Base

Russian propaganda outlet Russia Today recently exposed a large Israeli electronic listening base - with the help of New Zealand researcher and writer, Nicky Hager.

Hager is regarded as an international expert on Western spy bases. He has testified before the European Parliament, lectured widely and has written many articles and books on the subject.

While cultivating an image of a dispassionate observer concerned only for peace and civil liberties, Hager's background belies that image.

During the early 1980s,  Hager was a leader involved in the pro-Sandinista Wellington Nicaragua Solidarity Committee. He was also involved in several groups associated with the Workers Communist League, a rabidly Maoist group notorious for their anti American, anti-Israeli and pro-Palestinian activities.

Hager (right) with W.C.L. member Ron Smith, circa 1983

Later like many former W.C.L. affiliates Hager was later involved in anarchist-connected "peace" and environmental causes.

One of his main projects for many years was campaigning against the US satellite tracking base at Waihopai in New Zealand's South Island.

Now Hager is busily trying to hinder Israel's attempts to monitor their many enemies in the region.

If Nicky Hager attempted this sort of stunt in any other country in the Middle East, he would be jailed or deported by now.

More From Kiwi Ex Radical Islamist Charles Wardle

The main stream media should be all over this guy.



Influenced by reading Robert Fisk, Charles becomes sympathetic to "oppressed" Muslim communities and being an idealist, wants to help.

He goes to Pakistan in 2001 to offer his services to the cause. Told only a Muslim can serve "Jihad" Charles converts and studies Islam in several countries.

He undergoes training in Jihad simultaneously and serves the cause in several countries-undergoing some pretty scary moments on the way.

Charles serves with several Western born Jihadis-some who now dead or jailed. Some still active.

Charles eventually comes back to New Zealand and is involved in the Islamic community here.

A university science education sows doubts in his mind and Charles leaves Islam.

He wants to build bridges between "mainstream" NZ and moderate Muslims in this country. He understands New Zealand has its own Islamic extremist movement that could cause some major problems.

Charles wants to avert disaster for both his fellow new Zealanders and the local Islamic community whom he still very much admires. He is taking some risk in attempting to do so.

Is this guy unique or what?

Does his story need to reach a wider audience?