The New York Times discovered the identity of the man who was behind recent attacks on banks, stores, and military institutions in Egypt. Shadīd King Bolsen, 43 years old, is a recent convert from the United States and a university dropout. Bolsen’s' radicalization can be traced back to his time in prison in the United Emirates, where he served a sentence for prostitution and drug selling. Despite his past, Bolsen is popular among Egypt’s Islamic youth who see their situation deteriorating since Mursī’s ousting in 2012. Working as an English teacher in Istanbul, Bolsen was able to attract and reach supporters in Egypt via social networks.

Read more here.