Israeli researcher and terrorism expert Reuven Paz reached back more than 1,000 years to explain the roots of modern-day Islamist terrorism, in his testimony today. From the Crusades to the Mongols, he detailed how major Islamic teachers offered new interpretations of religious teachings and views of the world that have again become popular today.

As the trial broke for lunch, Judge Edward Lodge noted that the information is interesting and likely helpful to the jury in its understanding - but said he'd like things to speed up. The trial, now mid-way through its sixth week, was only supposed to last six to eight weeks in total - and the government is still presenting its case. Still to come is the defense's entire case.

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