It makes sense if you stop to think about it. When the lives of your family and yourself are many times based on what you do, whether it's aligning yourself with the Americans, becoming dedicated to the burgeoning sense of patriotism within Iraq, or even joining the insurgents, it stands to reason that young men/women start to realize that their actions have important consequences in these situations. Thus, feeling like you are important and obtaining a greater sense of belonging within a group, regardless of what it is, will foster higher self-esteem.

He's playing looking into a mirror. That's how I would do it anyway...