An American family saved their son from joining the Islamic State. Now he might go to prison.

Asher Abid Khan, 20, at his home in Spring, Tex., in 2015. Khan faces up to 30 years in prison. (Obtained by The Washington Post)

The area around the neighborhood where Asher Abid Khan lives with his parents in Spring, Tex. Khan made a trip to Turkey, intending to cross the border into Syria , possibly intending to join the Islamic State, but decided against it and came back. The FBI charged Khan with conspiracy and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State. (Michael Stravato/For The Washington Post)

By Adam Goldman-September 6

SPRING, Tex. — Asher Abid Khan sat in Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport and considered his next move — forward to Syria and enlistment in the Islamic State, the militant group that had drawn him to the possibility of dying for Allah, or home to Texas and his bewildered family whose imploring messages were filling his voice mail.

The 19-year-old pulled out his phone and dialed.
An American Family Saved Their Son From Joining the Islamic State. Now He Might Go to Prison. by Thavam Ratna