Today as Americans around the world reflect with heavy hearts on the carnage that occurred on Thursday November 5, 2009 at Fort Hood, Texas, the question of who is Major Malik Nadal Hasan, U.S. Army psychiatrist?, burns deeply in the minds of many Americans who still are trying to cope with Hasan’s vile acts of cowardice and betrayal.
Thirteen people killed (12 soldiers 1 civilian), 34 recovering from gun shot wounds. Scores of lives forever scarred. Malik Nadal Hasan the treasonous soldier who was determined not to deploy to Afghanistan or Iraq, committed the ultimate act of treachery and cowardice against America when he entered Fort Hood’s Soldier’s Readiness Center and mercilessly and callously drew two handguns and shot, killed and maimed the very same American citizens that he took an oath to protect and to defend with his life.
Lying in a coma attached to a ventilator, fighting for his life in an undisclosed hospital, Major Malik Hasan by virtue of his treasonous crime has opened a debate on whether or not Hasan’s Army superiors were negligent in missing the signs that this troubled officer, who served under their command, was actually a ticking time bomb ready to explode.
What’s interesting is that Hasan’s personal story is not the story of a Muslim immigrant who along with his family, migrated to the United States in search of the iconic “American Dream”; a story whose chapters reflect personal discipline, hard work and a tenacious determination that enables him to later become a successful doctor an officer and a gentleman.
Hasan’s personal story begins with him being born in Arlington, Virginia, an American by birth, born to a Muslim family of Palestinian descent. Hasan served eight years as an enlisted soldier before becoming commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. Military records show he also served in the ROTC as an undergraduate at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg and received a bachelor's degree in biochemistry there in 1997.
For six years before reporting for duty at Fort Hood, in July 2009, Hasan worked at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in D.C. pursuing his career in psychiatry. He worked as an intern, a resident and last year he became a fellow in disaster and preventive psychiatry. He received his medical degree from the military's Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md., in 2001.
Hasan earned his rank of major in April 2008, according to a July 2008 Army Times article.
While an intern at Walter Reed, Hasan had some "difficulties" that required counseling and extra supervision, said Dr. Thomas Grieger, who was the training director at the time.
Grieger stated privacy laws prevented him from going into details about Hasan’s “difficulties”, but noted that Hasan’s problems had to do with Hasan's interactions with patients. He recalled Hasan as a "mostly very quiet" person who never spoke badly of the Army or the United States.
However, for at least six months, Hasan has been under watch by federal agents for suspicious activities that involved posting internet blogs that equated the actions of Middle Eastern suicide / homicide bombers to those of U.S. soldiers who sacrificed their lives in order to save the lives of fellow soldiers by throwing themselves on hand grenades.
Federal authorities seized Hasan's computer Friday during a search of his apartment in Killeen, Texas, said a U.S. military official who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation.
The feds have not confirmed Hasan as being the author of the blog postings, and a formal investigation had not been initiated before the shooting, said a law enforcement official who also spoke on condition of anonymity.
As an Army psychiatrist, it was Major Hasan’s job to counsel stateside Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans who cope with suddenly living life without the threat of roadside bombs, insurgents and ambushes. Perhaps it was his interaction and counseling sessions with returning war veterans that triggered his own personal doubts as an American soldier.
A devout Muslim, Hasan expressed to peers and superiors that he believed that the U.S. war in both Afghanistan and Iraq was a war waged against Muslims and Islam.
Dr. Val Finnell, a classmate of Hasan's at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland, says he got to know Hasan because a group of public health students that included him and Hasan took an environmental health class together. At the end of the class, everyone had to give a presentation. Classmates wrote on topics such as dry cleaning chemicals and mold in homes, but Finnell said Hasan chose the war against terror. Finnell described Hasan as a "vociferous opponent" of the terror war. Finnell said Hasan told classmates he was "a Muslim first and an American second."
Hasan recently was involved in a verbal confrontation with another Fort Hood soldier residing in his apartment complex, apparently related to his Muslim beliefs.
The manager of the complex, John Thompson, said the other soldier, John Van de Walker, allegedly keyed Hasan's car and also removed and tore up a bumper sticker that read "Allah is Love." Thompson said Van de Walker had recently served in Iraq and was upset to learn that Hasan was Muslim.
A report filed with Killeen police on Aug. 16 indicates that Hasan's vehicle, a 2006 Honda Civic, had been scratched by an unknown object causing an estimated $1,000 worth of damage. The report indicates that Van de Walker, 30, was arrested on Oct. 21 and charged with criminal mischief.
In an interview with The Washington Post, Hasan's aunt, Noel Hasan of Falls Church, Virginia, said he had been harassed about being a Muslim in the years after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and that he wanted to get out of the Army. She said Hasan had sought a discharge for several years, and even offered to repay the Army for the cost of his medical training.
Hasan attended prayers regularly when he lived outside Washington, often in his Army uniform, said Faizul Khan, a former imam at a mosque Hasan attended in Silver Spring, Md. He said Hasan was a lifelong Muslim.
"I got the impression that he was a committed soldier," Khan said. He spoke often with Hasan about Hasan's desire for a wife.
Days before Hasan’s attack on fellow soldiers and civilians, he gave away much of his food and furniture to neighbors, telling them that he was deploying to Iraq soon.
In reality, Hasan was in the preparation stage of deployment, which can take months. Hasan was to deploy with an Army Reserve unit that provides what the military calls "behavioral health" counseling.
As Malik Nadal Hasan’s life hangs on a thread and Americans ponder how and why the deadliest attack in U.S. history on a U.S. military base occurred, old and young soldiers alike are hoping that Hasan recovers so that he can face a military justice system that is prepared to try murderers and traitors. At least this old soldier is hopeful for his recovery and then most expeditiously, his court martial.
For individuals who may think that this story seems a little too harsh on Hasan, remember that as an officer, he could have resigned his commission based on religious conflict. There were administrative discharges that he could have pursued with the aid of Legal Services. Don't be fooled. Hasan had many other options other than murder.
As always Louisianans, the Examiner.Com is interested in what you think. Should Major Hasan’s Army superiors have seen this trouble coming? Were Major Hasan's superiors negligent in not reporting and documenting his radical views? And, if Hasan survives what do you think should be his punishment? Inquiring minds want to know.
Until next time Louisianans, Good Day, God Bless and Good Fishing.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33695256/ns/us_news-military/
Comments
We should bury the terrorist with a pig. In 1911, as attempts were made to disarm the Mohammedans, cotta warfare began to flame anew and the juramentados redoubled their efforts to get to close grips with the American soldiers. Jolo, the Moro capital, in American hands, was almost under a state of siege. It was under constant attack on the part of individual fanatics. One Moro penetrated the city walls through a drain and killed seven soldiers in the streets of Jolo before he was dropped by volley fire of the troops.
For trading purposes, 100 Moros were allowed within the city wall at one time. They were disarmed and searched at the gates by squads of soldiers, and all guard posts mounted four sentries. With all of these precautions, juramentados succeeded in running their crazed course at dreadful, frequent intervals. It was Colonel Alexander Rodgers of the 6th Cavalry who accomplished by taking advantage of religious prejudice what the bayonets and Krags had been unable to accomp
Very Interesting. To be quite honest I must ask if your comment is based on fiction or non-fiction. I am not familiar with the names of towns and battles that you describe. Thanks for your input. GB
The article is very practically written.
Somehow, the love for religion is killing the basic rational thinking in such people. I mean, education should teach good enough of difference between good and bad, irrespective of what a religion says, but its proving the other way round and most educated ones are also falling prey to such behaviour of radicalism. One should understand that no religion teaches killing fellow human beings, atleast based on religious path.
Muslims will always be a Muslim . Muslims are The World Most Cursed , The Most Insane and Most Mentaly Disturb Morons.
Americans has just dont get it ,911 was just a start .Brittish also didnt get it , Subway and Double decker Bomb attack was just a start .In Fact The World is Under Attack .There still some country out there still think that the Muslims are Not All Bad . Geez What a Dumb World.
All Muslims in America should be tossed back to their most beloved Islam Country .
Note: Those Arab decent with Muslim names are the worst and evil than those with Christian names.
I know the US is in Afghanistan for the pipe line and they did 9/11, but lets face it Muslims can not be trusted in military positions.
I lived in Israel and know they are like lizards who can change in 1 second. Although this is new for me, as the ones who do suicide bombings are usually uneducated. could this be the first real terrorism attack on US soil?
Pealing back fundamental religion to the core of truth by Ken LaRive Lafayette Political buzz Examiner
This is another thought. Perhaps we don't have to kill each other... That is my goal. Live and let live. Love, what a concept.
I am a muslim, a normal person (i think). What do i do after readings these comments? Do I kill myself or do I just try to leave to anther plant. Even if we accept your wishes and we left your country, you still following us in our country and killing us. You know what i think we should divide the earth into halves, you stay in a half and we stay in a half and no interaction what so ever, would you accept that... no you would not, blood sucker, parasite..
Wake up, it is all about politics. nothing to do with religion.
As the wife and mother of a soldier, marine, and sailor, I pray Hasan lives to face Court Martial. I am suprised that there was not a hearing as soon as flags were showing. The blog should have gotten him put on administrative leave. I pray for all affected.
The coward should face UCMJ statues and pay for his crimes then burn in hell without virgins.
To Tammy: First of all, thank you for your comments. I'm trying to write articles that stimulate thought and positive actions. Now, as a 20 year army vet I concur with your sentiments. I worked as a Noncommissioned Officer in the JAG for years. Let's General Court Martial this guy and let the UCMJ take care of the rest. This guy is a coward.
To Rayi: I'm sincerely understand your mixed emotions. America is a diverse country and everyone has the freedom of religion, however, where there is smoke, there is usually a fire. Muslims are not vocal enough in America or the Western world in condemning so called "Honor Killings", homicide bombers and the mistreatment of Muslim women. This is NOT about politics, this is about American Muslims putting some "heat" on radical Muslims who use Islam to promote barbaric and outdated ideology. My challenge to you is to "step up to the plate" and denounce this abomination that was perpetrated by another Muslim. Is Islam about love or hate?
To Rayi: Did politics kill twenty year old Noor Faleh Almaleki or was it her father, 48-year-old Faleh Almaleki? Inquiring minds want to know.
In case you're not sure of what I'm talking about, please feel free to check out my article that I recently wrote about this so called "honor killing". GB
Major Malik Nadal Hasan is a terrorist. He shot and killed people because of his religious and political views. He is a coward and all that share his views need to be EXPORTED out of this country! I don't think the solution is to transfer blame to his superiors. Instead let us learn from this incident and look at people with Major Malik Nadal Hasan's views and evaluate their residency in the US or the US armed forces.
Check this site out and be the judge . rightpundits
To Syril:First of all I sincerely thank you for your comment. Now...I don't disagree with anything that you stated in your comment, however, in regard to "identifying" and analyzing how and why this man did what he did, we must first understand that the military is unique in regard to how it's chain of command is supposed to work. There is too much evidence that indicates that superiors in Hasan's chain of command knew of his "views" and still did little to investigate if this man should have continued to wear a U.S. Army uniform. I'm not saying to punitively punish his commanders unless there is clear evidence of negligence, I'm simply saying that questions should be directed towards individuals who should have known him better. From this analysis, corrections can then be made so that the "system" will be able to better identify individuals who pose a greater than average threat to the welfare and health and morale of our brave young men and women that protect us every day.
To Syril:First of all I sincerely thank you for your comment. Now...I don't disagree with anything that you stated in your comment, however, in regard to "identifying" and analyzing how and why this man did what he did, we must first understand that the military is unique in regard to how it's chain of command is supposed to work. There is too much evidence that indicates that superiors in Hasan's chain of command knew of his "views" and still did little to investigate if this man should have continued to wear a U.S. Army uniform. I'm not saying to punitively punish his commanders unless there is clear evidence of negligence, I'm simply saying that questions should be directed towards individuals who should have known him better. From this analysis, corrections can then be made so that the "system" will be able to better identify individuals who pose a greater than average threat to the welfare and health and morale of our brave young men and women that protect us every day.
Good article.BY saying he was muslim first he should have never been able t inlist in the first place and now he should pay the ultimate price for his actions.Death by firing squad.
We should also scrutinize all of the soldiers who claim to be a Christian first and an American second. This country was not born on freedom of religious beliefs, but absolute devotion to the government.
Being Muslim has nothing to do with what he did. The news media is using that but that's obviously not why he did it. He disagreed with the US being in Iraq and Afghanistan. I also disagree with the US being in Iraq and Afghanistan - does that make me a Muslim-sympathizer and anti-US? Of course not. Sounds to me like he was crying out for help for a long time, and the military ignored him, so the military only has themselves to blame, IMO.
Mr. Boyce - Thank you for your excellent article. Maj/Dr. Hasan has betrayed his fellow soldiers, his medical oath, his oath as an Army officer, and his family. I know personally of patriotic Muslims who do put their country first, and Hasan's murderous deeds are an extreme disservice to those Americans; so he has betrayed the non-Jihadist mainstream of his religion, too.
God bless the heroic soldiers of Fort Hood, who responded instantly to aid their wounded buddies, still under fire. And God bless police Sergeant Munley, who ran into the building under fire, and managed to hit the shooter four times while being wounded herself. Any American who is paying attention to the Fort Hood story, please take time to appreciate the heroism and excellent training of these soldiers, who responded quickly and professionally while they were being attacked in their own home. Thank a soldier for his or her service at every opportunity.
To John: I humbly thank you for your kind words. I was hoping that my article expressed my anger at a soldier that betrayed his country. I cannot as a reasonable human condemn all of Islam for the traitor's deed, however, I can condemn the perpetrator who I hope survives so that he can be brought to justice. Anyway...thank you for your participation in our forum, I hope that you continue to read my articles. GB
To GB and John: I think it is also appropriate to thank the civilian police officer, Kimberly Munley, who brought down Hasan.
To Andi: And you're right ! Special thanks should be given to Ms. Kimberly Munley. However, since you've kind of forced me to explain why I haven't mentioned her before now, it's because I plan to have an article on American women warriors ready for reading on Veterans Day and Ms. Munley will definitely be mentioned at that time. There was no slight intended by not mentioning her name previously. :) GB
TO Greg this man is a disgrace to the United States military and he should be put away for life.My heart goes out those families who lost loved ones.
To Myron: I humbly disagree that this man should live off of tax payers dollars in prison. One cigarette, no blindfold and five rounds for a military firing squad ! GB
To the author:
It is entirely incorrect to call this man a devout Muslim. Indeed, it is NOT in keeping with Islam to carry out a massacre.
His particular political and religious beliefs should be viewed as a perversion of Islam.
Don't make comments about which you do not know! (As a Christian, how can YOU know whether he was devout or not? I take it that you haven't extensively studied Islam to be qualified to make this value judgment!)
To Chris: Good day and thanks for your comments. Now to business...I think that you are taking whether or not based on ALL the information that media sources currently have on Major Hasan, that claims that he is a DEVOUT Muslim, too seriously. In Hasan's mind, he was a devout Muslim. Look, there are crazies in Christianity as well as crazies in Islam and crazies in Judaism. Extreme attitudes to a belief in an omnipotent spirit goes with the territory of religion. But, let's stay on point...Major Hasan is an American Muslim Army Officer who is a traitor and murderer. Timothy McVeigh to my understanding, was a Christian and was a traitor and murderer. It is what it is. If Muslims think that non-Muslims should just ignore the fact that our country is at war with two countries that happen to be predominately Muslim, and Hasan is also a Muslim, then they're living in La La Land. Remember this: "A farmer that turns a blind eye to the chicken hawk will have less eggs to eat and sell".
deserves dealth penalty. without a doubt.
Flashing lights went off for me when I heard that Hasan was a 39 year old muslim officer in the US Army who was not married and had no children. Apparently Hasan tried to find a wife, but was unsuccessful. That seems to be a growing theme with islamic radicals. They seem to be sexually repressed. They either can't attract women at all, or they can't find the right kind of muslim women.
Major Hasan is the poster child for Jihad Recruiting Command. Come one and all, out of hiding, join the US military. They will train you so you can get really close to the infidels, house you, feed you and pay you. Don't need to hide any more and you can say anything you want, the "PC" environment will help you achieve your Martyrdom. The $ 400,000 SGLI servicemans Group Life Insurance will allow you to pass on opportunities to your little junior jihadists too! Be the enemy within- choose any military specialty such as physician, pilot, cook, pharmacist, sniper or whatever. The FBI can monitor your every move so that your final mission will be well chronicled.
To USA Retired: First of all thank you for your service. Now...you painted a pretty scary scenario. We have to be careful with how we use words. Words are powerful especially during trying times.
I believe that Americans must remain united and diligent in showing no fear to hate groups that tries to instill fear in our society through acts of Terrorism. And I mean any hate group.
Thanks you for your comment. Although I don't see our situation as nearly apocolyptic, I do believe in "driving with my eyes open". I'm glad that my piece motivated you to express your opinion and your feelings in our forum. GB
First of all, thank you for speaking your mind and not giving in to the pressure of "political correctness".
To answer your question about the foreknowledge and lack of action on the part Hasan's superiors: There was obviously more that SHOULD have been done, yet COULD NOT be done because of the red tape created by liberal American politics. The "Myth of Tolerance and Political Correctness" has been the driving force behind the down fall of moral standards in America, and in this case, the main reason those body bags are now full. The Clinton administration left behind many demons, one of which is a leash which men and women of authority in the U.S. are tied to, keeping them from acting on evidence of such behavior as Hasan's, and all for the purpose of not hurting anyone's feelings or being seen as a racist. If you look at how liberal politicians treat conservative America, and how this ideology has effected the U.S., it is clear to see that this myth works only one way.
God Bl
God Bless. *
Time to re think about the "American Muslim" citizenship.
There is a old old saying in India.
Which says " If you want to make friendship with a muslim person,
First thing is to have a Knife in your belt and a stone in your hand" (You may need them especially when you are making friendship with a muslim person to kill or stone him)
They are such a reliable persons.
It is true ancient Indians observe it keenly and put that into a saying. "You need a Knife in your belt and a stone in your hand to make a friendship with a muslim" -- This is a saying in India, nothing out of my mind.
They are such a reliable persons.
I think America is a weak nation and the brave men who fought in all the wars and died for us would be appauled by our liberal sympathetic views! We are a nation founded on Christian beliefs not the koran. Now we have a president who bows to Arabs and is a muslim himself. We are built upon the blood of ...dare I say ...white American men and if you do not believe that then total up all the men who died in service of our country and see for yourself!
There have been many shootings in the USA, whether it be schools or wherever. No one has ever come up and said this guy was a Christian shooter etc...although 99.9% of the shootings that took place in schools and universities were done by white American men/boys.
This shooting has nothing to do with his RELIION, but it has everything to do with the fact that his mental state of mind was not well, the pressures of the army for war, and the harassment/abuse he was put through.
He did wrong and he should get the death penalty for it YES, I AGREE a 100%, but to say that his religion played a role in his actions of violence is WRONG.
May the souls of those who died R.I.P. God Bless
To Aliya: I sense that you're slightly tormented by the fact that Major Hasan is a Muslim and that Islam is being questioned by non Muslims as a religion that spawns radical behavior. Rest assure Aliya that Islam did not pull the trigger that murdered and maimed the innocent people at Fort Hood. All religions have zealots who sometimes take the "radical road" to proclaim their devotion. Unfortunately because we are at war with two predominately Muslim countries, there will be comparisons made between our enemies and our enemies religion. Especially when devotion to religion produces extremists who kill innocent people. My challenge to you, is to stand tall against extremists who pervert the religion that you love. One strong voice can deter violent acts. GB
It sickens me that people want to ignore the fact he was an islamic Muslim terrorist. The muslims come over here and take advantage of every liberty we have. Here is an idea...Go to Saudai Arabia and try preaching the bible and see how fast you die.
What Nadal Hassan has done is perfect and was the need of time. He gave importance to Islam on U.S.A and its army. Man is sent to this world for examination. He has succeeded in it. He has fulfilled what was asked from Him by God. The real purpose of His life wasn't to protect americans but to protect Islam. He is a brave soldier of Islam not america.
Hey anus you filthy pig! I would love to skewer you over an open flame! Where do you live? Death to Islam and death to you!
Five years ago , I wrote this comments ''I DO NOT TRUST MUSLIMS'' on Message Boards by Yahoo .So that the world can read it and response to it. Most of the bloggers are freakin out and swearing back to my bloggs. ''Racist'' is main words they use to call me when they emailed their response to me.
So who is the ''Racist'' now ! Muslims or Me ?
in retrospect from 2010, this was one of the best posts on what Hasan was all about right after the incident, even before we know about his Imam Awlaki who is behind the undybomber and Little Rock attacks as well. They all work under Abdel-Majed Zindani who is the head radical islamist in Yemen, but nobody wants to hear about it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18jFW7rOykQ&NR=1&feature=fvwp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4OI0GUCI_A&feature=related
Love of God should come before love of Country, but this was not an act of love. It is a mental disorder that has spread across the globe. It won't go away until Muslims who love God and their fellow man condemn the nuts among them and stop condemning those of us who are scared to death of them for being scared to death of them.
Just for a moment...step out of the "box" and realize that people will never positively respond to you by calling them, "nuts'. Learn diplomacy while simultaneously carrying a "Big Stick", just in case diplomacy doesn't work. GB
Gregory,
You aren't seriously lecturing me about my lack of diplomacy, because I called 'terrorists', 'nuts' are you????
You've called them traitors/cowards/refferred to them as 'diabolical....
You are the king of name calling. Those who merely disagree with you politically are routinely dismissed as 'bigots', 'racists' and even 'vampires'.
Do you not see yourself at all??
I should have called the muslim terrorists, murdering slimeballs. I should have reserved the word ''nut' to describe you!
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