Nidal Malik Hasan Case Study

November 7, 4:57 AMRichmond Evangelical ExaminerJames Leasure

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Screen shot of Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress Web Site shows Nidal Malik Hasan.
AP Photo/The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress)

 22 March 2003, Camp Pennsylvania, Kuwait:   U.S. Army Sergeant Akbar Hasan discharged three hand grenades in the tents of his fellow soldiers, killing 2 and wounding 14. 

Motive: Defending fellow members of Islam.

Interjection:  This author does recognize Islam to have many sects, each with varying degrees of how they interpret or even choose to recognize or not recognize many verses of the Quran. The intent of this article is to investigate motive.  The motive will tell us what kind of sect Nidal Hasan would follow.

5 November 2009, Fort Hood, Texas:  U.S. Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan sprays random burst of ammunitions into a combat readiness clinic, killing 13 and wounding 30.

Motive:  Study the case.   (Links identify the article from which information at that bullet point was drawn.)

• The mosque Hasan prayed daily at offers a program to assist devout Muslim men in finding a wife.  The program requires filing a form.  On that form, Hasan claimed to be Palestinian and to have been born in Arlington, Virginia.  (Demonstrative of loyalty to Palestinians)
• Nidal Malik Hasan's parents came to the United States from a Palestinian town near Jerusalem.
• Nidal Malik Hasan is described as a devout and discreet Muslim.
• Noel Hasan, Nidal Malik Hasan's aunt stated Nidal spent holidays and free time at her home.  He did not have many friends.
• Retired Colonel, Terry Lee describes Nidal Malik Hasan as a loner who did not company with other officers.
• A former neighbor told Fox News that Nidal Malik Hasan had lived in the community for two years, had the name 'Allah' on his front door and he received visits from a female whom accompanied a three year old child. (Maybe nothing.  However, note; Nidal was registered for a program at the mosque to find a wife)
• Hasan's aunt, Noel Hasan of Falls Church, Virginia stated in an interview with the Washington Post that Nidal Malik Hasan had been harassed by members of the military due to his ethnicity and Nidal wanted to be discharged from the military.
• Nidal Malik Hasan required counseling as an intern at Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital, due to having arguments with his patients.  Thomas Grieger states that Hasan's problems as an intern resulted in counseling and increased supervision due to Hasan's interaction with his patients.  Many of his patients were being treated for post traumatic stress disorder upon return from duties in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Nidal Malik Hasan was in preparation for deployment to Iraq and did not wish to deploy.  However, he did make requests to be deployed to Afghanistan.
• Nidal Malik Hasan retained an attorney to assist him in being discharged from the U.S. Army, stating he would pay the cost of his education back to the U.S. Army. (revealing conflicting loyalties? Knowing if he was deployed he would have to honor teachings of his faith?)
• At least six months ago,Nidal Hasan came to the attention of Federal law officials for alleged postings (can not be substantiated as to the identity of the poster) which glorified suicide bombers.  A formal investigation had not been opened prior to the shootings at Fort Hood regarding the postings which are alleged to have been posted by Nidal. 
• Nidal Malik Hasan would often make comments that support Islamic teaching for Jihad.  One statement, attested to by retired Colonel, Terry Lee was a statement suggesting all Muslims should stand up and fight against the aggressor. (This is a call to Jihad.  Jihad calls all Muslims to arms.)
• Two psychiatrist who had worked with Hasan at Walter Reed told NPR, on the condition of anonymity that Hasan was often belligerent.
• Hasan made a statement saying 'The Quran teaches that infidels should have their heads cut off and set on fire'.  Jihad watch defining points of jihad quote from the Quran, 'The perfect Muslim is gentle with his fellow believer and harsh towards his enemy, the infidel'
• Nidal Malik Hasan's family speculate to his possible deployment as having been a great fear for Nidal over the past five years.

Is there enough evidence to suggest Nidal Malik Hasan had not acted out of mental illness, but in the same manner Akbar Hasan did in March 2003? 

President Obama has asked that we not jump to conclussions.  Well, o.k., we will see.