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Fort Hood reflections
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Nidal Malik Hasan's murderous rampage has been condemned by American Muslim organizations, who have been careful to insist that Islam had nothing to do with it. However, this does not appear to be entirely honest. It is reported that he was reprimanded for proselytizing to his patients about Islam. It is reported that he said "maybe people should strap bombs on themselves and go to Times Square." And it is reported that before he started shooting he yelled, "Allahu Akbar!"
It would be far better if Muslim organizations and spokespersons would admit that Islamism/political Islam/militant Islam/Islamofascism is a problem in their community. Instead, they tend to label those who want to discuss the issue as "Islamophobes." This suppression of candid dialogue, as all suppression of free inquiry, does more harm than good.
I have the greatest sympathy for the majority of American Muslims, who repudiate and are repulsed by Nidal Hasan, and by Islamism. This must be a terrible time for them, as they struggle with the suspicions and fears of too many of their neighbors. But there is a real public policy problem: While the majority of Muslims are not Islamists, all Islamists are Muslims. Muslims are likely to be the most effective force in exposing, marginalizing, and neutralizing the Islamists among them. But we don't yet see that as Muslims' foremost political concern. I'm afraid that until we do, Muslims will continue to feel the shadow of anxiety.
AP PHOTO: Fort Hood
