Dear Mr. Mullick,
If Muslims really want to prevent a backlash against Muslims. here is a tip, when your Muslim friend travels to Saudi Arabia, and then Pakistan. Then comes home with a house full of IEDS and thousands of round of ammo, SAY SOMETHING TO THE POLICE. IF not, sir, you are part of the problem, and not the solution.
If Muslims really want to prevent a backlash against Muslims. here is a tip, when your Muslim friend travels to Saudi Arabia, and then Pakistan. Then comes home with a house full of IEDS and thousands of round of ammo, SAY SOMETHING TO THE POLICE. IF not, sir, you are part of the problem, and not the solution.
13
It is totally hypocritical to suggest that the most immediate threat to American Muslims is "white militia groups." Other than the generic American criminals like urban gang bangers and armed robbers, the most serious threat is Islamic radicals.
In the list of victims from the San Bernardino terrorist attack was a lady who fled a brutal Islamic regime, Iran, because as a Christian she was presecuted, by Islam's other sect, the Shia. Whether it is the Sunnis of ISIS or the Shia of Iran and Hezbollah, the threat of Islamic radicalism and terrorism is constant and must be stopped. I know that our chief law enforcement officer, Inspector Barack Clouseau, still attributes the most recent carnage to "workplace violence." However, the law enforcement and intelligence specialists know otherwise and are hopefully directing their efforts against those criminals and terrorists motivated by Islamic radicalism.
In the list of victims from the San Bernardino terrorist attack was a lady who fled a brutal Islamic regime, Iran, because as a Christian she was presecuted, by Islam's other sect, the Shia. Whether it is the Sunnis of ISIS or the Shia of Iran and Hezbollah, the threat of Islamic radicalism and terrorism is constant and must be stopped. I know that our chief law enforcement officer, Inspector Barack Clouseau, still attributes the most recent carnage to "workplace violence." However, the law enforcement and intelligence specialists know otherwise and are hopefully directing their efforts against those criminals and terrorists motivated by Islamic radicalism.
3
I began living as a Muslim woman in America in 1978, before even the Iranian revolution. Back then, I was regarded with curiosity, not fear or hatred. Now, wearing my head scarf, I feel like a target for those who hate Muslims & Islam. What they don't realize is that 99+% of Muslims in America are not with the extremists. Rather, we are with our fellow Americans, in our love for this country & hatred of the evil perpetuated by those who claim to share our faith. Extremists do not share my faith.
Totally unlike distortions of Quranic teachings now ubiquitous in the media, the Quran insists upon kindness, charity, honesty, justice, freedom of religion, peace unless fought against, good treatment of neighbors, & helping the unfortunate, oppressed, widows, & orphans. Unfortunately, space limitations prevent me from correcting the deliberate efforts of fear mongers to twist, mistranslate, & quote Quran out of context, to portray it as an evil scripture.
I've been a exemplary citizen & a good neighbor, & I've raised my children to be good citizens & helpful, polite, & respectful toward everyone; but now I very sadly now plan to give up my American citizenship, as I cannot live feeling like an unwanted intruder in my own country. But my departure is not "Isis winning." It is those who have used the web and the media to spread misinformation, vitriol, and suspicion against all Muslims and Islam, who have won.
Totally unlike distortions of Quranic teachings now ubiquitous in the media, the Quran insists upon kindness, charity, honesty, justice, freedom of religion, peace unless fought against, good treatment of neighbors, & helping the unfortunate, oppressed, widows, & orphans. Unfortunately, space limitations prevent me from correcting the deliberate efforts of fear mongers to twist, mistranslate, & quote Quran out of context, to portray it as an evil scripture.
I've been a exemplary citizen & a good neighbor, & I've raised my children to be good citizens & helpful, polite, & respectful toward everyone; but now I very sadly now plan to give up my American citizenship, as I cannot live feeling like an unwanted intruder in my own country. But my departure is not "Isis winning." It is those who have used the web and the media to spread misinformation, vitriol, and suspicion against all Muslims and Islam, who have won.
1
Double standards fill the comment page and the worst expressions of those double standards fill me with sorrow as does every set of Readers' Picks at any and all OpEds that have Muslims as part of the subject matter.
Commenters want all Muslims to report any muslim who might kill in America. But that standard must then apply to each commenter asking this of Muslims. So where were you commenters when Adam Lanza was loading his mother's weapons. Where were you when Dyan was planning to kill people in an American church just as Daesh kills people in mosques.
Many of you want Muslims to march. So please let me know your plans for a Million Person March against Armed America. Or do you believe your double standard is the American way in 2015, fear the thus far rare Muslim who kills in America but fear not at all the non Muslims who are killing every day in every state.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen-USA-se
Commenters want all Muslims to report any muslim who might kill in America. But that standard must then apply to each commenter asking this of Muslims. So where were you commenters when Adam Lanza was loading his mother's weapons. Where were you when Dyan was planning to kill people in an American church just as Daesh kills people in mosques.
Many of you want Muslims to march. So please let me know your plans for a Million Person March against Armed America. Or do you believe your double standard is the American way in 2015, fear the thus far rare Muslim who kills in America but fear not at all the non Muslims who are killing every day in every state.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen-USA-se
5
Mr. Mullick I understand your points. You ignore the elephant on the sofa.
Islam is not a tolerant religion. One can argue that no religion is truly tolerant, but it seems to me that Islam is far less tolerant than than other religions. Virtually every Muslim country has outlawed "apostasy" and many actively enforce such laws. Those laws are an affront to human rights.
Can you imagine a Saudi Arabia or an Iran accepting Christian missionaries?
Can you imagine a Muslim Brotherhood inspired by an Arab Jefferson, Washington or Hamilton?
I can't and most American can't either. And that is the issue.
Islam is not a tolerant religion. One can argue that no religion is truly tolerant, but it seems to me that Islam is far less tolerant than than other religions. Virtually every Muslim country has outlawed "apostasy" and many actively enforce such laws. Those laws are an affront to human rights.
Can you imagine a Saudi Arabia or an Iran accepting Christian missionaries?
Can you imagine a Muslim Brotherhood inspired by an Arab Jefferson, Washington or Hamilton?
I can't and most American can't either. And that is the issue.
11
Feh. Become a Jew for one year. Can't stand that idea; be a black man in America instead. Walk in the shoes of the long oppressed. Then tell me your sad tale of woe. Then I will listen.
8
I have just had a lengthy discussion with one of my business partners in Dubai.
This guy is an academic and is very much a liberal Muslim.
But even he tells me that what IS does is simply to live the Quran to the letter and that the West will have to accept that it is doomed.
There is widespread support of the jihad IS is waging around the world against non Muslims even among Muslims here that are Western educated and could be seen as liberal as they drink alcohol and live a Western style life.
Still, they say that the fight of IS is just and in line with the teachings of the prophet.
To quote them "Inshallah, IS will make the West see it's errors".
So does terrorism in the name if Islam has to with Islam or not?
Is IS acting in accordance with Surah 9:5 or not?
Are Muslims compelled to take a stance or not?
Or is it something that is simply problem of the West as if IS wins, they are all Muslims and the victory is therefore proof of Allah's will and if IS loses, Muslims are - again - victims of the crusaders of the West?
Sorry, you cannot eat your cake and have it too.
This guy is an academic and is very much a liberal Muslim.
But even he tells me that what IS does is simply to live the Quran to the letter and that the West will have to accept that it is doomed.
There is widespread support of the jihad IS is waging around the world against non Muslims even among Muslims here that are Western educated and could be seen as liberal as they drink alcohol and live a Western style life.
Still, they say that the fight of IS is just and in line with the teachings of the prophet.
To quote them "Inshallah, IS will make the West see it's errors".
So does terrorism in the name if Islam has to with Islam or not?
Is IS acting in accordance with Surah 9:5 or not?
Are Muslims compelled to take a stance or not?
Or is it something that is simply problem of the West as if IS wins, they are all Muslims and the victory is therefore proof of Allah's will and if IS loses, Muslims are - again - victims of the crusaders of the West?
Sorry, you cannot eat your cake and have it too.
10
Thank you for an insightful and fact based assessment of the current situation concerning American- Islamic relations. Every American should read this essay.
The attack has more signs of all al-Qaeda and not ISIS. Learn the players please
Missing from these Moslem victimization articles and terror apologists are any sense of remorse or responsibility. The only human reaction to people killing in the name of your beliefs is to question those beliefs and disavow them. There have been zero Moslems who have done that.
When ISIS stormed into peaceful villages, the people there were shocked to see their Moslem neighbors and friends turning them in, pointing out their non-Moslems friends and handing them over to their tortuous deaths.
Democrats run an anti-war campaign for the past 15 years. Democrats win elections saying shootings and bombings by Moslems are due to Bush and Cheney. Democrats bring in Moslem terrorists who are openly hostile to America's way of life just for cheap votes. When Moslems shoot Americans, Democrats blame America first and global warming second while pushing for more laws to throw Americans in prison for protecting themselves.
Islam has zero legitimacy. It's all lies pushed by rich warlords to brainwash mobs to kill people. That's true when it was founded, and it's true now. It's a true hate group of homophobic, misogynistic anti-semitic murderers. The only thing Islam is good at is turning countries into warzones and making enemies of every other person in the world.
ISIS consists of leading Islamic theologians from Egypt and Saudi Arabia. These are not fringe groups, but the leaders of their culture who push violent subjugation of other people more than anything.
When ISIS stormed into peaceful villages, the people there were shocked to see their Moslem neighbors and friends turning them in, pointing out their non-Moslems friends and handing them over to their tortuous deaths.
Democrats run an anti-war campaign for the past 15 years. Democrats win elections saying shootings and bombings by Moslems are due to Bush and Cheney. Democrats bring in Moslem terrorists who are openly hostile to America's way of life just for cheap votes. When Moslems shoot Americans, Democrats blame America first and global warming second while pushing for more laws to throw Americans in prison for protecting themselves.
Islam has zero legitimacy. It's all lies pushed by rich warlords to brainwash mobs to kill people. That's true when it was founded, and it's true now. It's a true hate group of homophobic, misogynistic anti-semitic murderers. The only thing Islam is good at is turning countries into warzones and making enemies of every other person in the world.
ISIS consists of leading Islamic theologians from Egypt and Saudi Arabia. These are not fringe groups, but the leaders of their culture who push violent subjugation of other people more than anything.
7
I sympathize with you. However, your "religion" has a problem to the extent that it condones, and perhaps even fosters, suicide bombing, beheadings, intolerance of other religions, and sharia law in place of our constitutional liberalism. As such, it does not belong in the U.S. If Muslims would band together to weed out the pernicious fundamentalist element, people would begin to appreciate their religion more and fear it less.
4
I would urge everyone - that means Muslims and non-Muslims - to focus on the global terrorist threat from Daesh/ISIS and Al Qaeda and the Saudi/Salafi/Wahabbi ideology - a particular version of Islam practiced by small percentage of Muslims but that has an oversize influence on Islam due to Saudi petrodollars. We have real enemies from other versions of Radical Islam (the magical term that we must all repeat to destroy the terrorists per the Republicans) - that's Hezbollah, Hamas, Iran, the Taliban, extreme versions of Muslim Brotherhood and Jamaat, but we do not have to go to war with all of them (maybe in Israeli and ironically in Saudi interest to do so, but it's not in US interest) - they are regional threats and not global networks attacking all Western and US and 99% of Muslims. We don't have to like what most Muslims believe or practice - they are not going to adopt the liberal values that even half of America rejects. If they are willing to fight Daesh and Al Qaeda and not fight us, we should work with them. To fight the domestic terrorist threat from jihadists we need all Americans non-Mulsims and Muslims to work together to fight a lethal threat to all of us.
The call from moderate Muslims like yourself should be to reform the Islam faith. This needs to be recognized and discussed by Muslims in public for the whole world to hear and see. It is true that this goes for all religions, but there are currently very few other violent acts being committed in the name of other religious movements. If the Muslim community is serious about this, they have to take responsibility for the violence committed in the name of their religion and deal with it. Let us read about the great Islamic reform. How all (the vast majority of) Muslims agree, in a big international conference, that leaving the faith is not longer punishable by death. That killing to defend you faith hat no place in this time. That laws based on religion are not a good idea. That anyone can make all the cartoons of anything they want. That there will be no more fatwas or whatever they are called. Show us how serious this is. I am a self confessed religionophoob. Freedom of religion means the right for me to be free of religion. Religion does not need protection, it is People that need to be protected from religion.
7
Yet again "Islamophobia" is paraded as any sane person would regret rational fear if Islam - a clever abuse of language which originated this side of the pond.
But what about rational judgment based on facts? Facts such as:
a. in 20+ Muslim-majority countries apostasy from Islam is a crime
b. in most Islamic schools of jurisprudence blasphemy against Islam is the same or worse than apostasy
c. the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam omits key points in the UN Declaration on Human Rights such as freedom of religion and sexual equality and puts Sharia at the heart of all
d. where there are substantial Muslim immigrants many of them live parallel lives with separate schools, shops, languages etc. Look eg at photos of Tower Hamlets or Bradford in England.
So quite why is it irrational to fear the possible consequences of ever-growing numbers of Muslims who follow a religion which has experienced no Age of Enlightenment?
But what about rational judgment based on facts? Facts such as:
a. in 20+ Muslim-majority countries apostasy from Islam is a crime
b. in most Islamic schools of jurisprudence blasphemy against Islam is the same or worse than apostasy
c. the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam omits key points in the UN Declaration on Human Rights such as freedom of religion and sexual equality and puts Sharia at the heart of all
d. where there are substantial Muslim immigrants many of them live parallel lives with separate schools, shops, languages etc. Look eg at photos of Tower Hamlets or Bradford in England.
So quite why is it irrational to fear the possible consequences of ever-growing numbers of Muslims who follow a religion which has experienced no Age of Enlightenment?
8
Well said. But, you'll never counter Islamophobes pinning 'guilt by association'. The shooter of Plan Parenthood, in Colorado Springs, shouldn't be called a Christian terrorist because it's a faith of peace loving billions. But, 1.6 billion Muslims, who suffer the most from terror, have to endure insults. What's wrong withAmerican sense of justice?
1
Enact a law to seize the assets (including home) of terrorists' families. Deport them if foreign born. Codification in law will satisfy the 'due process' requirement. No exceptions. Possibly unfair in some cases, but a lot more fair than what terrorists do. If it discourages even a single future terrorist act, then American lives will have been saved. And if such law discourages further immigration from Islamic countries, even better.
5
Maybe the left should advise the BLM crowd to take the same approach. The BLM demonstrations should stop because they're only doing what the KKK expects. They're playing into the KKK's hands. Each BLM demonstration is a recruiting tool for the Klan. Be consistent, libs!
1
Radical Islam came from within Islam.
And Islam in general is not doing enough to stamp it out so the world
won't be terrorized in the name of a great faith.
And Islam in general is not doing enough to stamp it out so the world
won't be terrorized in the name of a great faith.
3
As long as those Muslims extremists in the Middle Eat exist, no country in the world will be free from barbarian acts similar to the one In Paris, France or in Bernardino, California.
Therefore, if we want to live in peace with our average peaceful Muslim brothers, the World leaders have to fight together to eliminate ISIS or any other form of Muslim extremism. Let's remember, "you don't kill a poisonous snake by cutting its tail, but by cutting its head." That is the example from President Putin in dealing with Muslim extremists in the Chechenian Republic.
Therefore, if we want to live in peace with our average peaceful Muslim brothers, the World leaders have to fight together to eliminate ISIS or any other form of Muslim extremism. Let's remember, "you don't kill a poisonous snake by cutting its tail, but by cutting its head." That is the example from President Putin in dealing with Muslim extremists in the Chechenian Republic.
1
I share the author's opinions and concerns, however I am also concerned that Farook went abroad for a wife, kept to himself, began praying obsessively at the mosque, grew a beard, memorized the Koran in the past six months, and his wife began to wear the full veil without anyone at his mosque thinking he was behaving unusually. Based on MSNBC interviews with three members of his mosque including the assistant imam whose major concern seemed to be that he was visited by the FBI and other law enforcement officers. I wish he could have mentioned that perhaps his eyes had been opened a little.
1
"As for myself, I hope my 13-month-old son grows up in an America that continues to honor diversity and loyalty to our Constitution, without any religious, racial or ethnic test."
Will you be content if your son grows up and realizes that human consciousness is brain activity, that it ends at death, and that texts from the dark ages are not divine revelations? Or will you impose a religious test on your son?
Will you be content if your son grows up and realizes that human consciousness is brain activity, that it ends at death, and that texts from the dark ages are not divine revelations? Or will you impose a religious test on your son?
6
We all agree that the overwhelming majority of Muslims are great Americans but what are we supposed to do to avoid playing into ISIS hands? It's not enough to write editorials in the NYT or to speak out (which has been lukewarm in my view) against those that pervert your religion. Muslims must be actively engaged in identifying those that are doing the bidding of terrorists and work with intelligence agencies and law enforcement to root them out to a far greater extent.
1
No one, including the very sensitive and activist Islamic people, should conflate the free-for all, open to anyone and all the nuts, too, political free speech of Americans with the actual murdering, head and neck cutting and mouth stopperring of Islamic and Arabic states that profess certain Western values but do little more than collect Western money and spend it. Most of their efforts are spend shutting down discussion and investigation and executing people who they deem are too perspicacious and curious. While it is true that in America, even the Red State call for the mass deportation or arrest of people based on religion, there is little that can be done in a nation that allows free speech and freedom of religion. We even allow people who demand our nation must kneel 5 times a day toward Mecca, to pray to our master, as we submit in Islam. No one stops even the cruel and murderous daesh from publishing advertisements for it's fast sinking caliphate of the mindless. Videos of heads being chopped, people shot and burned to death, women raped, beaten or stoned and all as crowds happily chant "Allah is great!"
In America, like our gun laws, you must learn to take the bad with good but, of course, if it disturbs you, there is always Saudi Arabia or some other Islam-only friendly state, where no one ever speaks out against anything done by red handed individuals and groups as long as they do it in Allah's name and leave the rulers alone.
In America, like our gun laws, you must learn to take the bad with good but, of course, if it disturbs you, there is always Saudi Arabia or some other Islam-only friendly state, where no one ever speaks out against anything done by red handed individuals and groups as long as they do it in Allah's name and leave the rulers alone.
2
Mr Mullick - thank you for taking the time to share your story and views. I agree with others, it is important that voices like yours are heard.
When will we unite as a world of varied religious ideas around the core principles of charity, love, compassion and wisdom? I think the majority of peoples around the world believe in these ideals. How can we harness the energy of this majority? I am not giving up on this potential, no matter how the media portrays humanity.
In the end, all of the violence in the name of religion seems to be about power. I am contunually perplexed by "my God is the right God" "My holy book is the better holy book" etc ideas that all extremists espouse. The truth is that no one knows the mystery of our existence, but we do search for meaning. Be it Christian or Muslim extremists - the religious nature of these acts are a facade for wanting others to bend. Whether its the grab for land (e.g., west bank), the raping of women, bombings and shootings, or demonizing American Muslims - all of this is about power over others.
Power and control fuels discrimination, violence and suffering. There is nothing righteous about it.
Compassion, wisdom, charity fuels connection and improvement.
So what will we do?
When will we unite as a world of varied religious ideas around the core principles of charity, love, compassion and wisdom? I think the majority of peoples around the world believe in these ideals. How can we harness the energy of this majority? I am not giving up on this potential, no matter how the media portrays humanity.
In the end, all of the violence in the name of religion seems to be about power. I am contunually perplexed by "my God is the right God" "My holy book is the better holy book" etc ideas that all extremists espouse. The truth is that no one knows the mystery of our existence, but we do search for meaning. Be it Christian or Muslim extremists - the religious nature of these acts are a facade for wanting others to bend. Whether its the grab for land (e.g., west bank), the raping of women, bombings and shootings, or demonizing American Muslims - all of this is about power over others.
Power and control fuels discrimination, violence and suffering. There is nothing righteous about it.
Compassion, wisdom, charity fuels connection and improvement.
So what will we do?
1
I'd say 1 in 4 Muslims either support Daesh or look at it with benevolence or justify its actions by blaming Western policies.
Of course there is a ring of truth in the latter.
Problem is that the argument of the writer, although reasonable at one time, is wearing thin.
Muslims in general should recall that on the path of regression to the VII century, we must go through the XV when the Catholic monarchs said to them - and others - "convert or leave".
Things can get really nasty.
Of course there is a ring of truth in the latter.
Problem is that the argument of the writer, although reasonable at one time, is wearing thin.
Muslims in general should recall that on the path of regression to the VII century, we must go through the XV when the Catholic monarchs said to them - and others - "convert or leave".
Things can get really nasty.
2
We written and I believe sincere. The problem is that until the Muslim community polices itself and outs those who are radicalized, including Imams, the American people are not going to have trust. Given the stakes, there needs to be zero tolerance for those who advocate violence in the name of religion.
3
I began living as a Muslim woman in America in 1978, before even the Iranian revolution. Back then, I was regarded with curiosity, not fear or hatred. Now, wearing my head scarf, I feel like a target for those who hate Muslims & Islam. What they don't realize is that 99+% of Muslims in America are not with the extremists. Rather, we are with our fellow Americans, in our love for this country & hatred of the evil perpetuated by those who claim to share our faith. Extremists do not share my faith.
Totally unlike distortions of Quranic teachings now ubiquitous in the media, the Quran insists upon kindness, charity, honesty, justice, freedom of religion, peace unless fought against, good treatment of neighbors, & helping the unfortunate, oppressed, widows, & orphans. Unfortunately, space limitations prevent me from correcting the deliberate efforts of fear mongers to twist, mistranslate, & quote Quran out of context, to portray it as an evil scripture.
I've been a exemplary citizen & a good neighbor, & I've raised my children to be good citizens & helpful, polite, & respectful toward everyone; yet now I very sadly plan to give up my American citizenship, as I cannot live feeling like an unwanted intruder in my own country. But my departure is not "Isis winning." It is those who have used the web and the media to spread misinformation, vitriol, and suspicion against all Muslims and Islam, who have won.
Totally unlike distortions of Quranic teachings now ubiquitous in the media, the Quran insists upon kindness, charity, honesty, justice, freedom of religion, peace unless fought against, good treatment of neighbors, & helping the unfortunate, oppressed, widows, & orphans. Unfortunately, space limitations prevent me from correcting the deliberate efforts of fear mongers to twist, mistranslate, & quote Quran out of context, to portray it as an evil scripture.
I've been a exemplary citizen & a good neighbor, & I've raised my children to be good citizens & helpful, polite, & respectful toward everyone; yet now I very sadly plan to give up my American citizenship, as I cannot live feeling like an unwanted intruder in my own country. But my departure is not "Isis winning." It is those who have used the web and the media to spread misinformation, vitriol, and suspicion against all Muslims and Islam, who have won.
1
It is unbelievable that the close family doesn't know what is going on.Never saw an extremist quietly siting at a family table without using his or hers hate vitriol.The family knows.The close friends knew.The imam knew.
Unfortunately their acts are pushing our society to a kind of policy society and with this wiping out generations of fight for more individual freedom.
The Muslim need to be more vigilant about what they preach and what their children hear and learn.If this is not to happen tensions will rise and islamophobia will get rooted in the society making the life for the Muslim if not hard,impossible.
Unfortunately their acts are pushing our society to a kind of policy society and with this wiping out generations of fight for more individual freedom.
The Muslim need to be more vigilant about what they preach and what their children hear and learn.If this is not to happen tensions will rise and islamophobia will get rooted in the society making the life for the Muslim if not hard,impossible.
1
How many more people need to be killed by Muslim terrorists until we retire the word "Islamaphobia"?
Perhaps some of us are afraid of people who choose to kill people based of their belief in a magic sky fairy, regardless of which fairy it is.
Perhaps some of us are afraid of people who choose to kill people based of their belief in a magic sky fairy, regardless of which fairy it is.
3
The trouble is Americans have not been "inoculated" against the real threat of terrorism: to destroy our very way of life and the freedoms we enjoy by fear. Heck, I for one would rather be killed in a terrorist attack than in a (much more likely) car accident; at least I would make the national news!
I'm grateful for this eloquent plea for solidarity against Islamist fanatics. And I note with interest that you list the former head of the National Rifle Association as one of your mentors. I have just one question: in your discussions with this individual did the topic of terrorists having easy access to guns ever come up?
1
Until peaceful Muslims take action, including a willingness to die, to stop radical Muslims they have no claim to Islam being a religion of peace. You take specific action or forfeit your claims and your rights. The rest of the world can only stop radical Islam through all out war. The world doesn't want that. The only other solution lies within the Muslim community itself.
2
The biggest victory for ISIS would be for Assad to be removed, which would result in the collapse of a functioning government, thus creating a vacuum easily filled by ISIS and al-Qaeda. Haven't we been down this road before, with truly dismal results? We all heard that removing Saddam Hussein (former US ally) would transform and improve Iraq. The results have been horrible. We were told that removing Qaddafi would improved Libya, and now there's no government, endless chaos and a breeding ground for terrorists. The US needs to stop pursuing these fantasies that all create more disaster. The should also seriously rethink their endless support for the brutal, intolerant Saudis, who are funding and fueling anti-American jihadis all over the Middle East, and other places as well.
4
Not all Muslims are terrorists and not all terrorists are Muslims. There are some Muslims (and it may be a reasonably large number) who promote terrorism as a means of accomplishing their objectives, and there is no sense denying that. Unfortunately, these terroristic Muslims have been very active even to the point of competing with one another as to who is the most successful at perpetrating terrorism. These Muslims have also tried to gain the most possible notoriety about their terroristic accomplishments, because this increases the impact of their terrorism. Faced with this scenario, what are people to think? Political correctness has limits.
We face Woolworth's quandary when he said,"Half of the money I spend on marketing is wasted. I only wish I knew which half." We know that only some Muslims have adopted and institutionalized terrorism as a way of life. If we only knew which ones. Until we do, we must take reasonable measures to protect ourselves. As concerns reasonable measures, terrorism does not deserve the protections our penchant for political correctness and our constitution afford religion.
We face Woolworth's quandary when he said,"Half of the money I spend on marketing is wasted. I only wish I knew which half." We know that only some Muslims have adopted and institutionalized terrorism as a way of life. If we only knew which ones. Until we do, we must take reasonable measures to protect ourselves. As concerns reasonable measures, terrorism does not deserve the protections our penchant for political correctness and our constitution afford religion.
2
Mr. Ayoush should perhaps save some of his 'comforting' for the families of the victims rather than the families of the perpertrators.
The NYT should also drop 'suspect' when it refers to a filmed massacre. The perpetrators were terrorists.
The NYT should also drop 'suspect' when it refers to a filmed massacre. The perpetrators were terrorists.
4
Not all Muslims are terrorists, but since Tim McVeigh all terrorists have been Muslim. I believe the seeds of xenophobic mayhem are in the fabric of the Koran. It requires a reformation which is unlikely. Islamophobia? When you hear hoofbeats, you think horses.
4
I believe most Americans simply want acknowledgement that speaking out about Extremist Muslim Terrorists is not Islamaphobic or racist. We are not anti Muslim as suggested by Hillary Clinton, we are anti Muslim Extremist Terrorists.
1
According the Boston Globe's coverage after the Boston marathon bombing, the older Tsarnaev brother was kicked out of at least one mosque because he would not accept a sermon on peace. This wasn't a political move (nobody was famous at the time); it was a spiritual move.
I agree with much the writer has said. What I don't understand is why aren't the worlds Islamic religious leaders shouting from the rooftops that Islamic terrorism is wrong and not in accordance with Islamic teaching.
5
After Paris, I started reading the Quran. EVERYONE should. About 60% of it is about unbelievers and awful we are. Another 20% are simplified and twisted Biblical stories. Only the last 20% or so is how to live like a Muslim.
After reading some major passages, I feel as if I swallowed the red pill in the Matrix. I understand so much more. I think it points to the conclusion that you can't be a good Muslim unless you join something like ISIL.
But please don't believe me or this author or your pastor or priest or rabbi or imam. Read it for yourself. You can find one online: google “skeptic's annotated quran”. Chapters 9, 4 and 3 are good places to start.
After reading some major passages, I feel as if I swallowed the red pill in the Matrix. I understand so much more. I think it points to the conclusion that you can't be a good Muslim unless you join something like ISIL.
But please don't believe me or this author or your pastor or priest or rabbi or imam. Read it for yourself. You can find one online: google “skeptic's annotated quran”. Chapters 9, 4 and 3 are good places to start.
5
While I agree that we should not succumb to anti-Islamic practices, a more balance perspecitve from Mr. Mullick is in need. Could Mr. Mullick please offer insights on what the American Muslims communities can do (and can do more) to help stop such violence.
1
As the Pope said on Sunday, standing next to an Imam in Nigeria, "we are brothers and sisters."
This country was founded on the principles of freedom of religion.
I am for peace. And I know the vast majority of every faith is also for peace.
This country was founded on the principles of freedom of religion.
I am for peace. And I know the vast majority of every faith is also for peace.
1
Haider, do you have any evidence for this perpetually-repeated claim that ISIS wants Islamophobia?
From ISIS's own sources, all we can infer is that they want chaos in the West. It is only the Leftist media who keep repeating with certitude that "ISIS wants Islamophobia."
If ISIS wanted to extend its Caliphate into Europe or the US, how would Islamophobia help? Would, say, registering all Muslims (a la Trump) really make it more likely that they would achieve this end? I am dying to hear your thoughts on this.
Of course I am not advocating Islamophobia. However, I am just pointing out that the premise of this article, along with the dozens of others in this paper, is not backed by any sort of tangible evidence.
These days when someone says "You're doing exactly what the terrorists want us to do," it is just code for, "I don't agree with what you are doing."
From ISIS's own sources, all we can infer is that they want chaos in the West. It is only the Leftist media who keep repeating with certitude that "ISIS wants Islamophobia."
If ISIS wanted to extend its Caliphate into Europe or the US, how would Islamophobia help? Would, say, registering all Muslims (a la Trump) really make it more likely that they would achieve this end? I am dying to hear your thoughts on this.
Of course I am not advocating Islamophobia. However, I am just pointing out that the premise of this article, along with the dozens of others in this paper, is not backed by any sort of tangible evidence.
These days when someone says "You're doing exactly what the terrorists want us to do," it is just code for, "I don't agree with what you are doing."
3
If the Muslim community wants to be respected and accepted as part of the fabric of America, they have to prove their loyalty to America by standing up to the terrorists. All young Muslims should volunteer to join the military and fight terrorists side-by-side with non-Muslims in the US. There only seems to be a small fraction of the Muslim population that is taking a hardline position against Islamic terrorism. Kudos to Mr. Mullick. Unfortunately, he seems to be in a small minority. Muslims are all too happy to enjoy the freedoms and liberties established and preserved by those Americans before them who sacrificed their lives and health. It is not enough to sit quietly while this country’s entire way of life is being threatened and then express outrage because they are afraid of Islamophobia. Many of them have not assimilated. They open businesses and hang signs in Arabic. Many continue to practice Sharia Law, including honor killings. I for one, don’t know how to distinguish a peace loving Muslim from a terrorist Muslim, especially when they have remained silent for so long now and most are not joining the fight to preserve our way of life. The American way of life should be one of the most treasured things on Earth. If the US Muslim population feels the same way, they have to demonstrate that, otherwise, they should leave the country.
5
I am touched by your contribution to the Opinion Pagers of the NYT, and hope it is read by everyone in this fine country - though I fear that those who need to read it most will avoid it. I support you in any way I can.
I don't know that Islam is about peace. I have seen videos of their teaching style in those madrassa schools, and if I picture myself in there as a pupil, it seems I would learn intolerant hardness, even if the teacher was only teaching math. Certainly hindu vedic schools and catholic schools have extreme intellectual poverty. But it seems to me that they at least try to teach kids a few useful regular lessons. In the madrassas, on the other hand, no one seems to remotely care about the lessons. When they teach math, they seem to still mainly be trying to inculcate a hard anger. It's on the teacher's face, and in the air. The pupils' expressions are all about imbibing anger at anything other than what they already know. I never saw atmosphere like that in the worst regular Indian schools (and Indian schools are about the worst possible, intellectually). Indian schools are not about teaching hatred of new ideas.
2
your faith has been hijacked, your groups have made it impossible to rat out the bad guys at work given PC directives. Government workers who must know they will lose their job if the see something and say anything that is the damage PC and the Race baiting game has wrought. This guy seemed to be a nice guy too until he married and became devout. Muslims as a hole are decent people, so are christians yet see what the liberals and the media does to them on a daily basis.Your lucky to have extra protection they do not get from government or society. So stop and look around.
2
The term "Islamaphobia" is meaningless and offensive. People do not have an irrational fear of Islam. Those who have read the Koran know that killing infidels is totally okay. A more useful strategy for Muslims who do not support terrorists would be to say: I reject those parts of the Koran that support violence. Most Christians can reject Biblical violence. Why can't Muslims reject Koranic violence?
3
If members of the Muslim community feel obligated to warn against Islamaphobia in the wake of terrorist attacks, it is because each wave of attacks bring fresh waves of violence against Muslim communities in the U.S. that often go underreported. There is no difference between denouncing threats to democratic government and open societies and actively supporting plurality and diversity; when Muslim communities stand up for themselves and remind the American public that they are not one monolithic violent mass THEY ARE denouncing radical Islam and any other ideology that prevents people from living peacefully together.
Why someone commits mass murder is irrelevant to me. It may be relevant to law enforcement to solve the crime, but the solution will not be found in solving for why. The solution will not be found in closing our borders or taring people with guilt by association. Our policy makers need to make it harder to get the guns and bullets. We citizens need safe ways to report caches of weapons that does not result in a swat team or whole communities put in surveillance. I don't know if there are enough Federal electeds who will support a well regulated militia. Or how to encourage surveillance without ending up with Big Brother. I do know that American, in the face of these kinds of crimes, if our ideals mean anything, needs to be an open and welcoming society,
1
"By comparison, right-wing groups had killed 48, the data said."
No. "Non-Muslims" had killed 48. Look deeper at the data, please. Many of the 48 "right-wing" related terror deaths came at the hands of decidedly non-right wingers.
No. "Non-Muslims" had killed 48. Look deeper at the data, please. Many of the 48 "right-wing" related terror deaths came at the hands of decidedly non-right wingers.
3
And the fear mongers in the Republican party, one of which will likely be the next President are partly responsible.
1
All religions have a violent side. There are more Christian terrorist attacks in the US than any others. I used to think that Buddhism was the exception but the monks in Myanmar have changed my opinion. One thing they have in common is an Orthodox, Fundamentalist or exceptionalist idea that they are a chosen few that have the exclusive and unique access to the "truth". This is self satisfying in that they feel better about themselves because they are better than everyone else.
Maybe part of background checks should include narcissistic belief systems.
Maybe part of background checks should include narcissistic belief systems.
3
Haider, the collective always is punished for the actions of a few.
Speaking of which, I'd argue that the entire American population has collectively been punished due to the actions of a few Muslim terrorists.
*Everyone* now has to take off his/her shoes before boarding a flight. **Everyone's** phone and internet conversations are monitored. **Everyone's** right to privacy have been degraded.
All this for what? Because of the presence of a few potential Muslim terrorists among us!
This is why I find it simply ridiculous when Muslims complain about collective punishment. Because they have already inflicted collective punishment on the entire American population!
Speaking of which, I'd argue that the entire American population has collectively been punished due to the actions of a few Muslim terrorists.
*Everyone* now has to take off his/her shoes before boarding a flight. **Everyone's** phone and internet conversations are monitored. **Everyone's** right to privacy have been degraded.
All this for what? Because of the presence of a few potential Muslim terrorists among us!
This is why I find it simply ridiculous when Muslims complain about collective punishment. Because they have already inflicted collective punishment on the entire American population!
4
I'm not worried about the 72% of Muslim Americans that want to assimilate, I'm worried about the 28% (28%! Really?!) of Muslim in America who don't want to assimilate and the 10% that actually sympathize with the Islamic State.
7
Statistically African American men have far more to fear from state sponsored terror than does middle class society from "Islamic extremists". Most middle and upper class Americans live in nearly absolute safety compared to lower class black and brown men here, and citizens of places we attack say, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia or Pakistan. But, our middle class minds are governed by what we see in the media, which creates the perception that a killer lurks behind every tree in the suburbs. Of course this perception of internal war is politically useful. It is what allows for government and corporate control of freedom loving people.
1
If Muslim communities and organizations like CAIR were more worried about finding the radicalized extremist Muslims and future terrorists among their members (and reported them to law-enforcement) than about the backlash after the murders have been committed then everyone would be much better off. I am not aware of they ever having done that.
I would like to know if Mr.Mullick (and other non-extremist) believe Islam should be reformed. How would he/they vote if he/they could democratically/peacefully decide whether the US was to be a secular democracy or whether it was to be an Islamic theocracy. What about equal protection under the law? Would he/they vote for the current Constitution? Does he/they firmly believe that there must be a clear separation between church and state, and that when there is a conflict between the two, the church must yield? I realize you could apply this to any major religion, but, for the most part, the other religions have managed to reform/evolve/conform to the 21st century. It feels like Islam is far behind in its evolution. Where are the reformers?
1
Muslim activists/leaders need to spend less time lecturing non-Muslim Americans...and MORE TIME LECTURING MUSLIMS
3
We have this in Europe also, the assurances that the great majority of Muslims deplore the crimes etc. But the evidence is that a large minority do not and probably an even larger minority would not actively do anything to prevent them How many of the plots thwarted by the FBI and other agencies had the active co-operation of Muslims? I suspect close to none, instead we get the usual, garbage: such a nice guy, very devout, wouldn't hurt a fly. Why is the right doing so well in so many countries? Guess.
3
So you now threaten us to behave like everything is ok or there will be more from where this came from, We towel heads have nothing to do with a bunch of towel heads gun totting and killing people, its Islam that's peace these guys are not following any edict/ text they are only following their own interpretation of the Holy Book !! Comon for how long should one take it Lying down that's the question that troubles me the most !!
Quakers were pacifists, Muslims are not. And no we are not prejudice, we accept everyone as neighbors and friends, just like the Society of Friends. The Jihad is very real and time is on their side, that is a fact we must come to terms with. It's not about religion or nationality, it is about hate of freedom and tolerance.
3
Mr. Mullick is fighting an uphill battle, and he is in denial. With millions of Muslims living in the United States, there will be no end to Islamic terrorism in our homeland.
Mr. Mullick is a very good American, as are most Muslims living here.
There is only one way that this can end well, and the odds are not good. Islam needs to split into two major branches: traditional and reformed. The reformed branch should remove from their holy books all references to killing and jihad, and sanitize the life history of the Prophet. It should adopt the best ideas of the older religions, such as loving your enemy and turning your other cheek when you are struck. It should believe that the meek will inherit the earth, and abjure violence. All American mosques should then identify which branch of Islam they represent, so that the rest of us can more easily discern whether a Muslim is a good person like Mr. Mullick, or a bad person like Syed Rizwan Farook.
Mr. Mullick is a very good American, as are most Muslims living here.
There is only one way that this can end well, and the odds are not good. Islam needs to split into two major branches: traditional and reformed. The reformed branch should remove from their holy books all references to killing and jihad, and sanitize the life history of the Prophet. It should adopt the best ideas of the older religions, such as loving your enemy and turning your other cheek when you are struck. It should believe that the meek will inherit the earth, and abjure violence. All American mosques should then identify which branch of Islam they represent, so that the rest of us can more easily discern whether a Muslim is a good person like Mr. Mullick, or a bad person like Syed Rizwan Farook.
2
xenophobia is not the pressing issue, my man. there will be reaction of that sort, but focusing your lengthy missive on only that belies what we (and I mean nearly all of america) suspect of you. that you don't share our outrage, our shock, our fear. as has been said below, when a million of you march on the capital in support of western values, in support of women, homosexuals, jews, christians, ALL OF US, then we'll worry about the xenophobia directed at you. you have yet to prove that you are firmly on OUR side.
1
Any thinking person knows that ISIS is a separate group of Islamist and their religion is distorted and extreme from the mainstream people of that belief.
The fact is that the more ISIS are getting on their side the more the coalition fighting against them will have to kill.
The more terror they do the stronger the coalition will be to defeat them.
Paris was a huge mistake for ISIS as it united very powerful countries against them.
They have not heard of the term "Biting off more than they can chew."
The coalition forces have had a great deal of experience in fighting for freedom in many wars.
They won those and they will win this because they are fighting to preserve a way of life in this world not change it through brutality and killing.
STAN CHUN
The fact is that the more ISIS are getting on their side the more the coalition fighting against them will have to kill.
The more terror they do the stronger the coalition will be to defeat them.
Paris was a huge mistake for ISIS as it united very powerful countries against them.
They have not heard of the term "Biting off more than they can chew."
The coalition forces have had a great deal of experience in fighting for freedom in many wars.
They won those and they will win this because they are fighting to preserve a way of life in this world not change it through brutality and killing.
STAN CHUN
Sir, your intentions appear to be protecting the interests of American Muslims, which I believe to be misplaced. After each of these types of attacks those close to the attackers profess 'shock' and 'no awareness' of the assailant's move toward their attacks. How can you be so blind? If what you profess - that Muslims are our best line of defense against extremism - then WHY don't Muslims take a lead role in being aware and helping to prevent such attacks? And in reining in those 'Mosques of terror' in you midst? Please answer this and we may believe your arguments.
2
If we "shame" prayer because it appears a substitute for action, should we not shame those whose only offering is a denunciation of "Islamophobia" in lieu of action?
3
The San Bernardino murders prove mosques claiming not to be radical or radicalizing centers are nonetheless Islamic-jihadist retreats to be closely watched. Despite that it might not be politically correct to do so, or contrary to American values, it has been demonstrated to be a practical necessity in order to protect public peace and safety.
Other ethnic communities in the US struggle to assimilate, struggle with poverty and discrimination, but are not prone to terrorism. Why is this radicalization leading to terrorist acts happening more so with the Muslim community. Does the Muslim community have a rigorous debate why this radicalization is happening. Until the Muslim community finds solutions within itself to solve the problem, you cannot blame others for Islamophobia.
I'm not that fond of Islam's practices (as opposed to its ideals), or Christianity either, for that matter. And certainly not about our society's xenophobia, or the ease with which domestic evildoers can purchase all kinds of ridiculous armaments. Events like the Planned Parenthood and San Bernardino are occasions, all too frequent, for all of us to hang our heads in shame for what we have become, and start taking responsibility for the quality of our civic interactions, and stop just offering "thoughts and prayers".
Please go look at the actual statistics: http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/17/in-nations-with-signific...
While majorities in most countries view ISIS unfavorable, in some countries large minorities view them as favorable. In particular, the Pakistani results are sobering. When 62% of Pakistanis and 20% of Nigerian Muslims view ISIS in a favorable light, that is a still problem that we have to discuss soberly.
While majorities in most countries view ISIS unfavorable, in some countries large minorities view them as favorable. In particular, the Pakistani results are sobering. When 62% of Pakistanis and 20% of Nigerian Muslims view ISIS in a favorable light, that is a still problem that we have to discuss soberly.
2
Just as Mr. Mullick starts off by saying that he is an American Muslim, I want to start by saying that I am an American Jew. I also served in the US Navy after graduation from college.
Am I afraid of Islamic fanatics? Yes. But I am also afraid of Christian fanatics and Jewish fanatics. We have all seen too many signs of what fanaticism can do. Attacks on abortion clinics and attacks on Palestinians. Religious ethics are wonderful, and I fully believe in the culture of the monotheistic faiths. All three of the ones mentioned above sprung out of the original Bible. They all are what I refer to as Abrahamic faiths. We have much more in common than we have apart.
It is the fanatics of all these beliefs that cause the problems. If there were only some way of determining who they are before they strike, the whole world would be better off.
Am I afraid of Islamic fanatics? Yes. But I am also afraid of Christian fanatics and Jewish fanatics. We have all seen too many signs of what fanaticism can do. Attacks on abortion clinics and attacks on Palestinians. Religious ethics are wonderful, and I fully believe in the culture of the monotheistic faiths. All three of the ones mentioned above sprung out of the original Bible. They all are what I refer to as Abrahamic faiths. We have much more in common than we have apart.
It is the fanatics of all these beliefs that cause the problems. If there were only some way of determining who they are before they strike, the whole world would be better off.
6
I think it is unfortunate that this article appears on the opinion pages while your article "Fear in the Air, Americans Look Over Their Shoulders" is on the front page. Since Wednesday media outlets have churned out story after story rehashing events adding little that is new except speculation. I think we need to know the facts. However, I think it is way too soon to offer analysis. I think that in doing this we aid terrorists in their objective: to spread fear. I think that if acts of terrorism divide us and get us to change our lives, they have succeeded in their objective.
This is my America?
No. 2 in a series on thoughts expressed in Readers’ Picks 1-6.
Generalizing based on ignorance is dangerous (Picks 2 and 5).
Disclaimer: Here are the first names of 6 of the refugees who came to a recent Träna Svenska at the Linköping Red Cross as written by each in my Book of Names where the names appear in a Swedish version and in one of their earlier languagirs, maybe Arabic or Kurdish.
Suppose I were to show them these lines from Readers' Picks 2 and 5 telling them that these were highly recommended by Times readers.
KayDayJay ”…muslims are engaged in a worldwide terror campaign to spread their religion and subjugate everyone else.”
NewYorkTimes Reader “It is time to be suspicious all Muslims, for our own survival."
I leave their reactions to readers' imaginations. However, I promise that I would never show them your beliefs since I cannot think of any people I would rather spend my time with than these 6 and the 100s like them who have made Linköping a better place for me to live. I would not want to destroy any illusions they may have about America.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen-USA-SE
No. 2 in a series on thoughts expressed in Readers’ Picks 1-6.
Generalizing based on ignorance is dangerous (Picks 2 and 5).
Disclaimer: Here are the first names of 6 of the refugees who came to a recent Träna Svenska at the Linköping Red Cross as written by each in my Book of Names where the names appear in a Swedish version and in one of their earlier languagirs, maybe Arabic or Kurdish.
Suppose I were to show them these lines from Readers' Picks 2 and 5 telling them that these were highly recommended by Times readers.
KayDayJay ”…muslims are engaged in a worldwide terror campaign to spread their religion and subjugate everyone else.”
NewYorkTimes Reader “It is time to be suspicious all Muslims, for our own survival."
I leave their reactions to readers' imaginations. However, I promise that I would never show them your beliefs since I cannot think of any people I would rather spend my time with than these 6 and the 100s like them who have made Linköping a better place for me to live. I would not want to destroy any illusions they may have about America.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen-USA-SE
4
Mr Mullick refers to the potential of "a new round of Islamophobia." While everyone should care about potential Islamophobic reactions to this and other events, FBI Hate Crimes statistics depict a different reality. There are approximately the same numbers of Muslims and Jews in the USA and, in every year for which one cares to look, hate crimes against Jews outnumber those against Muslims by about 3-4 to 1. One might infer from this that there is a more fundamental, non-causal prejudice against Jews, who are rarely, if ever, associated with terrorist activities against fellow Americans.
I thank Haider Mullick for her service and obvious sincerity in her love of country. The reality of what we see in the world the last 25 years gives one a different picture of Islam even if it is a small subset of Muslims who perpetrate these acts. Whether Argentina, USA, and Canada in this hemisphere or Mali, Chad, Sudan, Nigeria, Kenya, Somalia and the entire region of North Africa all have seen radical Islamic terror. Most every European countries have seen Islamic terror attacks large and small. Of course it is a common occurrance in the Middle East almost daily. Russia ,China, and Australia have seen attacks from their restive Muslim minorities, Thailand and the Philippines have revolts on going almost civil wars with Muslim terrorists. That is the reality. We see a group of Muslims , small though they may be, unwilling to fit into a large variety of cultures around the world, and acting out violently.
1
Sorry, innocent Muslims, but this is all on you. If you can't fix the problem in your midst, all of you can expect to be treated as part of the problem. No matter what Mr. Obama says.
2
It sounds like a threat, if we let ISIS win we justify additional Muslims joining their fight. I don't like that approach. ISIS needs to suffer from some Islamophobia. We know our Arab 'allies' have the best military John McCain can send them, it's time for them to take it off the shelf and use it. If Muslims cannot face up to ISIS by destroying it I don't really see what our secular country owes them.
ISLAMISTS are not the only threats to Homeland Security in the US. Had the perpetrators of the horrible massacre in San Bernardino been unable to purchase weapons and ammunition, they may have been able to cause some disturbance or hurt a few people. But their ability to obtain high powered weapons and ammunition transformed them from people with anger toward the way of life in the US into mass murderers.
All those who do not speak out against the threat that guns represent to our country and focus only on the ethnicity of the perpetrators will never be able to solve the problem of terrorist attacks in the US.
In essence, we have set up a system whereby we are all condemned to be complicit in the gun violence because of the ruling by the 5 Supreme Court Justices, Scalia, Roberts, Kennedy, Thomas and Alito, who have left us with this bloodbath by finding that guns rights are individual rights.
We must stop being enablers of terrorists and any others who have grievances by empowering them with easy access to military grade weapons and ammunition.
If we're not a part of the solution, we're part of the problem. Whether or not you agree with unlimited access to guns and ammo, you must realize that you are helpless to protect yourselves, your family, friends, neighbors and community.
If anyone who has a grievance can walk into a store and come out with enough firepower to kill many people, we are losing the battle against violence in the US.
All those who do not speak out against the threat that guns represent to our country and focus only on the ethnicity of the perpetrators will never be able to solve the problem of terrorist attacks in the US.
In essence, we have set up a system whereby we are all condemned to be complicit in the gun violence because of the ruling by the 5 Supreme Court Justices, Scalia, Roberts, Kennedy, Thomas and Alito, who have left us with this bloodbath by finding that guns rights are individual rights.
We must stop being enablers of terrorists and any others who have grievances by empowering them with easy access to military grade weapons and ammunition.
If we're not a part of the solution, we're part of the problem. Whether or not you agree with unlimited access to guns and ammo, you must realize that you are helpless to protect yourselves, your family, friends, neighbors and community.
If anyone who has a grievance can walk into a store and come out with enough firepower to kill many people, we are losing the battle against violence in the US.
According to the Qur'an, "all nations which had not acknowledged the
Prophet were sinners, whom it is the right and duty of the faithful to plunder
and enslave." This was written in 1797 by the Barbary Tripoli ambassador
Abdrahaman, quoted in "Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates.". The
U.S. is at war with ISIS today, and they will lose because of our military, political,
and economic strengths. ISIS is a terrorists group but the problem with many
of people of the Muslim world, is that ISIS and its strategies are not
condemned. The killing of innocent civilians will bring death to ISIS. The
response should be quick, accurate and deadly.One thing is for sure -
Obama is not Jefferson.
Prophet were sinners, whom it is the right and duty of the faithful to plunder
and enslave." This was written in 1797 by the Barbary Tripoli ambassador
Abdrahaman, quoted in "Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates.". The
U.S. is at war with ISIS today, and they will lose because of our military, political,
and economic strengths. ISIS is a terrorists group but the problem with many
of people of the Muslim world, is that ISIS and its strategies are not
condemned. The killing of innocent civilians will bring death to ISIS. The
response should be quick, accurate and deadly.One thing is for sure -
Obama is not Jefferson.
I am sure that the 14 people that were killed were not Islamaphobists. Where do they pick up their reward?
The issue is not that non-Muslims discriminate against Muslims but rather that Muslims don't discriminate against Islamic radicals who they say have hijacked their religion. They don't start a global movement to squash these parasites, they don't lay down their lives to fight this blight on humanity and they don't pound the podium and call these people "dogs" and "infidels." Meanwhile money flows to these murderous radicals right out of the home of Islam in Saudi Arabia and we find supposed allies like Pakistan sheltering UBL. So who do we trust? Nobody. And that is a very logical response.
San Bernardino is no victory for ISIS. It highlights how pathetic, weak and cowardly are their beliefs and the darkness of their character. Anyone can shoot unarmed people. It's laughable if it wasn't so tragic.
Islam needs to fight for itself. It's not everyone else's responsibility. If there is any virtue in it that needs to be fought for and brought to the surface because the surface is dominated by cold blooded murders, rapists, slave owners, dictators and psychopaths. As long as this behavior and activity occurs under an Islamic flag this is how Islam will be viewed.
The issue is not that non-Muslims discriminate against Muslims but rather that Muslims don't discriminate against Islamic radicals who they say have hijacked their religion. They don't start a global movement to squash these parasites, they don't lay down their lives to fight this blight on humanity and they don't pound the podium and call these people "dogs" and "infidels." Meanwhile money flows to these murderous radicals right out of the home of Islam in Saudi Arabia and we find supposed allies like Pakistan sheltering UBL. So who do we trust? Nobody. And that is a very logical response.
San Bernardino is no victory for ISIS. It highlights how pathetic, weak and cowardly are their beliefs and the darkness of their character. Anyone can shoot unarmed people. It's laughable if it wasn't so tragic.
Islam needs to fight for itself. It's not everyone else's responsibility. If there is any virtue in it that needs to be fought for and brought to the surface because the surface is dominated by cold blooded murders, rapists, slave owners, dictators and psychopaths. As long as this behavior and activity occurs under an Islamic flag this is how Islam will be viewed.
In America, we just aren't always equal-opportunity bigots.
Easy to say "Murderous Muslims!" and so on. Very easy to lock our car doors when traveling through Black neighborhoods.
But you never hear us say, "Cretinous Scotch-Irish!" when any number of whites who go back many generations here take to their guns and massacre people.
Trash comes in many colors, ethnicities, and faiths.
Easy to say "Murderous Muslims!" and so on. Very easy to lock our car doors when traveling through Black neighborhoods.
But you never hear us say, "Cretinous Scotch-Irish!" when any number of whites who go back many generations here take to their guns and massacre people.
Trash comes in many colors, ethnicities, and faiths.
1
I admire your position and work on behalf our our country. I wish every moderate muslim was doing likewise. The only legitimate way to pit down ISIS is for moderate Islam to defeat it. If the US or Russia does it, we will be seen as crusaders, which will give rise to more Jihadists in the future.
Perhaps it is insignificant to many; but to this reader it is telling.
At the very beginning of the article he states: "I am an American Muslim."
This begs a question. Is he Muslim first or American first?
The way he stated, it obviously implies that the term "Muslim" is the noun that he wants to identify with and the term "American" is a qualifier.
When hyphenated descriptions are made to describe one's ancestry, typically they are described as Irish-American, Italian-American, African-American, Asian-American, etc. Do note that the term "American" is indeed a noun.
Could he not say: "I am an American and Islam is my religion."? That would have conveyed a much more strong and positive message.
Furthermore, other than rightfully and commendably denouncing violence in the name of Islam, can he say what American Muslims are SPECIFICALLY doing to reform Islam? Do they not seem to think that Islam needs reform since a disproportionately large number of such violent incidences - both in severity and in frequency - occur in the name of Islam, compared to other religions?
What does the author has to say about innumerable Muslim-Christian, Muslim-Jew, Muslim-Hindu, Muslim-Buddhist conflicts where one religion is common to all? Other inter-religious conflicts pale in severity and frequency.
Not just inter-religion conflicts, there is no ending to MANY intra-religion conflicts in Islam such as Shia-Sunni conflict!!
What does the author have to say on all these?
At the very beginning of the article he states: "I am an American Muslim."
This begs a question. Is he Muslim first or American first?
The way he stated, it obviously implies that the term "Muslim" is the noun that he wants to identify with and the term "American" is a qualifier.
When hyphenated descriptions are made to describe one's ancestry, typically they are described as Irish-American, Italian-American, African-American, Asian-American, etc. Do note that the term "American" is indeed a noun.
Could he not say: "I am an American and Islam is my religion."? That would have conveyed a much more strong and positive message.
Furthermore, other than rightfully and commendably denouncing violence in the name of Islam, can he say what American Muslims are SPECIFICALLY doing to reform Islam? Do they not seem to think that Islam needs reform since a disproportionately large number of such violent incidences - both in severity and in frequency - occur in the name of Islam, compared to other religions?
What does the author has to say about innumerable Muslim-Christian, Muslim-Jew, Muslim-Hindu, Muslim-Buddhist conflicts where one religion is common to all? Other inter-religious conflicts pale in severity and frequency.
Not just inter-religion conflicts, there is no ending to MANY intra-religion conflicts in Islam such as Shia-Sunni conflict!!
What does the author have to say on all these?
The best and most optimistic outcome of this tragedy would be to raise the poor 6 month old child of these terrorists to become a true and loyal American.
The American economy is in free-fall (latest GDP fell to 1.4%), ISIS is targeting American cities, violence is breaking out throughout the US, and the Mideast violence is bringing us closer to WWIII. And Obama's main concern is running off to Europe to talk about the weather!!!
Time to face facts: Obama is sinking into a delusional state bordering on
insanity, and should be removed from office via the procedures outline in
the 25th Amendment of the Constitution, which allows removal from office a
president clearly judged to be "incapacitated," mentally or otherwise.
Time to face facts: Obama is sinking into a delusional state bordering on
insanity, and should be removed from office via the procedures outline in
the 25th Amendment of the Constitution, which allows removal from office a
president clearly judged to be "incapacitated," mentally or otherwise.
1
Mr. Hussam Ayloush would be much more credible if comforted the families of the victims instead of the brother-in-law of the murderer.
1
It is unbelievable that the mainstream media refuse to call Sayed Farook and his wife Tasheen Malik, the San Bernardino shooters,terrorists, when their home is a bomb making factory with 4,000 bullets and the SUV they were killed in contained another 1,500 rounds. Republicans blame these mass murders on mental illness. The only mental illness that's obvious is that of Republicans and the media commentators.
The question nonMuslims have is this: Is it true that the Koran justifies the killngs of infidels? Please do not respond by saying that these suras are beinbg taken out of context. The point is - IF such justifications exist then they are being taken seriously by people calling themselves Muslims, and they will continue to do so. Please also do not respond by saying that there are similar statements in the Old Testament and in other religions - others are no longer taking those statements seriously.
Should such statements exist in the Koran - when can we the nonMuslims expect fatwas saying those suras are now obsolete? That, and that alone will remove Islamophobia.
Should such statements exist in the Koran - when can we the nonMuslims expect fatwas saying those suras are now obsolete? That, and that alone will remove Islamophobia.
This article is nonsense. The author's logic is that Muslims are recruited to ISIS - to a place where women are enslaved and people are burned alive - because of grievances against them. Don't 'discriminate' against Muslims, or make them feel "alienated" and you won't cause them to engage in mass shootings or blow themselves up in crowds, argues the author. The reasoning is absurd. The truth is that there is, in fact, no war against Muslims; there is (or should be) a war against doctrines within Islam, such as the concepts of martyrdom and jihad.
1
I file this, my 3d try, to show the beginning of an Email I will send to Haider Ali Hussein Mullick after comments close. How the Email will end depends in part on what I learn from reading all comments.
Dear Haider,
It is my sad duty to tell you that the majority of New York Times comments and especially those with 100s of Reader Recommends show that San Bernardino is already a "Victory for Isis". These comments have one or more of the following attributes: Fear of all Muslims, double standards concerning Muslims where all American Muslims are supposed to demonstrate against Daesh but where Americans are not expected to demonstrate against most of the Americans who are doing the killing nor are they expected to demonstrate against the NRA or Republican anti-Muslims....and on and on...to be continued.
You would like your fellow Muslims to teach our fellow Americans that most are like you and me, just Americans. But as I note in an earlier submission, I cannot imagine asking even one of my Muslim friends here in Sweden or the USA or elsewhere even to read any NYT article since they would be met with so much hatred and ignorance that I cannot imagine them reading more than 3 or 4 Readers' Picks before shutting down the website and then asking me how I possibly could have asked them even to look.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen-USA-SE
Dear Haider,
It is my sad duty to tell you that the majority of New York Times comments and especially those with 100s of Reader Recommends show that San Bernardino is already a "Victory for Isis". These comments have one or more of the following attributes: Fear of all Muslims, double standards concerning Muslims where all American Muslims are supposed to demonstrate against Daesh but where Americans are not expected to demonstrate against most of the Americans who are doing the killing nor are they expected to demonstrate against the NRA or Republican anti-Muslims....and on and on...to be continued.
You would like your fellow Muslims to teach our fellow Americans that most are like you and me, just Americans. But as I note in an earlier submission, I cannot imagine asking even one of my Muslim friends here in Sweden or the USA or elsewhere even to read any NYT article since they would be met with so much hatred and ignorance that I cannot imagine them reading more than 3 or 4 Readers' Picks before shutting down the website and then asking me how I possibly could have asked them even to look.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen-USA-SE
3
There are two important facts Mr Mullick mentions. First, "72 percent believed that most Muslims wanted to assimilate or mix their cultural heritage". I am not sure what "mix" means, but this also means 28% do not want to assimilate or mix.
Secondly, he states that the majority of Muslims in most Muslim countries don't support ISIS. This also means that in the minority of Muslim countries the Muslims do support ISIS.
Combining the facts Mullick discloses with other stats within the same poll he references, showing that over 20% of Muslims believe in Jihad and 70% believe in Sharia law, and given 1.6 billion Muslims in our world today, these percentages amount to millions of people. Keep in mind the recent events in Paris took 8 terrorists to shut down a good portion of Europe, and one should only conclude, we have a overwhelming fight on our hands
Secondly, he states that the majority of Muslims in most Muslim countries don't support ISIS. This also means that in the minority of Muslim countries the Muslims do support ISIS.
Combining the facts Mullick discloses with other stats within the same poll he references, showing that over 20% of Muslims believe in Jihad and 70% believe in Sharia law, and given 1.6 billion Muslims in our world today, these percentages amount to millions of people. Keep in mind the recent events in Paris took 8 terrorists to shut down a good portion of Europe, and one should only conclude, we have a overwhelming fight on our hands
Donald Trump's numbers skyrocketed in new polls today, way ahead of his nearest competitor. People keep asking why? Well, one reason is that his followers cannot escape a sense that even if Trump is snowing them, the liberal establishment is doing the same thing.
The Bernardino attack was not a "mass shooting" but an Islamist terrorist attack already in the pipeline, perhaps moved up in schedule. Yet the president cannot even choke the truth out for fear of offending Muslims. Last night on BBC News America, Kattie Kay huffily asked Tom Ridge, Homeland Security chief, who had carefully explained why it was more likely to be terrorism than an ordinary mass shooting if "you're sure you're not saying this [was terrorism] because they were Muslims". He reiterated his reasons borne of experience and input from specialists, after which Ms. Kay closed the interview with a sneering, "Well, you've clearly already reached a conclusion," as if Ridge were wearing a white robe with a red cross on it and not the US HS chief.
The liberal media, frantically pushing a narrative that no one is buying, refusing to admit Islam has a problem and choking on the fact that this was another Islamist terror attack, insisting that flooding Europe with millions of Muslim migrants is a wonderful idea, and talking about Trump's followers as Mr. Edsall did yesterday like weird insects pinned to a cork board, are doing all Mr. Trump's work for him. I keep waiting for the penny to drop, but it never does.
The Bernardino attack was not a "mass shooting" but an Islamist terrorist attack already in the pipeline, perhaps moved up in schedule. Yet the president cannot even choke the truth out for fear of offending Muslims. Last night on BBC News America, Kattie Kay huffily asked Tom Ridge, Homeland Security chief, who had carefully explained why it was more likely to be terrorism than an ordinary mass shooting if "you're sure you're not saying this [was terrorism] because they were Muslims". He reiterated his reasons borne of experience and input from specialists, after which Ms. Kay closed the interview with a sneering, "Well, you've clearly already reached a conclusion," as if Ridge were wearing a white robe with a red cross on it and not the US HS chief.
The liberal media, frantically pushing a narrative that no one is buying, refusing to admit Islam has a problem and choking on the fact that this was another Islamist terror attack, insisting that flooding Europe with millions of Muslim migrants is a wonderful idea, and talking about Trump's followers as Mr. Edsall did yesterday like weird insects pinned to a cork board, are doing all Mr. Trump's work for him. I keep waiting for the penny to drop, but it never does.
I'd respectfully suggest no religion is without its fanatics, whether in recorded history or now. Likewise in order to be successful, any "solution" to "extremism" must come from within the faith itself. It doesn't appear anyone in a leadership role with the Islamic faith and world community wants to so agree, let alone deal with it. While no doubt imperfect himself, there is no "Pope Francis" look-and-act-alike within the Muslim community/Islamic faith -- whose leaders are never seen to reach out, let alone work to resolve age-old tribal furies of the otherwise "faithful".
This is not an "endorsement" of Christianity nor, indeed, of any faith. However, in the contemporary world, it does appear Islam is the most out-of-control and inward-looking "faith" in accepting and dealing with its fringe elements of extreme violence and hatred. In that sense, it appears to be overripe for admonishment in a sense of "Physician, heal thyself".
This is not an "endorsement" of Christianity nor, indeed, of any faith. However, in the contemporary world, it does appear Islam is the most out-of-control and inward-looking "faith" in accepting and dealing with its fringe elements of extreme violence and hatred. In that sense, it appears to be overripe for admonishment in a sense of "Physician, heal thyself".
PLEASE CHANGE MY NAME TO JUST "CONSTANCE." Thanks.
@O'Brien: I am Muslim and agree that a "Million Man" march, for Muslims against extremism and for positive American values, is actually a terrific idea, but considering that there are only 6-8 million Muslims in America, with perhaps at least one fourth of those being children, I doubt American Muslims could gather such numbers in one place. Blacks are 12% of Americans--36 million--and their participants in the "Million Man" march were 400,000. So, if Muslims could gather 33,000, that would be equal representation. However, while nearly 4 million African Americans live within 2.5 hours of Washington D.C., with over 2 million in NYC alone, Muslims do not have such large populations centered anywhere. They are spread out all over the U.S., so there is no central area that would be a manageable distance for many Muslim Americans to gather.
I think that, instead of a central march, the mosques around America should hold their own, local demonstrations. But please don't assume that we are not speaking out already. The mosques and religious leaders I know of all speak out publicly against terrorism and extremism. They simply don't garner the same degree of media attention as terrorists.
To see the viewpoint of average Muslims, see https://youtu.be/eFsn49Qxwl0
@O'Brien: I am Muslim and agree that a "Million Man" march, for Muslims against extremism and for positive American values, is actually a terrific idea, but considering that there are only 6-8 million Muslims in America, with perhaps at least one fourth of those being children, I doubt American Muslims could gather such numbers in one place. Blacks are 12% of Americans--36 million--and their participants in the "Million Man" march were 400,000. So, if Muslims could gather 33,000, that would be equal representation. However, while nearly 4 million African Americans live within 2.5 hours of Washington D.C., with over 2 million in NYC alone, Muslims do not have such large populations centered anywhere. They are spread out all over the U.S., so there is no central area that would be a manageable distance for many Muslim Americans to gather.
I think that, instead of a central march, the mosques around America should hold their own, local demonstrations. But please don't assume that we are not speaking out already. The mosques and religious leaders I know of all speak out publicly against terrorism and extremism. They simply don't garner the same degree of media attention as terrorists.
To see the viewpoint of average Muslims, see https://youtu.be/eFsn49Qxwl0
1
Thank you for your service, Mr. Mullick. I agree with your assessment on current Islamophobia to a point. I do feel it is already so entrenched in American culture that it should be regarded as hate speech and prosecutable. The constant vitriol, often emanating from a major political party, is the most shameful American convention since Jim Crow.
1
Superb. We need more pieces like this, with this kind of insight. To all American Muslims: Please, reminders like this all the time, in every newspaper, in every blog, on every TV station, every day, every week, every month. The only way to counter fear and ignorance is by those with level heads standing together and making sure their voices go mainstream. The danger is that reasoned voices like this one will be overwhelmed by media and right-wing frenzy of the fear-mongering kind.
Islam is a major religion in the world and influences lives of many people. The secular West approaches Islam with no respect since our secular society has a materialist view. Mocking the Prophet is not onl very rude but shows total ignorance of the spiritual dynamics of mankind. Arrogant enlightenment minds are very insular to the totality of human experience. We are paying for our hubris.
Yes there are some very good teachings in the Koran. However as one proceeds towards the end the prophet becomes more martial.
That said what does Islam teach that could cause violence?
"Mohammed is Allah's apostle. Those who follow him are harsh
to the unbelievers but merciful to one another" Quran 48:29
Acting out ones religious beliefs should not be considered aberrant but normal. Until the secular West understands and respects, we will continue to lose ground. "Spiritualphobia "and hatred of all things religious is insane and irrational.
Yes there are some very good teachings in the Koran. However as one proceeds towards the end the prophet becomes more martial.
That said what does Islam teach that could cause violence?
"Mohammed is Allah's apostle. Those who follow him are harsh
to the unbelievers but merciful to one another" Quran 48:29
Acting out ones religious beliefs should not be considered aberrant but normal. Until the secular West understands and respects, we will continue to lose ground. "Spiritualphobia "and hatred of all things religious is insane and irrational.
1
I love 'by working with the moderates". What does "a moderate believer" means ? If you have the answer, please give it.
The author is clearly oblivious to the fact that practicing Muslims do things that Americans find incredibly disquieting. There have been a fair number of comments by NY TIMES readers, stating their discomfort at seeing a Muslim woman covered head to toe - so as to be invisible - traipsing three feet behind a man. Hostility to members of the LGBTQ community is well known - and many Muslims now living in the US come from countries where being gay is a crime - sometimes punishable by death.
Data from the Pew Research Forum that the author cites also demonstrates that "Muslims say a wife should always obey her husband." Many think a wife should not be able to initiate divorce nor should a daughter be able to "receive an inheritance equal to a son’s." Even Western Culture is thought to be a morally corrupt force.
When Values associated with Islam seem so at odds with Western Values, then yeah, people get worried.
Data from the Pew Research Forum that the author cites also demonstrates that "Muslims say a wife should always obey her husband." Many think a wife should not be able to initiate divorce nor should a daughter be able to "receive an inheritance equal to a son’s." Even Western Culture is thought to be a morally corrupt force.
When Values associated with Islam seem so at odds with Western Values, then yeah, people get worried.
2
The sooner we all admit what most of us know - that there is no bearded old man in the sky and when you die you're dead, not hanging with 49 virgins, the sooner the mess that is the Mideast can focus on governance not on covering their women or killing everything that is different from them.
Religion is the problem, and that particular religion seems to have cornered the market on crazies. They won the race to the bottom, even though the other religions are not far behind. It's all a scam.
Religion is the problem, and that particular religion seems to have cornered the market on crazies. They won the race to the bottom, even though the other religions are not far behind. It's all a scam.
"American Muslims are our best defense against extremism."
I don't believe that. Really, what that's saying is, monotheism is the best defense against extremism.
Your personal beliefs about dieties is just your personal beliefs. They provide no bullwark against extremism. Thoughts and prayers do not stop violence.
Centrists who believe in god are not THE solution. Secular humanism is the solution. Conscience should be privatized. and people from the Middle East should reject monarchy, patriarchy, and fascism, and embrace democracy and the rule of law.
I don't believe that. Really, what that's saying is, monotheism is the best defense against extremism.
Your personal beliefs about dieties is just your personal beliefs. They provide no bullwark against extremism. Thoughts and prayers do not stop violence.
Centrists who believe in god are not THE solution. Secular humanism is the solution. Conscience should be privatized. and people from the Middle East should reject monarchy, patriarchy, and fascism, and embrace democracy and the rule of law.
2
NYTimes Reader says: "It is time to be suspicious of all Muslims, for our own survival."
I would express it a little differently.
Americans who are not Muslim will be a lot happier when the Muslim community publicly and prominently calls out the terrorists such as ISIS and Al Qaeda, and when the Muslim community self-polices by letting the authorities know when members of that community begin to make extremist comments and start to behave in ways that suggest they are planing to take violent action.
Who else is in a good position to gauge the behavior and comments of other Muslims, given that such observation may involve language issues and norms of religious practice. If the Muslim community were to "turn in" even a few would-be terrorists, and ostracize even a few radical imams, that would go a long way to convince non-Muslim Americans that we are all on the same side.
I would express it a little differently.
Americans who are not Muslim will be a lot happier when the Muslim community publicly and prominently calls out the terrorists such as ISIS and Al Qaeda, and when the Muslim community self-polices by letting the authorities know when members of that community begin to make extremist comments and start to behave in ways that suggest they are planing to take violent action.
Who else is in a good position to gauge the behavior and comments of other Muslims, given that such observation may involve language issues and norms of religious practice. If the Muslim community were to "turn in" even a few would-be terrorists, and ostracize even a few radical imams, that would go a long way to convince non-Muslim Americans that we are all on the same side.
When Kim Davis refuses to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple, we don't see the press publishing op-eds by evangelicals warning against evangelophobia. When Jewish settlers in the West Bank commit arson or murder, we don't read op-eds warning against a flood of antisemitism. It's only when there is an act of terror by Islamists (which almost all acts of terror are) that we get a torrent of apologies for Islam and are warned against our bigotry.
It's time to stop this hypocrisy.
There needs to be a massive, unified effort by moderate Muslim leaders and their communities to speak out unqualifiedly against Islamic terrorism. It is YOUR burden to show that Islam really is about peace, not ours. It is YOUR mission to prevent the alienation of young men in your community, not ours. We are perfectly within our right to fear Islam, because there are millions of Muslims worldwide who support jihadi violence against the West, and of them, many thousands who are willing to carry out terror attacks in the name of Islam. Hatred of Muslims is abhorrent. But fear of Islam, and even hatred of it, is not. Nor is hatred of Christianity or Judaism, for that matter. A religion has the right to be tolerated, but nothing more. It does not have a right to demand positive acceptance. And toleration means being willing to live with something you deeply dislike--even hate--and fear. Until you take back your religion from jihadi terrorists, you must learn to live with Islamophobia.
It's time to stop this hypocrisy.
There needs to be a massive, unified effort by moderate Muslim leaders and their communities to speak out unqualifiedly against Islamic terrorism. It is YOUR burden to show that Islam really is about peace, not ours. It is YOUR mission to prevent the alienation of young men in your community, not ours. We are perfectly within our right to fear Islam, because there are millions of Muslims worldwide who support jihadi violence against the West, and of them, many thousands who are willing to carry out terror attacks in the name of Islam. Hatred of Muslims is abhorrent. But fear of Islam, and even hatred of it, is not. Nor is hatred of Christianity or Judaism, for that matter. A religion has the right to be tolerated, but nothing more. It does not have a right to demand positive acceptance. And toleration means being willing to live with something you deeply dislike--even hate--and fear. Until you take back your religion from jihadi terrorists, you must learn to live with Islamophobia.
3
A great way for American-Muslims to promote "Islamaphobia" is to act as if their primary concern is some anti-Islamaphobia P.R. campaign and, in the wake of tragedies, write insensitive articles that change the subject and try to shift the conversation to one about how most Muslims are not radicals. Most Muslims may not be radicals, but most Muslims do not write articles about how disgusting or tragic a mass shooting or beheading was. Instead, they write articles about "Islamaphobia", which is a strangely defensive stance to take when no one said anything about Islamaphobia and we are merely worried about bringing to justice everyone involved in the San Bernadino attack and learning how to prevent it. If Muslim-Americans want to really put and end to "Islamaphobia", those are the things they should worry about and write articles about, and stop immediately shifting the subject to "Islamaphobia".
As a tactical matter, I agree that US law enforcement must ally with the Anerican Muslim community. That does not mean, however, that we should ignore the 28% of American Muslims who, according to your statistics, do not wish to assimilate American values. What, exactly, do you propose we do with this very large number of people living among us who would evidently prefer that the United States be transformed into a 7th century theocracy governed by warlords, with no individual rights and no rights at all for women?
This is fantasy. Face the cold hard reality: Radical Islam declared war on Americans some time ago, and the tempo and severity of attacks is accelerating at an alarming and untenable rate. "Islamaphobia" ..please...how naive and patently ridiculous. Muslims identified as having been radicalized should be on close watch lists and should certainly not be allowed to buy weapons and ammunition. It's simply a matter of self preservation Will we defend ourselves against the growing slaughter, or will we hold to high minded but dangerously misguided notions while Americans continue to die
I agree that bigotry towards individuals serves no good. However, it is such a low moral bar to simply say that people are against ISIS. The discussion of what far too many Muslims do believe and do support based on the teachings of Islam needs to happen. Criminalization of apostasy, homosexuality. Subjugation and segregation of women. Too many times this is ignored, and if these are what many Muslims believe globally, it must be changed. If these are moderate and reasonable beliefs to most Muslims, than some groups like ISIS are not that extreme.
Does anyone really believe the families of the slaughter or injured people got up this morning and were wondering if the terrorists were Muslim, Christian, Jewish or a Buddhist? A member of ISIS or radical right? Hardly their grief is over-whelming and their lives are alerted for every. Their only question is how could this have happened to the person they loved? The answer to that question is not ISIS or any other terrorists group, or religion but assault weapons are sold like candy in America. This was not a victory for ISIS but the NRA. One more time the answer for these grieving families is mass slaughter sponsored by the NRA.
1
Here are my thoughts. Until I hear the voices of Muslim clerics decrying what these radicals are doing as perversion of Islam I won't believe there is any hope of healing feelings against Muslims in the country let alone the world. And until that happens on a regular basis terror will continue to infect the world. In all the 67 years I've been on this planet I have yet to hear even one major Muslim cleric denounce what the radicals believe as a perversion of Islam. And until they do the radicals will have in affect their tacit approval to do whatever they want in the name of Islam. All we get is denunciation from their political and community leaders. Those people don't represent authority to a religious radical. Only a Muslim cleric can do that. So, let's hear from just one cleric on this issue. I don't care if the are Sunni, or Shia.
I'm tired of this crass word "Islamophobia", always brandished as a bully's stick to cow legitimate concerns into silence. "Phobia" is not hatred. Phobia is fear. It is entirely rational to fear idiotic immigration policies that lead to assaults like those we have witnessed in Paris and California. Those who cry "Islamophobia" (assuming they even know what "phobia" means) are also blind to their own fear. They are cravenly terrified of Islam. Their whole policy is based on the cowardly premise if Americans make nice to Muslims, Muslims won't kill them. This is phobia--phobia of Muslims. My side of the debate has rational caution, not craven terror. it is the Left that is "Islamophobic".
there are millions of muslims who are native-born americans, who have never known any other homeland. they hardly practice sharia and they are indistinguishable from the non-muslims except in their private belief practices. these people are the intended victims of IS.
Apparently the unwillngness of Muslims and leftists to shriek "Death to Allah and Marx," convert to the 400 Club, and scream mea maxima culpa every 14 seconds is damning.
Especially since it's been a big, big 16 hours yet.
By the way, any thoghts on the white Christian nutjob who killed the women and cops yet? i mean, it's been a week.
Especially since it's been a big, big 16 hours yet.
By the way, any thoghts on the white Christian nutjob who killed the women and cops yet? i mean, it's been a week.
1
Religion makes good people do stupid things and stupid people do unspeakable things. Most people are basically good. But with the help of an automatic rifle, and an old book of mythology, a stupid person can kill quite a lot of basically good people before they stop him.
Is it okay for a gay person to be Islamophobic? Statistically speaking, Muslim's are anti-gay to the same degree as Evangelical Christians, Mormons, and Jehova's Witnesses. I think some fears are justified. The fear of being attacked by a Muslim-American is irrational, but the fear of being exposed to 7th century morality claims by a Muslim-American certainly is not. The word "Islamophobia" is a catch-all term apologists use to defend the hatred the religion itself promotes. http://publicreligion.org/2015/04/attitudes-on-same-sex-marriage-by-reli...
When will The Times address the fact that the Koran admits any act performed in the name of Allah?
The core beliefs of Islam are antithetical to the tenets of the plularistic, democratic societies of the West. Is it possible for Muslims to live peaceful and prosperous lives in the West? Of course it is. But, for devout Muslims, this entails a constant Jihad in the mind. And a few Muslims act out on this Jihad of the mind with deadly consequences for innocent non-Muslims. Are the Muslims in Western societies so peace-loving only because they are a minority? The plight of non-Muslims in theocratic Islamic countries and in other Muslim-majority countries is a disgrace to Islam. Why are Muslims so enamored of the brutal Shariah laws? Why the death sentence for apostasy? Why the homophobia and degradation of women? When will the "peace-loving" Muslims of the world call out Saudi Arabia, custodian of the holiest sites in Islam, for its export of Wahabbi extremism? A lot of questions need to be answered, Mr. Mullick, before the suspicions of a fearful public are allayed and Muslims are looked upon again with respect and admiration for their wonderful contributions to the tapestry of our civilization.
1
Thank you Mr. Mullick. As I watch the events in San Bernadino unfold, I find myself having the same thoughts about the strategy being employed by terrorists. They don't just target the victims of their destruction, they target all of us watching as well. Our enemy is testing us. We are being forced to ask ourselves what we really stand for. Can we stand by the tenets of democracy, tolerance and freedom that we claim to hold sacred? Or can we be stampeded into a frenzy of bigotry and hatred that ultimately feeds their cause. Unfortunately, people who have already formed prejudices about the Muslim religion will find the jihadist message almost impossible to resist. I applaud your effort to reveal the the hidden purpose of jihadi attack that many might fail to recognize. Terrorism begins with physical attack but it is psychological warfare at it's core. The battle must be won on both fronts.
2
When reading the barrage of anti-Muslim comments in the comment section of the NYT, I fear that this country is falling smack into the fascist creed of Trump et. al.
What is the percentage of Muslims committing mass murder with military style guns in the US compared to the ones by formerly 'law abiding' mainly white men of the Christian faith? Did any of our oh-so-religious wannabe Republican presidents call Mr. Dear, the one that committed the attack on PP, a 'Christian terrorist'?
As an immigrant from Europe whose father almost didn't survive the Nazi regime, the rhetoric of the ever growing arch-right in the US is the same as the one of of the Josef Goebbels' Ministry of Propaganda.
Yes, "It Did Happen Here', to paraphrase the title of Sinclair Lewis' novel.
What is the percentage of Muslims committing mass murder with military style guns in the US compared to the ones by formerly 'law abiding' mainly white men of the Christian faith? Did any of our oh-so-religious wannabe Republican presidents call Mr. Dear, the one that committed the attack on PP, a 'Christian terrorist'?
As an immigrant from Europe whose father almost didn't survive the Nazi regime, the rhetoric of the ever growing arch-right in the US is the same as the one of of the Josef Goebbels' Ministry of Propaganda.
Yes, "It Did Happen Here', to paraphrase the title of Sinclair Lewis' novel.
2
The article is outrageous. It deserves to be mentioned who Muslims treat minorities when they are in a majority and then turn around, in democratic countries and demand an endless list of rights for themselves, without ever once picking up the mirror and see their own misdeeds. Muslim and Islamic madness is not new. Before our very eyes, we have seen Christianity nearly wiped out from the Middle East; they are unique cultural plunders of the like the world has not seen the second world war, the IS is only the extreme manifestation of how they treat their women. On the last point, please read Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali to see the mistreatment of Muslim women traced right back to the words of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Mohammed. She is not incendiary, she is simply right. If freedom of religion is a value that the West prides, so is survival. Consequently, if the Muslim interpretation of their holy book is that my neck has to be chopped off, I, by implication, have to be a part of that conversation and comment, before the separation occurs, which I shall do everything to prevent. The writer is an apologist who has hardly woken up to the atrocities perpetrated by Islam and Muslims, and wants only to whitewash and falsely soothe Americans into accepting this dangerous creed as a nothing more dangerous than warm milk. Please give me a break.
1
The spokespeople of CAIR are themselves sympathizers of Islamic extremism. The representatives of there American Muslim community he mentions in paragraph 1 have a long history of questionable actions and associations. Just google the 2 speakers at that press conference and enjoy. Their names are Muzammil Siddiqi and Hassam Auyloush.
1
Let's make a deal..
Until every U.S. law enforcement agency vows and acts to root out unethical, racist, corrupt, rogue officers within their ranks- because the good cops invariably know who the bad ones are- then I will respectfully wait for all peaceful followers of Islam in the U.S. to publicly rally against their jihadist extremists.
Until every U.S. law enforcement agency vows and acts to root out unethical, racist, corrupt, rogue officers within their ranks- because the good cops invariably know who the bad ones are- then I will respectfully wait for all peaceful followers of Islam in the U.S. to publicly rally against their jihadist extremists.
I think what scares Americans the most is that we have the 1st Amendment, which guarantees freedom of (and from) religion. Given this, what do we do if we find out that a mosque in the US is radicalizing its citizens. Is it going against the 1st Amendment rights of those who belong to that mosque, to shut it down to prevent plotting against the U.S.? As our Constitution is written, we have no clear-cut ways to deal with this menace if it should become a predominantly American one.
Mr. Mullick complains about Islamophobia. However, most of the people who died in 9/11 revenge attacks over the last decade are non-Muslim South Asians. Not to mention about attacks on their places of worship, harassment and often time some probing scrutiny and overall unease. Most Americans don't ask for anybodies religious affiliation, but simply assume it based on looks, clothing or type of headgear and act accordingly. So calling this just "Islamophobia" does not convey the entire scope of the problem.
1
You say that Muslims are the solution?
Then what are you waiting for?
Get to it, otherwise we'll have to do it for you,
Then what are you waiting for?
Get to it, otherwise we'll have to do it for you,
1
In this context, today we heard presidential candidate Donald Trump once again suggest that President Obama is not one of "us." He's different, Trump said, once again scraping the bottom of his personal septic tank of insinuating slime. Meanwhile, Trump's audience of wealth, educated donors snickered derisively and clapped approval.
Of course, even the non-rocket scientists among us know that Trumpist bigotry is ISIS's sweetest dream, egging on those wavering on the brink of anti-islamic hysteria to drink his Kool-Aid of bigotry and to join his vile vilification of all Muslims now on US soil.
In seeking political advantage, he joins a robust troop of Republicans in undermining the twice-elected President's agenda to confront ISIS. The President is right to avoid using the code words of bigotry as he pursues victory, with no support from the disloyal opposition.
www.endthemadessnow.org
Of course, even the non-rocket scientists among us know that Trumpist bigotry is ISIS's sweetest dream, egging on those wavering on the brink of anti-islamic hysteria to drink his Kool-Aid of bigotry and to join his vile vilification of all Muslims now on US soil.
In seeking political advantage, he joins a robust troop of Republicans in undermining the twice-elected President's agenda to confront ISIS. The President is right to avoid using the code words of bigotry as he pursues victory, with no support from the disloyal opposition.
www.endthemadessnow.org
1
I am not Muslim but I too felt horror that these latest mass shooters were Muslim.
I felt it because I know the backlash will be tremendous. I also felt it because now the shooting in Colorado Springs last week will be quickly swept under the rug. I don't believe there is much difference, killing in the name of religious righteousness, whether it be Muslim or Christian, is killing. Just as ISIS glorifies murder for it's cause so do Christian extremists, however in America the Christians get a pass. If it is a Christian he was a lone gunman, obviously mentally ill, and of course no inflammatory rhetoric or lists of clinics or doctors on websites are responsible.
I'm sorry to say, your faith will get no such benefit of the doubt.
I felt it because I know the backlash will be tremendous. I also felt it because now the shooting in Colorado Springs last week will be quickly swept under the rug. I don't believe there is much difference, killing in the name of religious righteousness, whether it be Muslim or Christian, is killing. Just as ISIS glorifies murder for it's cause so do Christian extremists, however in America the Christians get a pass. If it is a Christian he was a lone gunman, obviously mentally ill, and of course no inflammatory rhetoric or lists of clinics or doctors on websites are responsible.
I'm sorry to say, your faith will get no such benefit of the doubt.
2
Mark BToronto
“The Islamic State has little to no support in most Muslim-majority countries, according to a Pew Research Center poll after the Paris attacks.”
For those interested, here's a chart showing the results of this Pew poll: http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/17/in-nations-with-signific...
What it shows is that only 28% (!) of Pakistanis have an unfavorable view of ISIS (an additional 9% "don't know"). In other Muslim-majority countries like Nigeria, Malaysia, Turkey, and Indonesia (and others), only 60-80% of people have an unfavorable view of ISIS.
Contrary to what this author contents, this doesn’t mean that the Muslim world has “little to no support” for ISIS – what it indicates is that there are hundreds of millions of people in Muslim-majority countries who have a “favorable” view of ISIS (or "don't know"). This should comfort no one.
“The Islamic State has little to no support in most Muslim-majority countries, according to a Pew Research Center poll after the Paris attacks.”
For those interested, here's a chart showing the results of this Pew poll: http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/17/in-nations-with-signific...
What it shows is that only 28% (!) of Pakistanis have an unfavorable view of ISIS (an additional 9% "don't know"). In other Muslim-majority countries like Nigeria, Malaysia, Turkey, and Indonesia (and others), only 60-80% of people have an unfavorable view of ISIS.
Contrary to what this author contents, this doesn’t mean that the Muslim world has “little to no support” for ISIS – what it indicates is that there are hundreds of millions of people in Muslim-majority countries who have a “favorable” view of ISIS (or "don't know"). This should comfort no one.
3
Why is that after every Islamic terror attack or plot, all we read is about Islamophobia and Americans' hatred towards Muslims, but never about why only Muslims, and not other religious minorities, carry out such attacks or even think about it?
2
Why has the FBI yet to release photos of the female accomplice in the California Massacre, Ms Tashfeen Malik? Seems the FBI and the Muslim community (CAIR) would be seeking more information from the public regarding her activities in the LA area while here on a VISA from her native Pakistan up until the time of her demise. Circulating her photo as soon as possible would seem to be an imperative. Something seems amiss here.
4
It is Muslims who can be disparaged and attacked openly these days - easy pickings for those who consider themselves "good" people, but are really hiding their hate until they can unleash it on a socially acceptable target. People who haven't even read their bible are experts on the Koran and they know the thoughts of a billion people worldwide.
1
Let's assume the author's murder numbers are correct. Consider the additional fact that less than 1% of Americans are Muslim. That means 48 terror murders are committed by 99% of the population and 31 terror murders are committed by 1% of the populations. In other words, Muslims are statistically 50x+ more likely to commit terror murders. But we should not generalize...
5
Are you kidding us Charlie in NY? "Antisemitic attacks far outpace all others!"
Have you been following the news about black boys and men being slaughtered by America's police? Have you heard of law enforcement agencies engaged in racial profiling? Have you seen coverage of resumes sent with "black sounding" names being rejected at rates completely eclipsing equivalently qualified "white sounding" names?
Have you heard of presidential candidates wanting to ship undocumented Hispanic immigrants back to their original countries?
Why do you think it was so easy for the neo-cons to con the country into going to war against Saddam Hussein? Think there were any undercurrents of anger and disparagement of Muslims or Arabs in there?
Why do think that Iran, the Muslim Middle Eastern country with the most enlightened policies toward women and Jews, where female college students outnumber male students and where double digit percentages of divorce are initiated by women, gets so demonized in American media and among its political and commentariat pundits?
There may be some anti-Semitism in America, and no doubt among some there is. But to claim anti-Semitic "attacks far outpace all others" is nonsensical ludicrousness.
And this the NYT Picks!
Have you been following the news about black boys and men being slaughtered by America's police? Have you heard of law enforcement agencies engaged in racial profiling? Have you seen coverage of resumes sent with "black sounding" names being rejected at rates completely eclipsing equivalently qualified "white sounding" names?
Have you heard of presidential candidates wanting to ship undocumented Hispanic immigrants back to their original countries?
Why do you think it was so easy for the neo-cons to con the country into going to war against Saddam Hussein? Think there were any undercurrents of anger and disparagement of Muslims or Arabs in there?
Why do think that Iran, the Muslim Middle Eastern country with the most enlightened policies toward women and Jews, where female college students outnumber male students and where double digit percentages of divorce are initiated by women, gets so demonized in American media and among its political and commentariat pundits?
There may be some anti-Semitism in America, and no doubt among some there is. But to claim anti-Semitic "attacks far outpace all others" is nonsensical ludicrousness.
And this the NYT Picks!
So there are hundreds of people on the FBI watch list for terrorism in this country. Do you really believe that none of their families suspect they're terrorists? Of course they know. And since those family members aren't reporting them, they are giving their tacit approval of terrorism. It just shows that Islam supports intolerance and terrorism.
We don't want them here. They ultimately want to take over our country. We should make them leave.
We don't want them here. They ultimately want to take over our country. We should make them leave.
3
Thank you for this great article. I agree completely. Several years ago, a Muslim woman was an employee of mine. She was a wonderful employee and a pleasure to have in our small business. She was so happy the day her lawyer told her she was soon to be an American citizen. It had taken seven years and finally it was to be a reality. How could anyone take that away from her or fear her for her culture or her religion?
We are a country that Is multinational, multireligious, multicultural. We need to stand up against the terror mongers who want us to cower in fear. American Muslims need to stand strong and continue to express their love for being Americans --- who just happen to be Muslim. Hopefully the rest of us will listen and leave hate and fear behind.
We are a country that Is multinational, multireligious, multicultural. We need to stand up against the terror mongers who want us to cower in fear. American Muslims need to stand strong and continue to express their love for being Americans --- who just happen to be Muslim. Hopefully the rest of us will listen and leave hate and fear behind.
1
Islamaphobia is a Muslim problem and must be solved by Muslims. The key to the term is "phobia", which means fear. Hate a Jew and you're an anti-Semite; hate a Catholic and you're anti-Catholic; hate a Mexican, and you're anti-Mexican. But with Islam, it is not hate, but fear that dis the concern of many non-Muslims.
Excellent psyops sir.
Many religions have militant orthodox sects or histories. Personally, I'd ban teaching religion to children, as child abuse.
The real problem is US (and recently, euro) military policy which incites these attacks. Let them be, they won't attack. Accept friendly refugees, let the hardcore remain and fester, but not want to attack us.
Folks in glass empires ought not throw stones. Western civ is a glass empire.
Many religions have militant orthodox sects or histories. Personally, I'd ban teaching religion to children, as child abuse.
The real problem is US (and recently, euro) military policy which incites these attacks. Let them be, they won't attack. Accept friendly refugees, let the hardcore remain and fester, but not want to attack us.
Folks in glass empires ought not throw stones. Western civ is a glass empire.
The site
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mosques_in_Europe
gives a (partial list) of mosques in Europe, including several in Italy.
By contrast,
"Catholicism in Saudi Arabia is officially barred from being practiced, though Roman Catholics are allowed into the country for temporary work."
Why don't people get this? Islam is not a bad religion as such. But Islam does not believe in tolerance. Tolerance is un-Islamic since a Muslim who allows others not to be Muslim defies Allah who wants everyone to be Muslim.
There is nothing wrong with Islam as such. Islam has created great civilizations and contributed to medicine, science and philosophy. But Islam has never accepted that a non-Muslim has the right to be a non-Muslim or that a Muslim who converts to another religion has a right to live.
Islam is not the danger. Liberal naivete, shared by Mr. Obama, Mrs. Merkel, Mrs. Clinton and the board of the New York Times is the danger. A tiger in a cage is not a bad animal. It is what it is and can even be affectionate. See the movie The Tiger and the Monk.
The criminal is the one who lets the tiger out of the cage saying, "here kitty, here kitty, and invites his children to pet the tiger."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mosques_in_Europe
gives a (partial list) of mosques in Europe, including several in Italy.
By contrast,
"Catholicism in Saudi Arabia is officially barred from being practiced, though Roman Catholics are allowed into the country for temporary work."
Why don't people get this? Islam is not a bad religion as such. But Islam does not believe in tolerance. Tolerance is un-Islamic since a Muslim who allows others not to be Muslim defies Allah who wants everyone to be Muslim.
There is nothing wrong with Islam as such. Islam has created great civilizations and contributed to medicine, science and philosophy. But Islam has never accepted that a non-Muslim has the right to be a non-Muslim or that a Muslim who converts to another religion has a right to live.
Islam is not the danger. Liberal naivete, shared by Mr. Obama, Mrs. Merkel, Mrs. Clinton and the board of the New York Times is the danger. A tiger in a cage is not a bad animal. It is what it is and can even be affectionate. See the movie The Tiger and the Monk.
The criminal is the one who lets the tiger out of the cage saying, "here kitty, here kitty, and invites his children to pet the tiger."
6
Grreat column and absolutely right. Thank you.
In a 2011 Gallup poll, members of various religious groups were asked the following:
"Some people think that for an individual person or a small group of persons to target and kill civilians is sometimes justified, while others think that kind of violence is never justified? Which is your opinion?"
The results?
Results:
89% of Muslim Americans believe that violence is never justified
71% of Protestant Americans believe that violence is never justified
71% of Catholic Americans believe that violence is never justified
75% of Jewish Americans believe that violence is never justified
79% of American Mormons believe that violence is never justified
76% of Americans who do not belong to organize religion believe that violence is never justified
Statistically, you're safer walking into a mosque than you are walking on the street.
www.gallup.com/poll/148763/muslim-americans-no-justification-violence.aspx
"Some people think that for an individual person or a small group of persons to target and kill civilians is sometimes justified, while others think that kind of violence is never justified? Which is your opinion?"
The results?
Results:
89% of Muslim Americans believe that violence is never justified
71% of Protestant Americans believe that violence is never justified
71% of Catholic Americans believe that violence is never justified
75% of Jewish Americans believe that violence is never justified
79% of American Mormons believe that violence is never justified
76% of Americans who do not belong to organize religion believe that violence is never justified
Statistically, you're safer walking into a mosque than you are walking on the street.
www.gallup.com/poll/148763/muslim-americans-no-justification-violence.aspx
18
One important aspect of this column is missing. Namely, the writer seems to be given the impression that most Muslims in the United states were either born outside the United states or have parents who were born outside the United Sates. However, it is estimated that 20% to 40% of the Muslin population are African Americans who are either converts or first generation Muslims. Islam has been a potent force in the African American community since the 1950s. Many African Americans have relatives who are Christian and Muslim , so you are not hearing the type of hysteria about the evils of Islam from the Black community.In fact many African Americans slaves were Muslims, and the religion is drawing many Black youths. After going through racial discrimination in America, I doubt that most African AmericansMuslims support ISIS or terrorism.
2
As eloquent as your words may sound – talk is cheap. I'll believe that American Muslims are as outraged when I see them turning in their Imams and suspicious neighbors who are instigating and condoning terror.
Islam is on the attack around the world. Now is the time to be ahead of the war, not behind it like France and Belgium, with aggressive monitoring of Muslim neighborhoods, mosques, phones, email accounts, etc.
Islam is on the attack around the world. Now is the time to be ahead of the war, not behind it like France and Belgium, with aggressive monitoring of Muslim neighborhoods, mosques, phones, email accounts, etc.
7
Until such time as there is an identifiable Reformed Islam with changed teachings, it will be impossible for outsiders to separate jihadists from law-abiding citizens. We simply are not mind readers, and so legitimately can wonder who from those among us will suddenly pay attention to the holy text they are reading and start killing innocents as per instructions. This is unfair to the vast majority of US Muslims, but again, if no identifiable changes are made, how can one trust? There is a problem with the teachings, and that is why the entire problem is so darned intractable.
7
ISIS wins every time our media proclaim one of their transgressions as terrorism. Those who would dismiss that as mere semantics fail to understand that Islamic State adherents derive pride and satisfaction from having "terrorized" a Western nation and its citizens. They are demented lawbreakers who do not deserve to be accorded what they perceive to be status. It is not their actions that define terrorism; it is our fear - and terror.
If there are three million American Muslims, and 72 percent want "to assimilate or mix their cultural heritage with American customs" that means 28 percent do not. That is 840,000 American Muslims who do not want to mix their cultural heritage with American customs. That is a lot of people.
Further, since "American customs" includes the right to religion -- assimilation does not ask them to eat pork, work on their own holidays, or change their religious views -- this seems to be an enormous number of people who have no interest in fitting in. Indeed, given the religious freedoms in America (and France) it's not entirely clear what a refusal to assimilate actually means.
Further, since "American customs" includes the right to religion -- assimilation does not ask them to eat pork, work on their own holidays, or change their religious views -- this seems to be an enormous number of people who have no interest in fitting in. Indeed, given the religious freedoms in America (and France) it's not entirely clear what a refusal to assimilate actually means.
12
The First Amendment freedom of religion applies to ALL Americans. Strange that so many commenters here seem to have "forgotten" that.
On the other hand, most Moslems do not live in countries where freedom of religion is as prominently proclaimed as in the United States. It is a long road ahead towards a general worldwide acceptance of separation of religion and state, and now is not the time for American Moslems to pass the buck on joining that imperative campaign. I don't assume that the buck-passing applies to this author, but the point is conspicuous by its absence in this piece.
On the other hand, most Moslems do not live in countries where freedom of religion is as prominently proclaimed as in the United States. It is a long road ahead towards a general worldwide acceptance of separation of religion and state, and now is not the time for American Moslems to pass the buck on joining that imperative campaign. I don't assume that the buck-passing applies to this author, but the point is conspicuous by its absence in this piece.
5
It will be very helpful in the fight against ISIS extremism, if the Muslim leadership takes a more prominent, effective and sustained role in condemning and countering ISIS's ideology and terrorism.
6
" ... Be an American or be a Muslim ..."
Sooner or later you will have to chose whether you like it or not.
There is only one religion that is at war with the rest of the world and that is Islam.
If you repeat the mantra of "we should" and "someone should" no one will.
These are your brethren that are at war and they have all the reasons they need in Quran Surah 9:5.
If you look at the usual reactions of Muslims around the Western world, they are always following the same patterns:
"Islam is Peace", "This is not about Islam", "These are just few misled Muslims", "This is not in the name of religion"
And still, this religion is a war with the rest of world in accordance with the teachings of their religion which requires them to run a jihad, an effort, to erect the "House of Islam", the "House of Peace" in which Islam rules and no one else.
Sooner or later, as this war will continue, Muslims will have to decide if they are American/European/Asian or Muslim.
They will have to take sides and I am not willing to risk a bet if all those that now condemn terror will also chose the side of the secular states.
IS is not a terrorist organization any more, IS is a cult and crusade.
IS has succeeded where others have failed, is has split the Muslim world and the rest of the world and demands that believers of Islam will chose sides between their god and the society they live in.
To stop this war, Muslims will have chose sides and stop talking about "someone would have to".
Sooner or later you will have to chose whether you like it or not.
There is only one religion that is at war with the rest of the world and that is Islam.
If you repeat the mantra of "we should" and "someone should" no one will.
These are your brethren that are at war and they have all the reasons they need in Quran Surah 9:5.
If you look at the usual reactions of Muslims around the Western world, they are always following the same patterns:
"Islam is Peace", "This is not about Islam", "These are just few misled Muslims", "This is not in the name of religion"
And still, this religion is a war with the rest of world in accordance with the teachings of their religion which requires them to run a jihad, an effort, to erect the "House of Islam", the "House of Peace" in which Islam rules and no one else.
Sooner or later, as this war will continue, Muslims will have to decide if they are American/European/Asian or Muslim.
They will have to take sides and I am not willing to risk a bet if all those that now condemn terror will also chose the side of the secular states.
IS is not a terrorist organization any more, IS is a cult and crusade.
IS has succeeded where others have failed, is has split the Muslim world and the rest of the world and demands that believers of Islam will chose sides between their god and the society they live in.
To stop this war, Muslims will have chose sides and stop talking about "someone would have to".
9
OK, well said. And now a million Muslim men and women march against Radical Islam.
1
You are saying that 60 countries are aligned against ISIS. Do you Include Turkey and Saudi Arabia amongst them? The later being the better dressed and richer version of the Islamic state?
4
You are correct: you are the solution.
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. well, anytime now!
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. well, anytime now!
2
This is my America?
The first of planned short replies to one or more of the Top 6 Readers’ Picks at 07:36 GMT.
No. 1 O Brien wants 100 million Muslims to march to show that they can “focus on “the disgraceful actions of their co-religionists”. I suggest that O Brien read "How They Got Their Guns" @ http://nyti.ms/1jFrGs4 , from which I have extracted the following information about the 8 most recent multiple killings prior to San Bernadino for which access to weapons became a question to be answered (Name, age if given, number killed-religion not known but not Muslim)
Harper-Mercer, 26, 9
Vester Lee Flanagan II, 41, 2
John R. Houser, ?, 2
Dylann Roof, 21, 9
Jaylen Ray Fryberg, 15,4
Ivan Antonio Lopez, ?, 3
Aaron Alexis, 34, 12
Adam Lanza, 20, 27 including his mother.
O Brien, when you organize a march to show that one million of us Americans can focus on the disgraceful actions of our fellow Americans who made these weapons available to the 8 and 100s like them, then I will fly from Sweden to join you.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen-USA SE
The first of planned short replies to one or more of the Top 6 Readers’ Picks at 07:36 GMT.
No. 1 O Brien wants 100 million Muslims to march to show that they can “focus on “the disgraceful actions of their co-religionists”. I suggest that O Brien read "How They Got Their Guns" @ http://nyti.ms/1jFrGs4 , from which I have extracted the following information about the 8 most recent multiple killings prior to San Bernadino for which access to weapons became a question to be answered (Name, age if given, number killed-religion not known but not Muslim)
Harper-Mercer, 26, 9
Vester Lee Flanagan II, 41, 2
John R. Houser, ?, 2
Dylann Roof, 21, 9
Jaylen Ray Fryberg, 15,4
Ivan Antonio Lopez, ?, 3
Aaron Alexis, 34, 12
Adam Lanza, 20, 27 including his mother.
O Brien, when you organize a march to show that one million of us Americans can focus on the disgraceful actions of our fellow Americans who made these weapons available to the 8 and 100s like them, then I will fly from Sweden to join you.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen-USA SE
3
As much as I appreciate the heartfelt tone of the article, I think it is a lost cause. Daesh understands the predictable nature of the American psyche. They know that our society is still plagued with racist attitudes towards its own minority citizens, black, Hispanic and Native American. This is why they've sent out the call to such acts of violence that happened in San Bernardino. I've lived the reality of racism my entire life and although a lot of things got better, hostility towards African Americans is also at a fever pitch. The same with Latinos. At this point, a lot of white America seems to pretty much fear and hate everybody. This event, sadly, is going to be a tipping point. The shooter was born here. According to his co-workers he seemed fine. But somehow, at some point, he became radicalized and this is the result. How do we defend against that? Protect ourselves with just the word of the Muslim American community that they denounce terrorism? I agree with other comments. It's time for Muslims who feel this way to stand up in a stronger and more public way.
1
This husband and wife team were radical Islamist terrorists, plain and simple. We should not struggle to figure out their motive. Their motive was to execute and slaughter and murder many people. And guess what? That is exactly what they did.
6
Actually the best way to counter these atrocities will be when the millions of Muslims who say they are peaceful and against the likes of Al Qaeda, Taliban, and IS, start to stand up against these barbaric and cowardly acts aimed to terrorize. The sad part is that most of those killed by these international terrorists are their own Muslim brethrens. Not until the peaceful Muslims throughout the world come out of their shells and get out into the streets to protest what they proclaim are a "few bad apples," will these types of comments about Islamophobia ring true.
5
Were these shooters,The Farouks, were they members of a mosque there in San Bernardino? Did no-one there have any notion of what was coming? It is understandable that no one was willing to voice a suspicion before the event, but failure to speak up now, in the wake of this national tragedy, amounts to complicity. I often see disclaimers like this one from Islamic intelligentsia, but the common denominator among the ordinary Muslims I have met in America has been alienation, distrust and faith-or-ethnicity based contempt (I have encountered the same interface with self-styled "Christian Fundamentalists" in my own extended family, I don't really trust them or their religious organization to act in the best interests of their country, either. ) American Islam has the same opportunity to 'walk-the-walk' as the Japanese-American community had 75 years ago and who wrote their love of,and pride in, their new homeland in the blood of the 'Fighting 442nd': the most decorated regiment in American military history. In a just world it would be easier for them. In a just world it would be easier for all of us...
3
Religion is subjugated under our Constitution. Fealty to the U.S. and our Constitution before ANY religion- it's the American way. You don' like it? You don't agree with it? You may claim to be American, you may claim to be patriotic, you may claim anything you like- you may claim that free speech is your right (as it is), but if you do not place the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all, above ALL, you are NOT American. Period.
This applies to ALL religions.
No more tears, no more prayers (thoughts resulting in plans are fine), just action... and if our elected don't act, replace them promptly.
Never trust a man (or woman) who conflates Politics with Religion.
This applies to ALL religions.
No more tears, no more prayers (thoughts resulting in plans are fine), just action... and if our elected don't act, replace them promptly.
Never trust a man (or woman) who conflates Politics with Religion.
3
A phobia is an irrational fear. I think it's time to get rid of the term Islamophobia.
12
It is so interesting and, indeed, ironic that the same ISIS that condemns the United States as the “Great Satan” and rejoices at the mass murderous sabotage of a Russian airliner, would collapse without U. S. made cellphone and computer technology and the Russian AK47 submachinegun. This is similar to some of our national leaders back in the 1960s who condemned Fidel Castro and his “murderous communist regime,” but surreptitiously amassed personal caches of Cuban cigars.
I wonder why ISIS and its supporters won’t extend their condemnation of “Western Evil” to Western communication technology and military weaponry. Until such blatant compromising ceases, ISIS leadership is as hypocritical as those Washington Cuban cigar smokers in the 1960s. Going a step further, its leadership is much like the U. S. military would have been in fighting Hitler had it armed American soldiers with the superior German Luger pistol instead of the American Colt 45 Automatic.
I wonder why ISIS and its supporters won’t extend their condemnation of “Western Evil” to Western communication technology and military weaponry. Until such blatant compromising ceases, ISIS leadership is as hypocritical as those Washington Cuban cigar smokers in the 1960s. Going a step further, its leadership is much like the U. S. military would have been in fighting Hitler had it armed American soldiers with the superior German Luger pistol instead of the American Colt 45 Automatic.
2
Mr. Mullick is right. We should judge each person on his own merits. It can be hard sometimes, but we need to be constantly vigilant to not fall into the trap of blind group hatred. When I'm judged as a white male based on the actions of some people in my group, I really don't like it. But, no one in no group likes it: African Americans, Asians, Muslims, Christians, Jewish people, etc. As long as people support the principles of our country (fair play and justice for all, democracy, freedom of religion, speech, assembly, etc.), they're equal Americans, and we should respect them if they respect us.
But, given that, I would like to see Muslim leaders make a group appearance on the Capitol steps to denounce terrorism, violence against women, etc. and say it's un-Islamic. Speaking of this, it wouldn't be bad if Christian leaders could do the same to denounce violence against doctors who perform abortions. Jewish leaders could probably do the same to denounce violence and discriminatino against Palestinians, as long as the Palestinians reciprocate.
But, given that, I would like to see Muslim leaders make a group appearance on the Capitol steps to denounce terrorism, violence against women, etc. and say it's un-Islamic. Speaking of this, it wouldn't be bad if Christian leaders could do the same to denounce violence against doctors who perform abortions. Jewish leaders could probably do the same to denounce violence and discriminatino against Palestinians, as long as the Palestinians reciprocate.
3
This has nothing to do with Islam, or the Islamic State. This has to do with a far more fundamentalist, deeply violent, and death-driven religion: the religion of gun-worshippers in the United States, who would rather see their fellow citizens murdered each day so that they might enjoy their precious gun collections. There has never been a mass shooting prevented by private gun ownership. Those who claim otherwise are sadly deluding themselves in their complicity in murder, each and every day. If you own guns, you are part of the problem.
3
Does anyone think it more than a bit strange that the photo of one who needs comforting is related to one of the killers? Why isn't the executive director of the American-Islamic Relations comforting the families of the victims.
And what's the point of pointing fingers at the right-wing terrorists? How does that make these killers any less so? Then, in comparison, the author wants to fugue the argument by saying "let's not count 9/11"?
And what's the point of pointing fingers at the right-wing terrorists? How does that make these killers any less so? Then, in comparison, the author wants to fugue the argument by saying "let's not count 9/11"?
6
To be honest, I am more disgusted with the exaggerated place of religion IN GENERAL in the year 2015. I would never stigmatize only Muslims -- ALL organized religions are guilty of espousing unprovable metaphysical nonsense ranging from the 'afterlife', human sexuality, the arbitrary 'role' of an interventionist deity, etc. Responsible rationalists in both academia and the political world must stand up together to question the sanity of the CLERGY in ALL of these religions who preach lies to the public about the strength of 'tradition' (tradition is often the best alibi to perpetuate sexism, hatred of the apostate, etc.) as a means of maintaining an excessive dangerous control over billions of minds. The dramatic and violent excesses associated with Islam today should not blind us to the irrationality linked to the other monotheistic 'traditions' which are always contain the potential to unleash 'holy wrath' when 'threatened' or just out of sheer bloody-minded self-righteousness : the Inquisition, Salem witch trials, and most recently the Planned Parenthood atrocity in Colorado to name a few. It seems that only the People's Republic of China is taking the proper legal measures to rein in the real social dangers of ALL organized religions today.
2
If I am held up and robbed, I will have robberophobia...or, at least, caution where robbers are concerned. And if a friend is robbed, I will likely have the same reaction. If Muslims blow up the Boston Marathon, kill unarmed soldiers at Ft. Hood, commit mayhem in Chattanooga but fortunately are stopped, and then kill at least 14 in California, how do you think I should feel.
As pointed out already in the responses, and as I have questioned for a long time: Where are those so-called Muslim moderates who have seemingly done nothing to those members of their own religion who are following the words of their book, the Koran, and are killing people whose only "crime" is being Christian or, at least, non-Muslim.
And this editorial tells us not to react! What has the author done to stop the killing? And CAIR is no friend of the United States of America.
As pointed out already in the responses, and as I have questioned for a long time: Where are those so-called Muslim moderates who have seemingly done nothing to those members of their own religion who are following the words of their book, the Koran, and are killing people whose only "crime" is being Christian or, at least, non-Muslim.
And this editorial tells us not to react! What has the author done to stop the killing? And CAIR is no friend of the United States of America.
12
Muslims are not a race. They are not an ethnic group. They are adherents to the Qu'ran and the subsequent founding documents of their religion. Some maintain that the jihadists are radical Muslim extremists, but a clear reading of the Qu'ran and subsequent documents makes it quite clear that true Muslims are pretty much in lock step with the aims of ISIS. Certainly a great majority of Muslims do not share that allegiance, but it must be asked: who are the true Muslims, the jihadists or the so-called moderate Muslims?
Haider Ali Hussein Mullick's arguments are intellectually dishonest. The anti-Muslim"vitriol" he perceives is nothing of the sort, it is the recoil of a peaceful world against a monstrous army of religious fanatics that avow they wish to kill us all. Haider Ali Hussein Mullick does not seem to take that seriously. The rest of his countrymen, to a growing extent, do.
The so-called "moderate" Muslims must become part of the solution to this madness, or they will remain a part of the problem,and will witness a global backlash that no-one will be able to avert.
Unless they, and people like Haider Ali Hussein Mullick come to their senses, none of this will end well for anyone, but particularly not for Muslims, "moderate" or otherwise.
Haider Ali Hussein Mullick's arguments are intellectually dishonest. The anti-Muslim"vitriol" he perceives is nothing of the sort, it is the recoil of a peaceful world against a monstrous army of religious fanatics that avow they wish to kill us all. Haider Ali Hussein Mullick does not seem to take that seriously. The rest of his countrymen, to a growing extent, do.
The so-called "moderate" Muslims must become part of the solution to this madness, or they will remain a part of the problem,and will witness a global backlash that no-one will be able to avert.
Unless they, and people like Haider Ali Hussein Mullick come to their senses, none of this will end well for anyone, but particularly not for Muslims, "moderate" or otherwise.
10
I am encouraged by this. I do believe most Muslims are peaceful, but unfortunately, not enough. While unfair, I believe it is incumbent for peaceful Muslims to be aggressive - very aggressive - against the radicalism within their ranks. They need to "out" them, fight them, and allow them no quarter. As someone here said n a previous post, there should be a constant occurrence of "million-man marches" showing solidarity against radicalism.
Most if the time when their is a radio discussion about a radical Muslim terrorist attack and a Muslim calls in they will say they don't condone violence, but then they add a qualifier such as, "But you have to understand they have a legitimate complaint, ..." Until there are no "buts" attached to their expressions of disapproval, it will be hard to accept their claim of near-universal disapproval of terrorist activities.
Most if the time when their is a radio discussion about a radical Muslim terrorist attack and a Muslim calls in they will say they don't condone violence, but then they add a qualifier such as, "But you have to understand they have a legitimate complaint, ..." Until there are no "buts" attached to their expressions of disapproval, it will be hard to accept their claim of near-universal disapproval of terrorist activities.
8
No, ISIS wins when people stop drawing Muhammed out of fear. ISIS wins when menorah lightings are canceled in Paris and Jews are disinvited from Kristallnacht commemorations in Sweden. ISIS wins when the University of Minnesota votes not to remember 9/11 because it would lead to Islamophobia. ISIS wins when they New York Times won't publish the Charlie Hebdo cartoons. ISIS wins when fake-clock boy convinces the public that expressing any suspicion is racist --- so suspicions about the San Bernardino killers went unreported. And American lives were not saved. Yes, ISIS is winning.
34
American Muslims are wasting their breath if they do not address the extremist theology that has been spread for decades.
9
Anyone who doubts there aren't a lot of extremist, bigoted, racist, crude, etc. comments against Islam and Muslims as a result, first of Paris, then SB, should look at the comment section in the WSJ. Makes me think i am back in the segregated south, 50, maybe 100 or more years ago. Sad
2
The Pew poll also said that one third of Muslims are sympathetic to the Islamic terrorists. That's about 500 million Muslims. Yikes!
12
Want to show the world that there's a difference between Islam and radical Islam, and that most of you disagree with what the radicals are doing? You'll gain many more converts to this view when we see the kind of mass protests in the street over the slaughter of the innocent as you managed to muster over the idiotic Jyllands-Posten cartoon.
Apparently, you are more offended at a cartoon than you are over the savage taking of innocent lives in the name of your religion. When we see the hundreds of thousands of Muslims in the streets, for days on end, all over the world, protesting the hijacking of your religion by fanatics, then maybe many of us will believe there's not simply a silent schadenfreude by the "peaceful" Muslims over the death of American and French citizens.
Until then, with the Jyllands-Posten protests, it just seems like Muslims have the emotional maturity of an eight year old and feel justified in an irrational, over-the-top response at the slightest provocation.
Apparently, you are more offended at a cartoon than you are over the savage taking of innocent lives in the name of your religion. When we see the hundreds of thousands of Muslims in the streets, for days on end, all over the world, protesting the hijacking of your religion by fanatics, then maybe many of us will believe there's not simply a silent schadenfreude by the "peaceful" Muslims over the death of American and French citizens.
Until then, with the Jyllands-Posten protests, it just seems like Muslims have the emotional maturity of an eight year old and feel justified in an irrational, over-the-top response at the slightest provocation.
8
"Islamophobia" indeed! A phobia is an irrational fear. The fear of Islamic radicals is based upon rational thought.
I am still waiting for a Muslim to report a member of their congregation as advocating violence and terrorism.
I am still waiting for a Muslim to report a member of their congregation as advocating violence and terrorism.
15
Barring religious reformation, this gets a lot worse.
There won't be a reformation. Civilization will be dragged by its lowest and most violent, always.
There won't be a reformation. Civilization will be dragged by its lowest and most violent, always.
2
Once again, radical Muslims attack America and Obama refuses to accept reality. He hides in his fantasy bubble, pretending the enemy doesn't exist. Obama's solution is to disarm Americans and flood the nation with even more Islamic terrorists while delusionally insisting he can somehow identify all terrorists who try to enter, even though he missed the San Bernardino terrorists! Impeach Obama!
6
I want to know every detail about this couple's personal life from their birth. There is some serious personal psychopathology in their lives which will explain their disturbed thinking. Then there were truly cold-blooded masterminds who manipulated them to conduct mass murder. The most frightening conclusion that I have finally come to is that there are so many broken people out there, ticking bombs ready to be set off.
3
A number of these comments call on the author to reflect. I suggest we, non-Muslim Americans, may want to do a little of that ourselves. What have we done to possibly contribute to the terrorism/hatred that exists today.
How about starting in 1953 when our CIA overthrew the democratically elected government of Iran on behalf of GB (& British oil)? Who installed the brutal "Two Shah's regimes" who ruled by secret police and torture?
Who has supported despotic oil states throughout the Middle East who suppress the "legitimate aspirations" of their people in the interest of cheap and secure oil? (We may not like the governments that follow, as in Egypt, but is it our role to determine them?) And, despite our differences with Iran, we know that even our "enemies" will sell us oil. It is fungible.
Who squandered the good will shown for us throughout most of the Islamic world following 911 by invading a secular Muslim country based on lies, which posed no threat to us, and which gave rise a Sunni-Shiite civil war, killed 200,000+ (?) Iraqi civilians, threw half the population (baathist) out of the military and government, Sunni men left on the street with no means of support, and who subsequently formed the military and logistics core of ISIS?
As one "terrorists" was quoted as saying, when you bomb us you, the West, say you are bombing extremists. When we strike back then we are terrorists
We (US) are a good and generous people. But reflection is two way. Can we do better?
How about starting in 1953 when our CIA overthrew the democratically elected government of Iran on behalf of GB (& British oil)? Who installed the brutal "Two Shah's regimes" who ruled by secret police and torture?
Who has supported despotic oil states throughout the Middle East who suppress the "legitimate aspirations" of their people in the interest of cheap and secure oil? (We may not like the governments that follow, as in Egypt, but is it our role to determine them?) And, despite our differences with Iran, we know that even our "enemies" will sell us oil. It is fungible.
Who squandered the good will shown for us throughout most of the Islamic world following 911 by invading a secular Muslim country based on lies, which posed no threat to us, and which gave rise a Sunni-Shiite civil war, killed 200,000+ (?) Iraqi civilians, threw half the population (baathist) out of the military and government, Sunni men left on the street with no means of support, and who subsequently formed the military and logistics core of ISIS?
As one "terrorists" was quoted as saying, when you bomb us you, the West, say you are bombing extremists. When we strike back then we are terrorists
We (US) are a good and generous people. But reflection is two way. Can we do better?
27
ISIS derives its strength among its people from the passages in the Koran. These are holy words which speak of retribution towards the infidels. The Muslim population is estimated to be 1.6 billion people. If only 5% of that population believes ISIS' interpretation of those words; well you do the math. This is not about honorable men like you who have demonstrated your loyalty to this country and your condemnation of ISIS is obviously from the heart. But they are a plague on the world and their actions will be fully exploited by a Republican Party who sees major gains politically in profiling an entire religion. The American people are not known for their patiences and as these attacks continue on their homeland anger and retribution towards Muslims are unfortunately in the cards.
7
To my mind, the issue we face is simple.
Terrorism or any other organised activity need following essentials:
1. Ideology
2. Willing minds to accept that Ideology
3. Money to prepare for action upon that Ideology
4. Human Resources to perform the actions as per that ideology
The above, in respect of modern terrorism, are supplied by:
1. Saudi Arabia
2. Muslims in general, but Pakistanis in particular
3. Saudi Arabia for about 90%, Iran, Gulf States etc for the rest
4. Pakistanis for 90%, Chechens, Arabs etc for the rest
Ironically, the US government [and most of the West] is pally pally with both Saudi Arab and Pakistan.
Unless the Americans and West understand this, we will have such 'incidents' every month, non-stop. If only, the intensities and frequencies will increase over time as there is a huge cache of ideology and money which has already prepared a large army of seeker of heaven and 72 virgins whom no one can stop.....absolutely no one
Terrorism or any other organised activity need following essentials:
1. Ideology
2. Willing minds to accept that Ideology
3. Money to prepare for action upon that Ideology
4. Human Resources to perform the actions as per that ideology
The above, in respect of modern terrorism, are supplied by:
1. Saudi Arabia
2. Muslims in general, but Pakistanis in particular
3. Saudi Arabia for about 90%, Iran, Gulf States etc for the rest
4. Pakistanis for 90%, Chechens, Arabs etc for the rest
Ironically, the US government [and most of the West] is pally pally with both Saudi Arab and Pakistan.
Unless the Americans and West understand this, we will have such 'incidents' every month, non-stop. If only, the intensities and frequencies will increase over time as there is a huge cache of ideology and money which has already prepared a large army of seeker of heaven and 72 virgins whom no one can stop.....absolutely no one
7
This is a great piece. I hope we see more creative counter messaging from within the U.S. Muslim community, along the lines of the initiatives you've described. Government outreach is always going to be clunky and largely ineffective; grassroots activism, though, is invaluable.
Open dialogue is the key to tolerance. This latest round of attacks is no excuse to stigmatize or alienate an innocent, generally patriotic community. I think it has demonstrated, though, that the tired refrain 'terrorism has nothing to do with the real Islam' just isn't cutting it for people anymore. It's a superficial, intellectually dishonest band aid. Radical jihadism is indeed a problem endemic to Muslim communities, and they need to grapple with it first and foremost; that said, all Americans are responsible for giving them the tools (and patience) they need to do so effectively.
Open dialogue is the key to tolerance. This latest round of attacks is no excuse to stigmatize or alienate an innocent, generally patriotic community. I think it has demonstrated, though, that the tired refrain 'terrorism has nothing to do with the real Islam' just isn't cutting it for people anymore. It's a superficial, intellectually dishonest band aid. Radical jihadism is indeed a problem endemic to Muslim communities, and they need to grapple with it first and foremost; that said, all Americans are responsible for giving them the tools (and patience) they need to do so effectively.
6
Right here on American and Canadian college and university campuses, the frightening number of physical and verbal attacks by Moslem students committed against Jewish students reveals a different mentality that Mullick is purveying with his honeyed words. Having a partisan stance on Palestine is legitimate. Physically attacking Jews, calling out taunts of "allahu akhbar" and threatening death, are cearly acceptable among more than just a tiny minority of North American Moslems. And it's not a 2-way street: Jewish students don't behave that way toward Moslem students.
11
I suggest that Mr. Mullick read Roger's Cohen's op-ed, "Terror from Europe's Future Street":
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/04/opinion/terror-from-europes-future-str...®ion=opinion-c-col-right-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-right-region
Mr. Farook and Ms. Malik are exactly those who were on the ladder that Mr. Cohen describes and should have stayed there, but seem to have gotten off due to the jihadist influences he aptly describes.
The distance between San Bernadino and Future Street is shorter than Mr. Mullick might think, in spite of his protestations.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/04/opinion/terror-from-europes-future-str...®ion=opinion-c-col-right-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-right-region
Mr. Farook and Ms. Malik are exactly those who were on the ladder that Mr. Cohen describes and should have stayed there, but seem to have gotten off due to the jihadist influences he aptly describes.
The distance between San Bernadino and Future Street is shorter than Mr. Mullick might think, in spite of his protestations.
1
Terrorism has no religion? Wow, HISTORY sure proves that statement
to be wrong.
to be wrong.
4
It is meaningless to say terrorism has no religion when overwhelming number of terrorist acts are perpetrated in the name of Islam the religion. Before talking about Islamophobia Muslims who feel that their religion is being misused by terrorists need to take up million Muslim march to condemn such acts and unequivocally speak out against using violence in the name of religion no matter what the 7th century book about when violence may be justified or not. Ultimately this struggle have to be against the ideology that justifies and preaches violence by using religion as the cover. The west fought a hard won war of ideas against communism and in the same way the civilized world would need to launch a struggle to separate Islamist violence from the religion the same way anyone using Christianity as the justification for violence such as anti-abortion center attack are castigated and disowned by mainstream Christians.
2
To those criticizing the author, please note that Mr. Mullick did not say that there is no need of reform or moderation among some (or even many) in the Muslim community. Such reform or moderation, however, does become exponentially more difficult when the entire community is ostracized and branded as outsiders by knee-jerk reactions.
The comparative advantage of the US over nearly every other country has always been its strength in assimilation. By all means, bolster our defense, intelligence, and law enforcement capabilities. By all means, think hard about how to engage with young Muslims regarding difficult issues. But from a national security standpoint, we proceed at our own peril by encouraging this irresponsible and foolish Trump-speak.
The comparative advantage of the US over nearly every other country has always been its strength in assimilation. By all means, bolster our defense, intelligence, and law enforcement capabilities. By all means, think hard about how to engage with young Muslims regarding difficult issues. But from a national security standpoint, we proceed at our own peril by encouraging this irresponsible and foolish Trump-speak.
5
Tanya Basu wrote an article in the Atlantic titled "What Does 'Islamphobia' Actually Mean?" Therein, she quotes Sam Harris who states:
"Islam is not a race, ethnicity, or nationality: It’s a set of ideas. Criticism of these ideas should never be confused with an animus toward people. And yet it is. I’m convinced that this is often done consciously, strategically, and quite cynically as a means of shutting down conversation [on] important topics.”
By writing this article and using the term Islamophobia, is Mr. Mullick is consciously, strategically, and quite cynically trying to shut down conversation about an important topic here on the New York Times? I am convinced he is. Instead of addressing what is wrong within Islam, the focus of his article is how the majority American Muslims are loyal to American ideals and are unfairly the target of suspicion and discrimination, which while all true masks the real issues. The real issues are what is wrong with Islam and how can we reform Islam so that we are not constantly reading about how some Muslims destroying the lives of others (including other Muslims) in the name of Islam.
"Islam is not a race, ethnicity, or nationality: It’s a set of ideas. Criticism of these ideas should never be confused with an animus toward people. And yet it is. I’m convinced that this is often done consciously, strategically, and quite cynically as a means of shutting down conversation [on] important topics.”
By writing this article and using the term Islamophobia, is Mr. Mullick is consciously, strategically, and quite cynically trying to shut down conversation about an important topic here on the New York Times? I am convinced he is. Instead of addressing what is wrong within Islam, the focus of his article is how the majority American Muslims are loyal to American ideals and are unfairly the target of suspicion and discrimination, which while all true masks the real issues. The real issues are what is wrong with Islam and how can we reform Islam so that we are not constantly reading about how some Muslims destroying the lives of others (including other Muslims) in the name of Islam.
10
@ AF- AF it is exactly the conviction that you know that is the most dangerous attribute of many who are writing comments here today. You make an extraordinary accusation in the absence of a single piece of first hand knowledge about the author.
The comments are filled with such certainties. Such certainty accompanied by the extraordinary generalizations about Muslims seen in the comments is frightening. Those who support Daesh display the same kind of certainty. Time to reflect.
Only-NeverInSweden.Blogspot.com
Dual citizen USA-SE
The comments are filled with such certainties. Such certainty accompanied by the extraordinary generalizations about Muslims seen in the comments is frightening. Those who support Daesh display the same kind of certainty. Time to reflect.
Only-NeverInSweden.Blogspot.com
Dual citizen USA-SE
1
If I understand this comment correctly I assume the writer would also approve of an investigation of Christianity and how it should be reformed to stop murderous attacks on abortion clinics.
2
OK. But can you please explain WHY there are so many terrorist attacks by Muslims around the world? It can't just be coincidence. Even if it is a perversion of your religion, there must be something in the scriptures that lends itself to be wrongly interpreted by so many. Perhaps Islam needs to go through the same process that Judaism has gone through, where modern Jewish movements, like Jewish Renewal and Reconstructionism, strip out the outdated, primitive aspects of the religion (such as animal sacrifice in ancient Judaism), and carry forward the core aspects that are truly relevant to today. Is there anything like this in the Muslim world?
6
You say you were sworn to uphold the Constitution, and then you say in Anerica we "don't pick or reject a state religion". Please read the Consitution. We do reject a state religion. Yikes. (Note to NYTimes editors: please read the Constitution or read the editorial content of your newspaper. Again, yikes.)
5
". . . and 72 percent believed that most Muslims wanted to assimilate or mix their cultural heritage with American customs"
And what about the other 28 percent? Further, what do peoples beliefs about others have anything to do with objective reality?
I'll have two of what you're having Mr. Mullick.
And what about the other 28 percent? Further, what do peoples beliefs about others have anything to do with objective reality?
I'll have two of what you're having Mr. Mullick.
4
"The Islamic State has little to no support in most Muslim-majority countries," but it has some support in most countries and much support in many. It isn't only ISIS, as you well know, but the refusal of Muslims in all countries to stand against terrorism.
As wrong-headed as the Second Gulf War may have been, it was not an attack on Islam, yet Muslim apologists maintain this canard. The aid the US mistakenly has given Shi'a dominated Iraq is used by Sunnis, not only Sunni extremists, as an excuse to hate the US and the West. The fact is that Muslims hope to re-establish a Caliphate, recover all territories that they ever ruled, e.g., Spain, and establish hegemony over so-called infidels, i.e., those who adhere to other religious persuasions.
I seem to remember another serving US officer who murdered a large number of unarmed fellow soldiers, so your reserve status means nothing. If this article is an example of what the taxpayers are paying you to teach it is not surprising how things are turning out.
As wrong-headed as the Second Gulf War may have been, it was not an attack on Islam, yet Muslim apologists maintain this canard. The aid the US mistakenly has given Shi'a dominated Iraq is used by Sunnis, not only Sunni extremists, as an excuse to hate the US and the West. The fact is that Muslims hope to re-establish a Caliphate, recover all territories that they ever ruled, e.g., Spain, and establish hegemony over so-called infidels, i.e., those who adhere to other religious persuasions.
I seem to remember another serving US officer who murdered a large number of unarmed fellow soldiers, so your reserve status means nothing. If this article is an example of what the taxpayers are paying you to teach it is not surprising how things are turning out.
2
Islam, in Arabic, means "submission" or "surrender". Now please explain why so-called Islamophobia is irrational.
3
Most likely, it means surrender to God, which is not a bad thing. Of course, it has to be the real God, the true and loving God, and not a god who is simply a projection of human fears and emotions. In that latter case, it can become something very dangerous.
Sir,
I know no Arabic language but am perfectly capable of being analytical and rational human being.
You said Islam means “submission”.
Unfortunately, you can’t see the forest for the trees. Submission to what? God? What’s the English world for the submission to God?
Faith!
It means the correct translation of “Islam” is “faith”
Now, if Allah, Islam and Muslim actually mean God, faith and believer, why do the Muslims insist on using the Arab worlds and not the English ones!?
Why do they make a sign of equation between the Arabic language and the Arabic names to the faith?
See, if the Koran is the set of God’s instructions, the Arabic language and
the Arabic names existed long before the announcement of the Koran so have nothing in common with the faith.
Of course, this kind of mistakes is nothing new. Both the Christianity and the Judaism have equated the Hebrew or the Latin language and the Jewish names with being faithful.
We are talking about identical mistakes made all over the world but because of our human hubris it’s much easier for us to recognize the wrong steps of the other people.
All of us believe that we are perfect in spite of all the Prophets and the Holy Books claiming otherwise…
I know no Arabic language but am perfectly capable of being analytical and rational human being.
You said Islam means “submission”.
Unfortunately, you can’t see the forest for the trees. Submission to what? God? What’s the English world for the submission to God?
Faith!
It means the correct translation of “Islam” is “faith”
Now, if Allah, Islam and Muslim actually mean God, faith and believer, why do the Muslims insist on using the Arab worlds and not the English ones!?
Why do they make a sign of equation between the Arabic language and the Arabic names to the faith?
See, if the Koran is the set of God’s instructions, the Arabic language and
the Arabic names existed long before the announcement of the Koran so have nothing in common with the faith.
Of course, this kind of mistakes is nothing new. Both the Christianity and the Judaism have equated the Hebrew or the Latin language and the Jewish names with being faithful.
We are talking about identical mistakes made all over the world but because of our human hubris it’s much easier for us to recognize the wrong steps of the other people.
All of us believe that we are perfect in spite of all the Prophets and the Holy Books claiming otherwise…
I agree with the fact that this is NOT a victory for ISIS. And I would further add that the events in San Bernardino have nothing to do with religion.
These young people appeared to have everything. A good life, a solid job, each other, a child, and from all accounts - supportive families.
What causes a person to create havoc on other human beings without any apparent indications even from the people around them?
I don't have the answers, but I'm willing to ask the questions.
These young people appeared to have everything. A good life, a solid job, each other, a child, and from all accounts - supportive families.
What causes a person to create havoc on other human beings without any apparent indications even from the people around them?
I don't have the answers, but I'm willing to ask the questions.
2
@ heidibayer 1 - Heidi I have comments waiting review that present parts of your reasoned comment. I was beginning to despair that there would be almost no thoughful comments in which the commenters showed at least a small openness in their minds. So you are one. But no the majority tell us they know with certainty and then express their xenophobia.
I do not have answers either but I am asking these commenters many questions.
Larry
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
I do not have answers either but I am asking these commenters many questions.
Larry
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
IS is offering young Muslims in Europe, Asia, and the US a vision of triumph, of being part of the victors of the future, and being on the cutting edge of the New Order, and a very pure, muscular, literal reading of Islam (not unlike those who interpret the Bible literally, which is why we call them "fundamentalist Christians) in the Salafist tradition. As a journalist in The Spectator put it recently, if you're an unemployed Muslim youth in Britain with nothing better to do than watch the Birmingham Football Club slide down the championship ratings, what IS is offering can start to look very appealing - it's a bit of a simplification, but it will do. It does have something to do with religion: in the sense of giving meaning to life (Western liberalism looks effete by comparison), tribalism (which the left keeps insisting is on its way out but which has this nasty trick of hanging on), belonging, and, in Europe particularly as the Muslim population looks set to explode, eventual enormous power and influence globally. Europe seems bent on cutting its own throat - perhaps that's a sign that it's due to be replaced culturally and perhaps Muslim youth over there can sense that perhaps not in their lifetime, but a few generations ahead, they are laying the foundations of Islamic power in Europe.
Tony Blair warned that IS has, although Western governments won't admit it, broad support throughout Muslim societies. As Blair's credit is bad no one will listen. But as you asked. . .
Tony Blair warned that IS has, although Western governments won't admit it, broad support throughout Muslim societies. As Blair's credit is bad no one will listen. But as you asked. . .
Well, in Paris several Muslims who are French citizen turned a blind eye to activities of the main terrorist in Saint-Denis area because they felt being Muslim was more important than being French. Had they had courage and willingness to stop Abaaoud and bring him to police, the attacks would possibly have been averted. In San Bernandino case, there could be several others who knew what this couple was up to but lacked willingness to inform the authorities. If the Muslim society doesn't want to face Islamophobia, how about putting your country first ahead of your religion?
7
I don't think American Muslim communities are doing enough to combat terrorism. Start by condemning radical imams and charities that are fronts for terrorism. How about calling on American Muslims to actively root out the terrorists in their midst? How about encouraging patriotic American Muslims to enlist and defend the homeland and constitution that you treasure so much?
7
Whether it's heroin, cocaine, or crystal meth, sooner or later, it's going to cause problems. There's no sense in comparing which is more suitable for people.
Whether it's Judaism, Christianity or Islam, the nonsense promulgated by an acceptance of the existence and actions of God as conceived by Abraham will -- and often does -- cause widespread misery. The only difference among these disasters is that the longer time goes on, the greater the destructive power of an individual. You can only kill so many people with a mace.
So let's consign religion to the history books -- an interesting story that represents part of human culture -- and leave it at that.
But, while we're on the subject, I know how modern Christian and Jewish scholarship found workarounds to "commanded" violence that is at odds with contemporary understanding. Where can we read up on the interpretations of Jihad and, perhaps more important, Taqqia (lying for the greater good, justifying the means with a godly end)? If a practicing Muslim follows such a practice, how can anyone trust such a person's words, no matter how "apologetic"?
Places of worship can still be used for weddings, learning the old language and the old songs, but come on folks, please grow up and drop the God story already. It's embarrassing, dangerous and has no place in contemporary life.
Whether it's Judaism, Christianity or Islam, the nonsense promulgated by an acceptance of the existence and actions of God as conceived by Abraham will -- and often does -- cause widespread misery. The only difference among these disasters is that the longer time goes on, the greater the destructive power of an individual. You can only kill so many people with a mace.
So let's consign religion to the history books -- an interesting story that represents part of human culture -- and leave it at that.
But, while we're on the subject, I know how modern Christian and Jewish scholarship found workarounds to "commanded" violence that is at odds with contemporary understanding. Where can we read up on the interpretations of Jihad and, perhaps more important, Taqqia (lying for the greater good, justifying the means with a godly end)? If a practicing Muslim follows such a practice, how can anyone trust such a person's words, no matter how "apologetic"?
Places of worship can still be used for weddings, learning the old language and the old songs, but come on folks, please grow up and drop the God story already. It's embarrassing, dangerous and has no place in contemporary life.
8
I don't believe that losing one's soul is a solution to violence. I think it will have the opposite effect.
In this case of the San Bernardino shooters, what strikes me as *most* troubling is that the husband, who had lived here many years, with good jobs, etc., was clearly NOT a "dis-enfranchised" teenager or young man in his early twenties. In addition, it seems that when he became *radicalized* it may have been the WIFE he brought from Saudi Arabia who radicalized him. Isn't is also time to ask in a *deeper* and more *significant* way:
WHY do so many of the trails into radicalism lead us back to our Dear "Friend" Saudi Arabia??? Including a *major* part of the FUNDING for ISIS.
WHY do so many of the trails into radicalism lead us back to our Dear "Friend" Saudi Arabia??? Including a *major* part of the FUNDING for ISIS.
8
We need to hear from all the many many peace loving muslims. How about a "Muslim March Against Jihad" in Mecca, One year from today! Fill the square, chant against jihad; news stations around the world will cover it! How about a series of smaller marches condemning Jihad, crossing out the passages of the Quran that are so easily misinterpreted by these extremists. If I were a peaceful Muslim I would be so angry right now, much angrier than any right wing pundit or scare-monger, and i would show it.
4
It doesn't help their cause that Ayloush was making public statements just hours after the shooting refuting the notion that this was an act of terrorism. As the facts unfold, we may find that it is indeed related to ISIS, and his actions now have the appearance of putting Muslim interests over the security of Americans.
3
It is sickening and sad to see so much prejudice, hate and vitriol directed at Muslims generally. Only the tiniest fraction of Muslims ever do anything bad. Probably less than the percentage of Christians who do bad things. Yet, so many people in the US are so quick to condemn all Muslims generally, both for the acts perpetrated by a very, very small number of people who are Muslim and for not doing "something" to stop further violent acts by other Muslims — as though any one member of a faith is presumed to have direct control of the actions of others of the same faith.
There have been too many instances in history where one race, ethnicity or religion has been unjustifiably singled out within a society for being the root of all of that society's evils. Never have any of those instances ended well, especially for those singled out, but also for the societies in which such terrible prejudice and hate was institutionalized.
As a country, we're now reaching that place. It is a dark place indeed.
There have been too many instances in history where one race, ethnicity or religion has been unjustifiably singled out within a society for being the root of all of that society's evils. Never have any of those instances ended well, especially for those singled out, but also for the societies in which such terrible prejudice and hate was institutionalized.
As a country, we're now reaching that place. It is a dark place indeed.
6
Please stop with the Muslimology. The problem never has been with a group of people. It is about the doctrine. Every group of people has individuals that are mostly loving and a few who will be difficult. The problem is that no group needs divine sanction for bigotry and violence toward everyone who does not believe as they do. Read the entire Islamic canon (Koran and Sunnah) and you will understand the problem. The world needs to know what is written in the Islamic canon and who Mohammed was. Demand that the divinely sanctioned violent bigotry in their canon be removed or universally discredited. Demand that it be reformed or recanted from and the world will be a better place.
Islam is at war with us. We should recognize this and act accordingly.
6
and exactly what would that mean, seriously, what do you mean act accordingly.
"A Pew poll in 2011 found that 60 percent of American Muslims worried about extremism in the United States, and 72 percent believed that most Muslims wanted to assimilate or mix their cultural heritage with American customs."
Funny how statistics work. You present a number that best suits you, while somebody else can use the same number as a counter-argument.
The author says 72% of Muslims want to assimilate into American society as a sign of how well intent is the general Muslim population. I'd say 28% of Muslims don't want to assimilate. Does that mean that 28% of Muslims in America want Sharia Law? Probably not, but that is probably the largest ethnic/religious group ever in American history to indicate they prefer living in an Islamic society than in American society.
Funny how statistics work. You present a number that best suits you, while somebody else can use the same number as a counter-argument.
The author says 72% of Muslims want to assimilate into American society as a sign of how well intent is the general Muslim population. I'd say 28% of Muslims don't want to assimilate. Does that mean that 28% of Muslims in America want Sharia Law? Probably not, but that is probably the largest ethnic/religious group ever in American history to indicate they prefer living in an Islamic society than in American society.
5
It is entirely possible to be an American and have a religious belief and live that belief. let me help you with that:
The amish, mennonites
Hasidic Jews and similar
Various mormon groups
Dominican. Jesuits, Francins, Lillte Sisters of Jesus et al
The amish, mennonites
Hasidic Jews and similar
Various mormon groups
Dominican. Jesuits, Francins, Lillte Sisters of Jesus et al
The photos really tell the story behind the story. There's a photo of recent anti Islamic state demonstrators in New York. The number of these demonstrators: 100, including Muslims and non-Muslims (this after several years of mass terror by Islamic state). Then there's a photo of a man being consoled. The man is not related to one of the victims of the recent killings but the brother in law of one of the murderers. Really? This is who need to shed tears for?
7
Wouldn't you agree that America has a long history of self-improvement? Many, though not all, improve themselves when the need to improve become evident to them. It is absolutely evident that now is one of those times for all of us. We must improve out understanding so that we can not be misled by bigots or those with an agenda.
Start improving simply by learning the meaning of some Arabic phrases. Google; Dar al-Harb and Dar al-Islam.
Start improving simply by learning the meaning of some Arabic phrases. Google; Dar al-Harb and Dar al-Islam.
All I see are Muslim leaders on TV paying lip service and apologies to the victims. But when asked if they will go on TV and social media to denounce the Islamists, they refuse to answer. Instead they pretend it's not an Muslim issue. It is a Muslim issue and they better start preaching in mosques, public, on TV on social media that violence and hate is npt acceptable in Islam. But given past actions, I don't see this happening.
7
radical Islam is perpetrating bloodshed in many countries around the world. Yet in this country where Muslims have largely been accepted we are accused of being "islamophobic." The logic of this is tortured and the perspective is steeped in victimization. The writer and his coreligionists need to look within.
5
They are winning. They are not the JV and not contained. Please tell the president he is dead wrong.
7
Val in Brooklyn, NY I BEG the NYT to accept this comment.
Mr. Mullick,
Speaking as a non-Muslim American lady, I cannot tell you how painful and mortifying it is to read your words today. That you should feel compelled to write any of this is as much a stain on the already dubious character of the country I was born and raised in, as anything in our history.
I hope it's respectful, good etiquette, and correct spelling for me to say,
As Salaamu Alaykum (I'm trying to say "peace be with you").
Submitted 12/3/15@10:23 p.m. e.s.t.
Mr. Mullick,
Speaking as a non-Muslim American lady, I cannot tell you how painful and mortifying it is to read your words today. That you should feel compelled to write any of this is as much a stain on the already dubious character of the country I was born and raised in, as anything in our history.
I hope it's respectful, good etiquette, and correct spelling for me to say,
As Salaamu Alaykum (I'm trying to say "peace be with you").
Submitted 12/3/15@10:23 p.m. e.s.t.
In Bed Stuy, Brooklyn, I lived a block away from a mosque. The demagoguery that says "all Muslims are suspect" is absolutely absurd. Never have I felt safer, or more welcomed as an "outsider" within such a tight knit community. As a white male, I never felt judged or unwelcome as I dined, got my hair cut, washed my clothes, or simply walked down the street within my neighborhood that consisted of predominantly Islamic folks. It disn't take long to realize how humble and kind these people are, and it pains me to think that so many Americans become washed over with suspicions and fears over the mere thought of a Muslim walking onto their plane or next to them on the street.
I am thankful that these people are much more tolerant and respectful toward their fellow man, regardless of color or creed, than many of my fellow Americans are toward them.
I've felt less safe at my own family Thanksgivings out on Long Island, as I dined with a house full of Republicans who are essentially bigots who refuse to accept the fact that not everyone who is black, Mexican, Muslim, or poor, is a threat. I wonder, "are these people actually related to me?"
As a country, collectively we have a huge problem with racism, intolerance and xenophobia. How can we expect to have peace when so many of us are filled with such rampant distaste toward our fellow man?
I am thankful that these people are much more tolerant and respectful toward their fellow man, regardless of color or creed, than many of my fellow Americans are toward them.
I've felt less safe at my own family Thanksgivings out on Long Island, as I dined with a house full of Republicans who are essentially bigots who refuse to accept the fact that not everyone who is black, Mexican, Muslim, or poor, is a threat. I wonder, "are these people actually related to me?"
As a country, collectively we have a huge problem with racism, intolerance and xenophobia. How can we expect to have peace when so many of us are filled with such rampant distaste toward our fellow man?
4
American Muslims are our best defense against extremism.
When we see Muslims turning in the extremists in their midst, this will be believable. Until then, this is all rhetoric.
When we see Muslims turning in the extremists in their midst, this will be believable. Until then, this is all rhetoric.
15
Muslims across the world, not just in America, will be our best defense against the militancy that threatens all of us. We best not alienate those who are best positioned to defeat extremism.
1
A little skepticism about some of these claims seems to me in order. Consider the following: "Muslims also uphold the rule of law and respect the separation of mosque and state, and they are in fact the greatest bulwark against Islamic extremism.//A Pew poll in 2011 found that 60 percent of American Muslims worried about extremism in the United States, and 72 percent believed that most Muslims wanted to assimilate or mix their cultural heritage with American customs, while only 33 percent of the rest of Americans believed their Muslim compatriots want to assimilate."
The particular claim about the respect for the separation of church and state is not actually substantiated by the particular polls cited: "mix their cultural heritage with American customs" is a notion that entails many possibilities--indeed the Islamic Party in Michel Houellebecq's novel "Submission" might be said to "mix their cultural heritage with French customs," but in the latter case it certainly entails the end of secularism in France. Moreover, asking individual Muslims about what they think the Muslim majority thinks is certainly an indirect method.
Racism is stupid and awful, and recent hateful generalizations about all Muslims are abominable. But the polymorphous nature of Islamic terrorism in recent decades begs many questions and demands much scrutiny. And the idea that criticizing ideologies--which is what religions ultimately are--is racist has been an insidious trope of Islamist propaganda.
The particular claim about the respect for the separation of church and state is not actually substantiated by the particular polls cited: "mix their cultural heritage with American customs" is a notion that entails many possibilities--indeed the Islamic Party in Michel Houellebecq's novel "Submission" might be said to "mix their cultural heritage with French customs," but in the latter case it certainly entails the end of secularism in France. Moreover, asking individual Muslims about what they think the Muslim majority thinks is certainly an indirect method.
Racism is stupid and awful, and recent hateful generalizations about all Muslims are abominable. But the polymorphous nature of Islamic terrorism in recent decades begs many questions and demands much scrutiny. And the idea that criticizing ideologies--which is what religions ultimately are--is racist has been an insidious trope of Islamist propaganda.
7
The author has provided a level-headed and highly American response to a very real and global threat. It is grounded in our values, which will ultimately succeed, against all the extremist and fanatical ideologies, and their counterparts in xenophobia and anti-Muslim hysteria in the West. Thank you.
Not to worry, Haider, because Americans are not going to turn anti-Muslim on any sort of large scale or in a violent way. They may be a bit more wary and concerned abut Muslims in their daily life, but that's nothing that some free government flak jackets and neighborhood watch can't help to dispel. The main thing to remember is that all religion is mental poison and should be marginalized across the board. Muslims have every right to be as ignorant and regressive as Christians, by George--that's what America is all about!
3
Sir,
I admire and respect your courage and dedication of patriotism, as well as your defense against the bias being displayed towards Islamic religion and the common people born into this religious belief.
As a fellow citizen, yes it is our duty to fight equally against this and all biases that exist, yet an equally profound duty of fellow citizens who seek spiritual guidance from the Islamic faith need to counter this bias by opening conversation , neighborhoods as well as the doors to the mosques to all, not to convert but to observe and have a better understanding to subdue the fear so the nation can set aside other issues in order to find the common ground so as a nation and a society we can concentrate on the core issue of terrorism here and abroad....
The path is clear but the "noise" you point out, as well as the rhetoric by both the liberal left wing, the hard core right wing, the politicians on both sides and their pundits must be filtered (by themselves or by our own ears) in order to get on the path most people seek.
I admire and respect your courage and dedication of patriotism, as well as your defense against the bias being displayed towards Islamic religion and the common people born into this religious belief.
As a fellow citizen, yes it is our duty to fight equally against this and all biases that exist, yet an equally profound duty of fellow citizens who seek spiritual guidance from the Islamic faith need to counter this bias by opening conversation , neighborhoods as well as the doors to the mosques to all, not to convert but to observe and have a better understanding to subdue the fear so the nation can set aside other issues in order to find the common ground so as a nation and a society we can concentrate on the core issue of terrorism here and abroad....
The path is clear but the "noise" you point out, as well as the rhetoric by both the liberal left wing, the hard core right wing, the politicians on both sides and their pundits must be filtered (by themselves or by our own ears) in order to get on the path most people seek.
Gee, I'm appalled by many, nay, most, of the comments of my fellow Americans in response to this editorial. Christians have their Terry Joneses, after all, plus abortion clinic murders, homophobes, anti-Semites, racial lynchings (witness the current Chicago hullaboloo, which is hard to call anything else), misogyny, and various other social cancers. We have some fellow citizens who need our help and whose help we need in the current period of Islamic terror - I'll call that what it is, too.
BTW, I remember a scene, many years ago, in the early morning hours at an Old Town bar, throwing darts with an Irishman. The fellow was seriously angry with one of the religious groups in Northern Ireland, but for the life of me I couldn't tell whether it was Protestants or Catholics who had raised his ire. I finally worked up the whatever to ask him whether he was Protestant or Catholic. He drilled we with a hard look and answered,"Do I have beady eyes?" I didn't pursue the matter. Religious animosity - Protestant/Catholic, Sunni/Shiite . . . we Christians have been through what I trust is our most profuse bloodlettings.
BTW, I remember a scene, many years ago, in the early morning hours at an Old Town bar, throwing darts with an Irishman. The fellow was seriously angry with one of the religious groups in Northern Ireland, but for the life of me I couldn't tell whether it was Protestants or Catholics who had raised his ire. I finally worked up the whatever to ask him whether he was Protestant or Catholic. He drilled we with a hard look and answered,"Do I have beady eyes?" I didn't pursue the matter. Religious animosity - Protestant/Catholic, Sunni/Shiite . . . we Christians have been through what I trust is our most profuse bloodlettings.
"American Muslims are our best defense against extremism"
UNTIL they turn (unpredictably) terrorist. Employers need to be taught how to spot that turn 9 as the county did not):
American Muslims are our best defense against extremism
UNTIL they turn (unpredictably) terrorist. Employers need to be taught how to spot that turn 9 as the county did not):
American Muslims are our best defense against extremism
Well said. I repost the following: We must not allow terrorists to create the polarizing hatred that is the objective of their horror. They use this environment to recruit members to their cause. Islamophobia is exactly the response the extremists hope to generate. We must follow the advice of an editorial published in Le Monde the day after their own tragedy: We must keep our cool and remain true to who we are as a nation.
1
It is of course a sensible OP-ED piece though I doubt it is going to change too many minds.
The fear mongers pushed for limiting Syrian/Arab immigrants after Paris. I am afraid after the San Bernardino shooting, the likes of Trump, noting that the main shooter is American born, will start pushing not allowing American Muslims to have kids in America, or some other acts that will "do something" to Muslim kids born in this country.
The fear mongers pushed for limiting Syrian/Arab immigrants after Paris. I am afraid after the San Bernardino shooting, the likes of Trump, noting that the main shooter is American born, will start pushing not allowing American Muslims to have kids in America, or some other acts that will "do something" to Muslim kids born in this country.
1
Terrorism has no religion... Really? Look around the world!
4
I have, most terrorism is one religion or another. It is not all Muslim, it is Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim. Christian (in Africa), Catholic, in Mexico), Jewish extremists in Israel. The few that aren't are usually the target of those who are.
It was not enough for white Americans to denounce lynching of blacks by the KKK, and proclaim "this does not represent us". What was needed, and took decades, was to recognize and persistently challenge the anti-black bigotry that existed in America among a much broader segment of the population, from which the KKK drew sustenance.
Mr. Mullick pretends that 99.9% of Muslims worldwide are Western liberal democrats. That is manifestly not true. A very large segment of that community harbors very hostile attitudes towards the West and its values. This provides the fertile soil from which extremism grows. Sensible Muslims like Mr. Mullick need to have the courage to acknowledge this state of affairs and challenge the anti-West bigotry that is deeply entrenched in large parts of their community, especially in the Middle East. It can only happen from within, and the Muslim community and its leaders have yet to take the first critical step beyond disavowal.
Mr. Mullick pretends that 99.9% of Muslims worldwide are Western liberal democrats. That is manifestly not true. A very large segment of that community harbors very hostile attitudes towards the West and its values. This provides the fertile soil from which extremism grows. Sensible Muslims like Mr. Mullick need to have the courage to acknowledge this state of affairs and challenge the anti-West bigotry that is deeply entrenched in large parts of their community, especially in the Middle East. It can only happen from within, and the Muslim community and its leaders have yet to take the first critical step beyond disavowal.
8
Islamphobia is real : How could we deny ? In all troubles , one religion is on one side then how can we blame people the fear of Islamphobia : One problem is over religious thinking one's religion is superior to others and become impatient to others : others dogmas and ethics : other problem is that there is no national identity or patriotism expect religious identity : such thinking is dangerous to any nationboth things are making fears in the mind of others
1
The first several pages of the Koran - at least in the English translations that I read - represent a remarkable plea for tolerance of Christians and Jews. The Christian Gospels, in contrast, state that "No one attains the Kingdom of Heaven but through me."
So the fact that the so-called Islamic State has little support in Muslim countries should not be a surprise --- the ISIS program is simply un-Islamic!
So the fact that the so-called Islamic State has little support in Muslim countries should not be a surprise --- the ISIS program is simply un-Islamic!
1
You cannot make me trust you. The more you try, the less I trust you.
Be a decent person to me and my loved ones. And keep your religion to yourself. That's all it takes.
Be a decent person to me and my loved ones. And keep your religion to yourself. That's all it takes.
5
I took the same oath "to defend the American Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic" as an Assistant U.S. Attorney (retired after 20 years) but the sad truth is American Muslim communities, as well as the European Muslim communities, completely failed to confront known Muslim extremists in their mist. The same holds true for the Muslim nations in the Mid East. There's little distance between willful blindness and conspiracy. Bottom line: Muslim communities worldwide can not be trusted to rid themselves of known radical extremists. One possible solution to protect our nation: Amend our immigration laws to require USCIS to determine whether a visa or refugee applicant's personal, political or religious beliefs and practices, as well as whether their prior and current life style, demonstrate values and principles consistent with western notions of civil liberties especially gender equality, embracing the separation of church and state and freedom of speech. A form of religious practice that results in women covering themselves in black clothe or limits a woman's role to serving males would be denied admission. On the other hand, another person that practices that same religion and embraces women as equals and free speech would be considered for admission. The proposed amendment does not discriminate on religious grounds; rather it discriminates solely against those applicants with beliefs and practices that are inconsistent with the U.S. Constitution.
9
Mr. Mullick,
This Saudi-Pakistani couple had an arsenal at home, much like the Tsarnaev brothers did. Not all were store bought, some were home made bombs that must have taken time to build. And none from their family or relatives noticed or knew anything about it, and reported to the police? If that sounds suspicious to you, as it does to rest of us, then you would know where our "Islamophobia" - rightly or not - comes from.
This Saudi-Pakistani couple had an arsenal at home, much like the Tsarnaev brothers did. Not all were store bought, some were home made bombs that must have taken time to build. And none from their family or relatives noticed or knew anything about it, and reported to the police? If that sounds suspicious to you, as it does to rest of us, then you would know where our "Islamophobia" - rightly or not - comes from.
12
Well said. Islamophobia is xenophobia directed at Muslims, and it must stop, via education and by continuing to denounce acts of terrorism to 'convince' those that choose to remain "willfully" ignorant that most Muslims are peace-loving and recognize the importance to keep religion separate from our secular state. I am convinced most of us, with rare exceptions, agree that radical Islam is an extreme ideology worth destroying, given that the jihadist's intent to create havoc by violent means cannot be tolerated in a free and pluralistic society like ours...and like most of the world's, for that matter. Let's hope that the courage displayed by american Muslims in denouncing terrorism becomes a shining example in the Middle East and other Muslim countries, so we can stop this malignancy, so we can stop the financial enablers of the Islamic State, the criminal providers of weapons, the cyber-experts with their deadly propaganda, the 'Putin's that maintain Assad in power...and the vacuum it creates for a caliphate to prosper.
I am amazed that an uneducated Bedouin in Jordan during the Bush years could hold a more nuanced view of the world than some of the NYT readers. During multiple visits there I was told more than once by Jordanians that while they did not agree with Bush's foreign policy they did not hold a grudge against the American people. Meanwhile here we are referring to 1.5 billion people, a fifth of the world's population, as the "Muslim community" when in fact it is literally tens of thousands of communities spread out across the globe. We are so confident in our ignorance and inability to comprehend that fact—a fifth of the world's population!—that we demand that somehow they should all get together and pose for a photo-op with signs reading "ISIS BAD" so we would let them of the hook.
3
And yet, after the planned parenthood shooting the NYT was happy to blame the entire GOP.
7
I agree with Mr. Mullick that one goal of terrorism is to drive a wedge between the people with the same religious identity as the terrorists and people of other religions. Our country could lessen the chances that new refugees to our country would identify with ISIS by holding a long discussion course for them while they are waiting in refugee camps to be vetted by our government. It could be explained to them over and over again that they will experience religious and ethnic discrimination in the United States.
It is human nature to look at people in other groups, at first, with suspicion. This has been so from time immemorial in every size group from small tribes to large countries. It has been the case in their home countries. It is the case even in the U.S. which is known for having assimilated people of many different ethnic groups and religions. It probably took at least 2 generations for each new ethnic and religious group to feel fully integrated here. Groups who look somewhat different or purposely dress differently take longer to fit in.
If, in addition to this, if members of the group, who live abroad, are calling for the destruction of our country, then it could take many more generations before the rest of society feels completely at ease with this members of this group.
Consequently, Moslems who move here will feel discrimination. Those will do not think they could handle this discrimination should move to a majority Muslim country.
It is human nature to look at people in other groups, at first, with suspicion. This has been so from time immemorial in every size group from small tribes to large countries. It has been the case in their home countries. It is the case even in the U.S. which is known for having assimilated people of many different ethnic groups and religions. It probably took at least 2 generations for each new ethnic and religious group to feel fully integrated here. Groups who look somewhat different or purposely dress differently take longer to fit in.
If, in addition to this, if members of the group, who live abroad, are calling for the destruction of our country, then it could take many more generations before the rest of society feels completely at ease with this members of this group.
Consequently, Moslems who move here will feel discrimination. Those will do not think they could handle this discrimination should move to a majority Muslim country.
1
I can imagine Major Hassan of Fort Hood fame writing the same piece.
6
Talk of Islamophobia should come after the show of disgust and condemnation of the terrorists. If Islamophobia results, it should be condemned then.
Why is everyone using this tragedy to make gains on their favorite ideological objectives?
Why is everyone using this tragedy to make gains on their favorite ideological objectives?
1
"American Muslims are a strong bulwark against Islamic extremism. " I might start believing it when I see an authentic demonstration of it. Every poll I've seen says a majority of ALL Muslims believe in Sharia law and the degradation of women. I'll believe this when a Muslim woman who doesn't cover her face isn't shunned or executed.
If Muslims want to be respected then you need to assure us non-Muslims that you will respect us.
From my studies in Islam ( MA, Comparative Religion, Univ of Chicago) I learned that Islam, which means submission in Arabic, has very different standards toward non-Muslims ( ie. infidels) than all other major religions.
Shariya, Muslim law, considers us second class citizens ( dhimmis). We may and often are taxed in Muslim majority areas by virtue of being infidels.
Women must cover themselves in public. Homosexuals may be killed with impunity.
The Koran, your holy book, does not preach love, peace and tolerance, no matter how much you say that it does.
It is filled with hateful diatribes against Jews, Christians and anyone who does not submit to the teachings of Mohammed. It has over 100 verses extolling jihad.
I do not trust Muslims to have my best interests, as a Jew and American, at heart.
I do not feel safe with Muslims and with very good reason.
The attacks in California hardly reassure me.
I want to see millions of Muslims repudiating violence especially by your co-religionists.
If you want respect, you will have to earn it.
Op-Eds in the NY Times just don't do it for me, Haider.
From my studies in Islam ( MA, Comparative Religion, Univ of Chicago) I learned that Islam, which means submission in Arabic, has very different standards toward non-Muslims ( ie. infidels) than all other major religions.
Shariya, Muslim law, considers us second class citizens ( dhimmis). We may and often are taxed in Muslim majority areas by virtue of being infidels.
Women must cover themselves in public. Homosexuals may be killed with impunity.
The Koran, your holy book, does not preach love, peace and tolerance, no matter how much you say that it does.
It is filled with hateful diatribes against Jews, Christians and anyone who does not submit to the teachings of Mohammed. It has over 100 verses extolling jihad.
I do not trust Muslims to have my best interests, as a Jew and American, at heart.
I do not feel safe with Muslims and with very good reason.
The attacks in California hardly reassure me.
I want to see millions of Muslims repudiating violence especially by your co-religionists.
If you want respect, you will have to earn it.
Op-Eds in the NY Times just don't do it for me, Haider.
15
So you're saying his repudiation is not vigorous enough for you?
You took comparitive religion? And you quote Takfiri, Al-Quaeda & ISIL as appropriate interpretations on Islam? What nonsense. It would be equally easy to pick fundamentalist Christian interpretations or Old Testament verses and present them as the hateful face of Jewish & Christian religions.
Zealots and fundamentalists are in every religion. Just look at the Buddhist monks in Burma.
I think you missed the point of your college education.
Zealots and fundamentalists are in every religion. Just look at the Buddhist monks in Burma.
I think you missed the point of your college education.
1
Killing in the name of one's religion is no different from indiscriminate killing because of some personal grudge, especially in this kind of cases. In another NYT column, it is said that Syed Rizwan Farook's father is an alcoholic with a violent streak. So, people with a viewpoint can point to his susceptibility. Then there is the mystery wife, Tashfeen Malik.
It is important to understand some of the victims are also Muslims from the same Mosque.
The truth is that there are many forces in play here. Broken family, seductive heritage, longing to belong, alienation, ostracism, violence as a means to settle dispute or to express one's dissatisfaction.
Fighting terrorism means more than guns and money, it means the fight for the susceptible's minds and souls too.
In addition to limit access to firearms, prevention means to allow the susceptible a different path. Fighting terrorism is like fighting the scourge of drugs, not only you have to eliminate the terror dealers, but also you want to limit terror addicts by early education, assimilation to a civil society with limited access to the tools of violence and channeling their restless energy to the good of society instead
It is important to understand some of the victims are also Muslims from the same Mosque.
The truth is that there are many forces in play here. Broken family, seductive heritage, longing to belong, alienation, ostracism, violence as a means to settle dispute or to express one's dissatisfaction.
Fighting terrorism means more than guns and money, it means the fight for the susceptible's minds and souls too.
In addition to limit access to firearms, prevention means to allow the susceptible a different path. Fighting terrorism is like fighting the scourge of drugs, not only you have to eliminate the terror dealers, but also you want to limit terror addicts by early education, assimilation to a civil society with limited access to the tools of violence and channeling their restless energy to the good of society instead
7
Early assimilation? He was a natural born American citizen. Had a good education and job. His co-workers threw him a baby shower. Limit access to guns? Maybe through tighter background checks? His wife was subject to an FBI background check before being allowed to enter. Kind of like the other female refugees the president told us not to be afraid of. I'm sorry if it makes people feel bad, but fear is a natural thing when women in head scarves are willing to die while killing you.
This is all good, but the author is the wrong person to be writing this article. It should be written by a coalition of American Imams, denouncing and "excommunicating" these fanatics.
9
This is typical piece NYT allows after every terrorist incident. Americans have grown weary of the same response from Muslim organizations trying to insist that Islam is peaceful.
It is time to tell us what makes Muslims militant. Why do they put their religion above loyalty to their home countries which was evident in a pew research on followers of various religions?
I would like the author write in another article why democracy does not survive in most Muslim countries. Why are woman treated like second class citizens? Why are minorities not given equal rights in countries like Pakistan and Bangla Desh? Why does their religion allow polygamy? Why does it justify Jizya tax on non- Muslims?
Muslim parents are constantly blaming the internet for the radical transformation of their children implying that that they are totally blameless.
It is time for some introspection. I would like the Muslim leaders to be proactive rather than be reactive.
It is time to tell us what makes Muslims militant. Why do they put their religion above loyalty to their home countries which was evident in a pew research on followers of various religions?
I would like the author write in another article why democracy does not survive in most Muslim countries. Why are woman treated like second class citizens? Why are minorities not given equal rights in countries like Pakistan and Bangla Desh? Why does their religion allow polygamy? Why does it justify Jizya tax on non- Muslims?
Muslim parents are constantly blaming the internet for the radical transformation of their children implying that that they are totally blameless.
It is time for some introspection. I would like the Muslim leaders to be proactive rather than be reactive.
13
There was a gathering of "moderate" Muslims in Dearborn MI this past Saturday to protest the Islamic terrorist violence. Of the tens of thousands of Muslims living in the Detroit area, only 21 folks showed up......
HAHM,
I agree with your piece.
However, let's be realistic.
As the facts from San Bernardino unfold it's playing in to Trump's storyline.
Sad but true.
His poll numbers will go up yet again.
We need to realize he will probably be the GOP nominee.
Now we need to ask the question; Can Hillary beat Donald?
I agree with your piece.
However, let's be realistic.
As the facts from San Bernardino unfold it's playing in to Trump's storyline.
Sad but true.
His poll numbers will go up yet again.
We need to realize he will probably be the GOP nominee.
Now we need to ask the question; Can Hillary beat Donald?
3
A previous comment ignored. Mr. Mullick-what do you say about the terrorism against Jews in Israel? For too long, many Muslims actually favor it because they view the Holy Land as sacred Muslim land. For too long many in the world ignore when Jews get killed, anywhere, because they "understand" many Muslims have grievances against us.
Can you differentiate between a disagreement over land and borders, verses painting the Israeli-Palestinian dispute as religious, even existential? Honestly, when terrorism in Israel is ignored, or totally blamed on the Jews, others see through this hypocrisy and think it's just as OK to target non-Jews, too.
Can you differentiate between a disagreement over land and borders, verses painting the Israeli-Palestinian dispute as religious, even existential? Honestly, when terrorism in Israel is ignored, or totally blamed on the Jews, others see through this hypocrisy and think it's just as OK to target non-Jews, too.
6
From the beginning of this country, it was a founding principle to have religious liberty for all religions, and to treat them equally. References at that time mentioned "ample liberty of conscience … to Deists, Mahometans, Jews and Christians." Many of the Founding Fathers themselves were Deists, and not Christian.
Bigotry against those of other religions is illegal in this country. It is a hate crime to commit violence, or to persecute those of other religions in any way. We have Muslim Americans serving loyally in the armed forces, and Muslim Americans who have been among the most valuable resources in the battle against terrorism.
We absolutely do not want another national disgrace such as the interning of Japanese in WWII, no matter what bigoted nonsense that Trump rants about. Many of his policies would be illegal by both American and international law.
One actual policy that would help is for Congress to not let people who are terrorist suspects acquire guns. It is stupid and insane to let this happen, to let 2000 terrorist suspects in the last 10 years get guns. It is also insane to not have universal background checks, as 90% of all Americans want and to not close gun show loopholes.
The danger in this country comes as much if not more from domestic terrorists like the man at the Planned Parenthood clinic, and at the Charleston black church. In the more than 300 mass shootings this year, it was not Muslims but more often Christians.
Bigotry against those of other religions is illegal in this country. It is a hate crime to commit violence, or to persecute those of other religions in any way. We have Muslim Americans serving loyally in the armed forces, and Muslim Americans who have been among the most valuable resources in the battle against terrorism.
We absolutely do not want another national disgrace such as the interning of Japanese in WWII, no matter what bigoted nonsense that Trump rants about. Many of his policies would be illegal by both American and international law.
One actual policy that would help is for Congress to not let people who are terrorist suspects acquire guns. It is stupid and insane to let this happen, to let 2000 terrorist suspects in the last 10 years get guns. It is also insane to not have universal background checks, as 90% of all Americans want and to not close gun show loopholes.
The danger in this country comes as much if not more from domestic terrorists like the man at the Planned Parenthood clinic, and at the Charleston black church. In the more than 300 mass shootings this year, it was not Muslims but more often Christians.
5
Thank you for this article. Better to light a candle in the darkness…no matter how futile it may sometimes seem in these bloviating times. Two days ago, when a fundamentalist Christian nut-job open fired on a Planned Parenthood clinic, accusations were flying around FB about the danger of extremist white Christian terrorism…not. Not a peep. Crickets. But just two days later, a case of what appears to be a muslim couple and an awful, tragic case of "going postal," (possibly the latter more than religious extremism as a cause, looking at evidence thus far), and we are all under attack from Islam and Isis. The ignorant groupthink, gullibility and paranoid bigotry of my fellow men never fails to surprise and disappoint me. One of these days I will learn to expect less.
3
It's the religion stupid!
It's a good article and I agree not everybody should be to blame for the actions of a few, but...If is not the religion something must be change on it's interpretation.
The day I see a multitudinous demonstration of Muslim strongly condemning all this heinous acts I will start to believe we can fight extremism together.As long the Muslim community don't force their leaders to have a different interpretation of their religion and as long we keep doing business with countries with apostasy laws and complete disrespect for diversity just because we have "interests" this conversation is going nowhere.
It's a good article and I agree not everybody should be to blame for the actions of a few, but...If is not the religion something must be change on it's interpretation.
The day I see a multitudinous demonstration of Muslim strongly condemning all this heinous acts I will start to believe we can fight extremism together.As long the Muslim community don't force their leaders to have a different interpretation of their religion and as long we keep doing business with countries with apostasy laws and complete disrespect for diversity just because we have "interests" this conversation is going nowhere.
13
And that's what happens when this good logic meets life:
Neighbors of husband and wife San Bernardino shooters 'noticed them acting suspiciously but did NOT report them for fear of racial profiling'.
Neighbors of husband and wife San Bernardino shooters 'noticed them acting suspiciously but did NOT report them for fear of racial profiling'.
9
Just look at the stats folks.
It's a no-brainer plain and simple.
Americans KILL ONE ANOTHER at a fantastic rate.
ISIS sympathizers could not make an inroad into what we do to our own kin.
So many if not most American Muslims are our friends and neighbors that we must understand where their hearts are.
NOW IS THE TIME for them to speak out. We need the best of their rhetoric mounted against the mentally ill toxic cup offered by the ISIS online. We need the heart and soul of Islam to mount a defense against the Jihad and explain it away: dispose of it intellectually, finally and once and for all. The Arabs will not do this? Why? Are they not with us? No, they are not. Who else is truly with us in the Muslim world? Now it is persuasion.
We squandered our affection in Iraq and lost our tails. The fiasco of the great takeout of WMD will only drive us down to 100 years of Jihad with these guys. BIG BUBA W done set this whole thang UP!
Now what we gonna do? Will we ferret out the Islamic menace as an internal enemy like a malignancy in the organism of the republic? Is Islamic extremism a cancer to be excised? I think not. Rather it be known that love is the answer I do believe. Let's be kind to our new-found friends and do more than just tolerate the Muslims among us but get to know them as neighbors and friends IF they will let us.
If it was not written it would not already be so.
It's a no-brainer plain and simple.
Americans KILL ONE ANOTHER at a fantastic rate.
ISIS sympathizers could not make an inroad into what we do to our own kin.
So many if not most American Muslims are our friends and neighbors that we must understand where their hearts are.
NOW IS THE TIME for them to speak out. We need the best of their rhetoric mounted against the mentally ill toxic cup offered by the ISIS online. We need the heart and soul of Islam to mount a defense against the Jihad and explain it away: dispose of it intellectually, finally and once and for all. The Arabs will not do this? Why? Are they not with us? No, they are not. Who else is truly with us in the Muslim world? Now it is persuasion.
We squandered our affection in Iraq and lost our tails. The fiasco of the great takeout of WMD will only drive us down to 100 years of Jihad with these guys. BIG BUBA W done set this whole thang UP!
Now what we gonna do? Will we ferret out the Islamic menace as an internal enemy like a malignancy in the organism of the republic? Is Islamic extremism a cancer to be excised? I think not. Rather it be known that love is the answer I do believe. Let's be kind to our new-found friends and do more than just tolerate the Muslims among us but get to know them as neighbors and friends IF they will let us.
If it was not written it would not already be so.
3
It saddens me that the children born today are going to have to deal with the horrors of a catastrophic world war, simply because the likes of Obama, Cameron, Merkel and Turnbull don't have the stomach to deal with the problem today. Unlike previous wars every town in every country will become a battlefield.
At 64 years of age, I have lived a peaceful and productive life thanks to both my father and grandfather who risked all to fight for my future freedom.
The likes of Obama prefer votes gained in the popularity stakes to lives lost.
What am I going to say to my Grandchildren?
At 64 years of age, I have lived a peaceful and productive life thanks to both my father and grandfather who risked all to fight for my future freedom.
The likes of Obama prefer votes gained in the popularity stakes to lives lost.
What am I going to say to my Grandchildren?
5
Well I think you in the lucky country have at least a chance thanks to your border controls. In England the great-grandchildren may well be Muslims as they won't otherwise get jobs in the Islamic federal republic.
Thank you very much Haider for writing this. It is shocking that political and religious Muslim leaders do not speak up publicly to remind Muslims and non Muslims that was ISIS is doing has no basis in Islam. The Quran teaches us about Reminders and to remind people about the teachings of the religion. Now more than ever before we need to remind Muslims and Non Muslims what Islam is about. Islam is 1400 years of History, please do not judge us by the stupid acts of people over the last 50 years.
3
We muslim are reminded every day-especially by people like you who know little to nothing about us or Islam. You suggest that you may be muslim but what you write is confrontational and speculative from your own limited view.. You also write as the 'teacher' who no one invited to teach or as the conscience of some invisible group.
And who are you or Haider to dare to speak for or against us? It is not your place, nor have you our singular or collective permission to do so, and you certainly do not have it from any ayat or surah in the Quran. We have our own voices and our own activities-activities that just because you are unaware of them are none- the- less known to others. You are neither clairvoyant nor omniscient or omnipresent and cannot possibly know what others are doing to present the best image of Islam possible.
You suggest that 'leaders' need to speak out.... as if they are in some special category or have authority over others... which they don't and which is not even Islam. Many, many well known muslims and non-muslims speak out and correct misinformation. Look beyond yourself before making statements which are false. As for reminding.. I will remind you that Islam and muslims have been in what is now the US and in the rest of the Americas for at least four centuries... The first amendment of the US Constitution was born from words from the Quran and from knowledge of Islam by your founding fathers.
BTW: Islam is far more than 1400 years of history
And who are you or Haider to dare to speak for or against us? It is not your place, nor have you our singular or collective permission to do so, and you certainly do not have it from any ayat or surah in the Quran. We have our own voices and our own activities-activities that just because you are unaware of them are none- the- less known to others. You are neither clairvoyant nor omniscient or omnipresent and cannot possibly know what others are doing to present the best image of Islam possible.
You suggest that 'leaders' need to speak out.... as if they are in some special category or have authority over others... which they don't and which is not even Islam. Many, many well known muslims and non-muslims speak out and correct misinformation. Look beyond yourself before making statements which are false. As for reminding.. I will remind you that Islam and muslims have been in what is now the US and in the rest of the Americas for at least four centuries... The first amendment of the US Constitution was born from words from the Quran and from knowledge of Islam by your founding fathers.
BTW: Islam is far more than 1400 years of history
Mr. Mullick, this must've been a hard article to write the day after such an atrocious attack by Muslim Americans, or at least one Muslim American.
I think it is a fine article but I'm not sure it will reach the right people, many of whom will have already made up their minds. Since the Paris attacks there has been a steady uptick in anti-Muslim demagoguery aided and abetted by many of the GOP candidates. Unfortunately, while as one commentor noted Americans can be kind and generous, ,they can also be fearful, angry, and and xenophobic, particularly since the rise of the Islamic state.
Your your central premise makes. such eminent sense, that of course Isis will find it much easier to recruit new jihadists if Muslim Americans should start to feel persecuted here in the United States . Unfortunately common sense is often in short supply when it comes to political discourse these days.
If even a few people give your article some thought and open their minds to what you have presented, it will hav made your effort worthwhile. I just hope you are not discouraged as the rhetoric escalates , as it is bound to do following San Bernardino.
For this reason I hope you continue writing and trying to present your side of the case for restraint at a time of heightened emotions.
I think it is a fine article but I'm not sure it will reach the right people, many of whom will have already made up their minds. Since the Paris attacks there has been a steady uptick in anti-Muslim demagoguery aided and abetted by many of the GOP candidates. Unfortunately, while as one commentor noted Americans can be kind and generous, ,they can also be fearful, angry, and and xenophobic, particularly since the rise of the Islamic state.
Your your central premise makes. such eminent sense, that of course Isis will find it much easier to recruit new jihadists if Muslim Americans should start to feel persecuted here in the United States . Unfortunately common sense is often in short supply when it comes to political discourse these days.
If even a few people give your article some thought and open their minds to what you have presented, it will hav made your effort worthwhile. I just hope you are not discouraged as the rhetoric escalates , as it is bound to do following San Bernardino.
For this reason I hope you continue writing and trying to present your side of the case for restraint at a time of heightened emotions.
4
I understand your point. I hear it from other Muslims when a Muslim does something terrible. Here is my problem, as a non-Muslim, non-Anything American: Someone knew. Someone knew that this husband and wife were collecting guns and buying tactical gear. It is unimaginable to me that none of their family or friends knew. Why didn't the people who knew notify the police? The Muslim community should, in my opinion, should start turning in anyone, yes ANYONE, who they think may becoming radicalized.
7
At least one person has said he notice the terrorist's activities but did not speak up for fear of Bing labeled islamophobic
1
As long as Obama can convince the American people, that there are no evil terrorists only evil guns that make good people become terrorist, ISIS wins.
6
What everyone has to realize is that is doomed if we continue like this. (I'm not talking about climate change and crazy presidential candidates and existing leaders that could potentially start a nuclear war [definitely not putin] ) Yet, we are doomed because we are fragmented, separated, and condemning of each other. That is why I support the author of this article.
Currently, by condemning Muslims, we only encourage them to turn to terrorism. True, there are some people that want to kill innocents, yet we have to realize there are Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, and many others that would do the same thing. What is true though is that the majority of people from those religions are peace-loving empathetic people. Yet, by singling out Islam, we alienate Muslim youths and make them feel unaccepted and encourage them to develop depression and anger that in turn kills.
To solve the problem, we must unite together, as shown before to actually solve problems. By working together with the Muslim people and cooperating on stopping terrorism, we can accomplish much more than pointing fingers and raging on the sidelines.
Currently, by condemning Muslims, we only encourage them to turn to terrorism. True, there are some people that want to kill innocents, yet we have to realize there are Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, and many others that would do the same thing. What is true though is that the majority of people from those religions are peace-loving empathetic people. Yet, by singling out Islam, we alienate Muslim youths and make them feel unaccepted and encourage them to develop depression and anger that in turn kills.
To solve the problem, we must unite together, as shown before to actually solve problems. By working together with the Muslim people and cooperating on stopping terrorism, we can accomplish much more than pointing fingers and raging on the sidelines.
31
Jesus taught that you would know his followers by their actions. Followers are called Christians or little Christs. Jesus taught us to love our enemy. Try reading the New Testament before you write.
Well said! We are elevating paranoia by presuming that lone individuals are representative of an entire class of people. What would the public reaction be if we referred to Timothy McVeigh [the Oklahoma City bomber] as a "radical Christian extremist"? Words matter!
As a Catholic, should I go about proclaiming my disgust about the sexual abuse by priests? When the topic comes up, I say something, but how much am I expected to do? How much are we asking American Muslims to do?
7
It's not a victory for ISIS. It's a victory for the NRA.
6
While it is obviously unfair for non-Muslim Americans to lump law abiding American Muslims with the Islamic State and other Islamist fanatics, law abiding Muslims here and elsewhere in the world have a moral obligation to openly and vehemently condemn Islamist fanatics (including clerics) and do whatever is reasonably possible to eliminate Islamist extremism. Remaining silent out of fear may be understandable but it's not going to cut it.
7
Are we EVER -- EVER -- allowed to suggest Muslims do at least some self reflection about the problems with majority Muslim societies? Or must every single act of Islamic terrorism become an occasion for us to praise Muslims and tell them how fabulous they are? Are are EVER -- EVER -- allowed to point out the rampant homophobia in Muslim societies? The sexism? The profound anti-Semitism and hatred of Christians preached in so many mosques? Must we treat Muslims as they if were children incapable of accepting criticism?
16
I see articles all the time that say growing Islamophobia may be a problem but I am yet to see an article which tackles the lack of introspection in the Muslim community about what is going on. Muslims believe Islam, their preachers and their practices to be perfect with no scope for improvement and beyond reproach. Whenever an incident takes place, it is too quickly labeled as not representative and those involved as misguided instead of tackling what may be a systemic problem about how the faith is being practiced. I see this problem as being similar to the Catholic child abuse crisis where the church hierarchy spent 2 decades stonewalling and pretending they did not have a problem instead of dealing with it.
9
You do realize the author of this article is a Muslim, right? And I think there are plenty of Christians who also believe "...their preachers and practices to be perfect...".
President Obama says he doesn't know why they did it. The FBI says it doesn't know why they did it. The Sheriff in California says he doesn't know why they did it. CNN and MSNBC say they don't know why they did it. But I know why they did it, and so do
you.
you.
12
@ A Stanton, you must be an all knowing Allah, the God who knows what every human is thinking and doing and who knows exactly what each human will do. Quite remarkable, I must say.
I have read that the duo were born into Muslim families, that the man had a disagreement with someone at work, and that they had acquired an array of weapons which I have understood is supposed to be a way of demonstrating a belief in "American" values.
But from that little information I have no way of knowing the reasons behind their actions over time, culminating in killings that as concerns results are not so different from Dyan or Adam. So you might tell me exactly why Dyan and Adam killed and why all those reporting here today saying that every muslim must identify every potential killer do not tell me what they are doing to report the Dyans and Adams.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen USA-SE
I have read that the duo were born into Muslim families, that the man had a disagreement with someone at work, and that they had acquired an array of weapons which I have understood is supposed to be a way of demonstrating a belief in "American" values.
But from that little information I have no way of knowing the reasons behind their actions over time, culminating in killings that as concerns results are not so different from Dyan or Adam. So you might tell me exactly why Dyan and Adam killed and why all those reporting here today saying that every muslim must identify every potential killer do not tell me what they are doing to report the Dyans and Adams.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen USA-SE
The attack at San Bernardino accomplished a a small amount of what ISIS wishes for Westerners. Or as the members of the Daesh might put it, death and destruction for all infidels who do not submit to Islamic rule at the hands of holy martyrs. ( And that includes American muslims like Haider Ali Hussein Mullick. Whom militant Islamists would likely hang as an apostate, a traitor to Islam, if they could get their hands on him.)
Say what we will, the fact remains San Bernardino is a small victory for ISIS.
Say what we will, the fact remains San Bernardino is a small victory for ISIS.
5
I think that some Muslims who are ashamed of Muslim extremists/terrorists, still regard them as brothers. This kind of solidarity is beyond my comprehension. I am Jewish yet never felt any "brotherhood" feelings towards Baruch Goldstein.
8
Most Muslims are peaceful in spite of Islam just as many Christians are violent in spite of the teachings of Christ. The Christian world has a long and sordid history of religious intolerance, completely at odds with Jesus' recorded intent. The intolerance and dogmatism of Islam, especially for people not "of the Book", is the doctrine of the Koran, the verbatim word of God as relayed by Muhammed.
3
Please tell me: which country with majority Christians, chant's, "death to "? Which Christian church has organized not one, not two, not three, but unknown numbers of terrorism networks (i.e. the likes of Hamas, Hezbollah, ISIS, Al Qaeda)? In the modern age of enlightenment, people who conflate the history of Christianity (i.e. most cite the Crusades; which, in reality, occurred AFTER and in response to Islamic crusades) to the atrocities committed by modern day Muslims do us no favors with their misappropriation of information that attempts to appease the modern and violent religion of Islam. Until the so-called "peaceful majority" rise against the "radical minority," that "peaceful majority" is entirely irrelevant to me. Haider Ali Hussein Mullick, is the minority in that peaceful majority that is actually DOING anything to combat the hate within Islam itself.
1
African Americans during the Civil War? I don't get the analogy.
There were free blacks and escaped slaves that wanted to join the Union Army, but were rejected because some thought they were incapable of fighting. That was proved to be very untrue when a black unit was finally formed and they fought with great valor. In fact, there is a wonderful movie called "Glory" made about this subject http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097441/
All -
I think it's time for this country to have an honest, grown up conversation about the nature of religion, and more specifically, Islam itself. That we're unwilling to do so - be it due to concerns about political correctness or impoliteness - is troubling, and seems likely to result in greater problems down the road.
Look, it pains me to say this, and this isn't born from bigotry, or some desire to keep folks different from me out of this nation. But let's be frank, there appear to be several provisions of the Koran that seemingly call for violence against Non-Muslims, and there seem to be many folks of that faith who read it as such.
I'm from and near San Bernardino now. It's been a rough couple days - I worked at this IRC in college.
But, right now, I'd really like to better understand the meaning of those parts of the Koran that seemingly call for violence (I needn't list them here), as interpreted by other more "moderate" Muslims.
And furthermore, I'd really like to know why these folks haven't been able to articulate their "non-violent" interpretation convincingly to all of their co-religionists?
My fear, and I pray that I'm wrong about this, is that such arguments aren't nearly as convincing as we all hope and pray they are. Ambiguity must exist. And if that's the case -- what are we to do?
I mean, look, convincing people that they shouldn't shoot people in the name of God shouldn't be a hard sell, right?
I think it's time for this country to have an honest, grown up conversation about the nature of religion, and more specifically, Islam itself. That we're unwilling to do so - be it due to concerns about political correctness or impoliteness - is troubling, and seems likely to result in greater problems down the road.
Look, it pains me to say this, and this isn't born from bigotry, or some desire to keep folks different from me out of this nation. But let's be frank, there appear to be several provisions of the Koran that seemingly call for violence against Non-Muslims, and there seem to be many folks of that faith who read it as such.
I'm from and near San Bernardino now. It's been a rough couple days - I worked at this IRC in college.
But, right now, I'd really like to better understand the meaning of those parts of the Koran that seemingly call for violence (I needn't list them here), as interpreted by other more "moderate" Muslims.
And furthermore, I'd really like to know why these folks haven't been able to articulate their "non-violent" interpretation convincingly to all of their co-religionists?
My fear, and I pray that I'm wrong about this, is that such arguments aren't nearly as convincing as we all hope and pray they are. Ambiguity must exist. And if that's the case -- what are we to do?
I mean, look, convincing people that they shouldn't shoot people in the name of God shouldn't be a hard sell, right?
3
Wait - does this all mean that the shooting/killing was, in fact, the result of climate change after all and NOT related to Islamic terrorism?
18
Yes it does. The science is settled on this one. The average SUV puts out enough carbon emissions to cause one gun take it upon its inanimate self to go out and kill someone. If you cannot except this, then you sir, are a shill for Big Oil.
1
Why are WE always the ones who have to act with restraint, who have to condemn our radical acquaintances, who have to eschew intolerance and hate? Meanwhile the Islamic world is teeming, absolutely teeming, with terrorists, fundamentalists, bigots, fear mongers, anti-Semites, homophobes, mysogynists, etc. Try being a white man and going into some of the seedier neighborhoods of Cairo or Beirut (relatively modern Islamic cities), or being a Christian minority in the Muslim world and survive without being murdered or kidnapped in about 10 minutes.
These op-eds appear all the time, urging restraint, urging interfaith peace, but only faith, only side is HELD to the promise of peace and nonviolence. Muslims in Egypt, Libya, Iraq, Turkey, and Syria are either nonchalant or actively supportive of ISIS, the most evil terrorist organization I've ever seen. Muslims are okay with beheadings, beatings, the death penalty for apostasy, fundamentalist shari'a law ... all the attributes we are against, and yet WE are the bad guys for asking that Muslims not kill us on a regular basis. I disagree. They are the bad guys, and we win when they stop killing us, not when we "give in" to rational security demands.
These op-eds appear all the time, urging restraint, urging interfaith peace, but only faith, only side is HELD to the promise of peace and nonviolence. Muslims in Egypt, Libya, Iraq, Turkey, and Syria are either nonchalant or actively supportive of ISIS, the most evil terrorist organization I've ever seen. Muslims are okay with beheadings, beatings, the death penalty for apostasy, fundamentalist shari'a law ... all the attributes we are against, and yet WE are the bad guys for asking that Muslims not kill us on a regular basis. I disagree. They are the bad guys, and we win when they stop killing us, not when we "give in" to rational security demands.
27
WE practice civility, democracy and restraint because that is what we stand for. it is in our constitution. take it up with the founders.
This is exactly what he is talking about! The more that people think like you the more danger we are in.
I wish the Obama administration and all its supporters would FINALLY understand that being nice and increasing aid will not stop Islamic extremists from killing those they consider infidels and apostates. Did the media make absolutely clear that Robert Dear who shot and killed people at a Planned Parenthood clinic was not representative of all Christians and urge everyone to appreciate the importance of Christians in our communities? Why not?
1
To be honest, I'm much more concerned about the Fundamentalist Christian Terrorists. I don't seem Muslims trying to infiltrate the government to subjugate everything this country stands for. I do see it from Christians.
What is the difference one may ask? The difference is being lulled by a face that looks like yours to the take-over of everything our forefathers fought and died to achieve.
I fear my 'god-fearing' Christian neighbors who have the means to set back the clock to the 19th century more than I fear my Muslim ones.
What is the difference one may ask? The difference is being lulled by a face that looks like yours to the take-over of everything our forefathers fought and died to achieve.
I fear my 'god-fearing' Christian neighbors who have the means to set back the clock to the 19th century more than I fear my Muslim ones.
13
all i can say is....good luck to you
You must be led around by a seeing eye dog. If you can't see ISIS infiltrating and taking over government you haven't watched the news, read the news, or talked about the news.... you must be blind.
1
By "the means" you are referring to voting? You fear an armed, military insurrection by Christians or you fear democracy? If the former, you need to check in with your doctor. If the later, I would say it is you who wish to undo "everything our forefathers fought and died to achieve."
It is unreal to say Muslims believe, think, are, or do. Muslims have many different views & interpretations of Islam, human rights, & violence. For example: “Islamism and jihadism are politicized, contemporary readings of Islam and jihad; they are not Islam and jihad per se. ...Islam is a traditional religion like any other, replete with sects, denominations, and variant readings. But Islamism is the desire to impose any of those readings on society. It is commonly expressed as the desire to enforce a version of shari’ah as law.” “Political Islamists seek to impose their views through the ballot box, biding their time until they can infiltrate the institutions of society from within. Revolutionary Islamists seek change from outside the system in one clean sweep. Militant Islamists are jihadists.” (S Harris, M Nawaz. “Islam and the Future of Tolerance.” Another type is Reformist Muslims, who want to renew or update interpretation. Other varieties are Conservative/Tribal nonreligious, Secular/non-secular, Just happen to be Muslim. Some support Shari'ah implementation, some don't. Political Islamism is ideological insurgency, distinct from religion of Islam. A big problem currently is believing Muslim apologists that downplay even deny the real violence by some Muslims.
3
I would love to see a Million Muslims March in Washington against Islamic Fanaticism.
11
@Mike Marks - MM I have filed a comment that I can repeat here in a one-sentence version:
I would love to see a Million Americans March in Washington against NRA-led American Gun Fanatacism.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen-USA-SE
I would love to see a Million Americans March in Washington against NRA-led American Gun Fanatacism.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen-USA-SE
1
That, I bet, still won't convince the Islamophobes, nor it'll deter the terrorists. It's a silly suggestion, sorry.
This newest tactic where Muslims say we should avoid having negative feelings about Muslims because it would be a victory for ISIS is the height of manipulation. It is like telling Muslims they shouldn't criticize Israel because that is what the Isreali right wing wants. It is offensive that the newest Muslim response to Islamic terrorism is to tell non-Muslims we should take in and take care of millions of Muslims as a way to fight ISIS. That's just them playing good cop to the terrorists bad cop. ISIS wants Islamic domination and it seems from the constant suggestions from "moderate" Muslims that we should fight Islamic terrorism by showing more deference to them that they are on the same page.
As far as the "terrorism has no religion mantra". The irony is that the same people who say that the moment an Islamic terrorist attack occurs are the same people ranting about "the Zionists" obsessively. This "terrorism has no religion" mantra is not condemning terrorism it's condemning people connecting the dots when it comes to Islamic terrorism. I find it offensive that the response to terrorism from Muslims is to turn it into a pity party for themselves, demand we bend over to accommodate them more, and command we walk on eggshells to avoid offending their sensitivities.
As far as the "terrorism has no religion mantra". The irony is that the same people who say that the moment an Islamic terrorist attack occurs are the same people ranting about "the Zionists" obsessively. This "terrorism has no religion" mantra is not condemning terrorism it's condemning people connecting the dots when it comes to Islamic terrorism. I find it offensive that the response to terrorism from Muslims is to turn it into a pity party for themselves, demand we bend over to accommodate them more, and command we walk on eggshells to avoid offending their sensitivities.
22
You don't seem to get the point he is making- this is a free country- - you can "feel" however you want- it's your behavior that's at issue. By vilifying the entire group we hand ISIS a powerful recruiting tool, the only way they can survive and grow.
8
The fact that there are mosques in America post 9/11 shows that Americans are not guided by knee-jerk reactions toward Muslims. There are very, very, few attacks on Muslims based on their religion in the country and I do not understand why this opinion piece was even printed.
After 9/11, a friend of mine, an Egyptian-born Muslim, was asked to assist the CIA with translation work. He told me that he would have been glad to -- he was appalled by the events of 9/11 -- but he'd been so disrespected as a Muslim living in America that he felt he could not. I could not disagree with him.
The United States is unique because we've created a community of people from such diverse backgrounds. If terrorists make us suspicious of everyone who is different, we will lose an essential part of our American identity.
The United States is unique because we've created a community of people from such diverse backgrounds. If terrorists make us suspicious of everyone who is different, we will lose an essential part of our American identity.
7
He's a good example of exactly what worries many Americans: he posited a conflict between his religion and his patriotic duty, and went with religion.
1
American Moslems CAN be a bulwark against Islamic extremism BUT ONLY IF THEY CONDEMN IT AND FIGHT IT.
I neither see nor hear American Moslems doing their duty to the nation and their fellow Americans.
I neither see nor hear American Moslems doing their duty to the nation and their fellow Americans.
12
I see Muslims every day doing their duty as citizens. Maybe you need to look harder.
Judging by the lack of any real action or condemnation of Islamic acts of terrorism across the globe my adherents of what , I see no reason to put 'Moderate Muslim' into a different ontological category than Santa Clause or the Easter Bunny. As Winston Churchill once wrote, Islam lays on its votaries "... the fanatical frenzy, which is as dangerous in a man as hydrophobia in a dog."
He also gave advice that our current 'Commander in Chief' would do well heed (despite his historical hated of Churchill),
"An appeaser is one who feeds the crocodile hoping it will eat him last." He also said: "Victory will never be found by taking the line of least resistance."
He also gave advice that our current 'Commander in Chief' would do well heed (despite his historical hated of Churchill),
"An appeaser is one who feeds the crocodile hoping it will eat him last." He also said: "Victory will never be found by taking the line of least resistance."
1
"The Islamic State has little to no support in most Muslim-majority countries, according to a Pew Research Center poll after the Paris attacks. Instead, with more than 60 countries aligned against it, [...]".
What is the source? A link would be welcome, if it exists (or the assertion should be corrected or at least qualified). I have only found this link http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/17/in-nations-with-signific...
which concerns just 11 countries, 10 of them Muslim (except if you count Israel as a Muslim country, which would be weird), and only 3 of them Arab, all very small (Lebanon, Palestinian Territories, Jordan). What about the 50 others?
What is the source? A link would be welcome, if it exists (or the assertion should be corrected or at least qualified). I have only found this link http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/17/in-nations-with-signific...
which concerns just 11 countries, 10 of them Muslim (except if you count Israel as a Muslim country, which would be weird), and only 3 of them Arab, all very small (Lebanon, Palestinian Territories, Jordan). What about the 50 others?
1
That source would really interesting.
When talking to my partners in Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan or even Indonesia, they all understand or even support the flight of IS for the true meaning of the Quran.
Even if IS has only a minority of supporters among such countries, these are enough to provide a never ending supply of followers, financiers and soldiers of IS.
And that does not even count on the many supporters of IS in Western countries.
When talking to my partners in Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan or even Indonesia, they all understand or even support the flight of IS for the true meaning of the Quran.
Even if IS has only a minority of supporters among such countries, these are enough to provide a never ending supply of followers, financiers and soldiers of IS.
And that does not even count on the many supporters of IS in Western countries.
Muslims are not and have never been the enemy unless they, in some cases, make themselves out to be our enemy.
Islam needs to be examined and understood better by non-Muslims
There are certain facts which cannot be denied.
The Koran contains 164 verses where jihad, Holy War, is mentioned.
It vilifies Christians, Jews and others who are termed infidels.
These infidels must pay a tax called jizya. Women are not equal to men. Homosexuals are subject to the death penalty for just existing.
No freedom of speech, religion, artistic expression, thought, press.
Women must cover themselves in public.
Non-Muslims are considered inferior, in shaariya, Muslim law, to Muslims and are termed dhimmis.
Islam means submission in Arabic. Muslim is one who submits.
It is common for Muslims to describe their faith as one of tolerance, peace and love.
Many non-Muslims, myself included, see very little tolerance, peace and love coming from our fellow Muslims.
If you want respect, then you will have to earn it.
Start by policing your own community.
Work to protect all of us from the extremists within your midst.
Until that truly happens, do not expect most non-Muslims to trust you or accept your religion as we do other religions.
Islam needs to be examined and understood better by non-Muslims
There are certain facts which cannot be denied.
The Koran contains 164 verses where jihad, Holy War, is mentioned.
It vilifies Christians, Jews and others who are termed infidels.
These infidels must pay a tax called jizya. Women are not equal to men. Homosexuals are subject to the death penalty for just existing.
No freedom of speech, religion, artistic expression, thought, press.
Women must cover themselves in public.
Non-Muslims are considered inferior, in shaariya, Muslim law, to Muslims and are termed dhimmis.
Islam means submission in Arabic. Muslim is one who submits.
It is common for Muslims to describe their faith as one of tolerance, peace and love.
Many non-Muslims, myself included, see very little tolerance, peace and love coming from our fellow Muslims.
If you want respect, then you will have to earn it.
Start by policing your own community.
Work to protect all of us from the extremists within your midst.
Until that truly happens, do not expect most non-Muslims to trust you or accept your religion as we do other religions.
23
@Simon-Interesting that you also essentially described the basic tenets expressed in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. As far as trusting religions, based on your bias, I certainly don't trust yours.
Actions will speak louder than words. If American Muslims want to be seen as patriotic, peaceloving, antiRadical then here are some things that could be done:
1. Of all the mosques in the US, surely at least one is led by a radical preacher. Denounce that preacher publicly, and help get him thrown into jail or out of the country. No such preacher, you say? You are lying to us.
2. Stop proclaiming that Islam is a religion of peace. Start openly admitting that Islam is sometimes a religion of war--both at the time of Mohammed, and today. You cannot admit and say that? Then you are lying to us.
3. Openly denounce female genital mutilation. You say that not only Muslims practice this, but others as well? Then you are making an excuse for the Muslims among you who are mutilating little girls.
4. Notify the FBI and local law enforcement any time a fellow Muslim says something that might--just might--indicate sympathy or support for ISIS, Al Quaeda, and other Islamic radical groups. You say you are doing this? Then why isn't anyone in law enforcement giving you any credit for doing so? Aren't you just lying to us?
Your inactions, American Muslims, are speaking volumes to us.
1. Of all the mosques in the US, surely at least one is led by a radical preacher. Denounce that preacher publicly, and help get him thrown into jail or out of the country. No such preacher, you say? You are lying to us.
2. Stop proclaiming that Islam is a religion of peace. Start openly admitting that Islam is sometimes a religion of war--both at the time of Mohammed, and today. You cannot admit and say that? Then you are lying to us.
3. Openly denounce female genital mutilation. You say that not only Muslims practice this, but others as well? Then you are making an excuse for the Muslims among you who are mutilating little girls.
4. Notify the FBI and local law enforcement any time a fellow Muslim says something that might--just might--indicate sympathy or support for ISIS, Al Quaeda, and other Islamic radical groups. You say you are doing this? Then why isn't anyone in law enforcement giving you any credit for doing so? Aren't you just lying to us?
Your inactions, American Muslims, are speaking volumes to us.
15
Stan-I assume you are willing to ask the same of Jews, Christians, etc. If not, your actions speak volumes to us.
Indeed, the goal of terrorism is not to kill people but to achieve political or ideological goals by creating fear. Indeed if this is orchestrated by ISIS (or any other merchant of terror) plausible goals are to i) create a rift between US Muslims and others thereby weakening US, ii) create a sense of helplessness as terrorism is virtually impossible to eliminate and iii) turn public opinion against intervention in Middle East by creating the perception that there is cost associated with it.
1
Fine. Most of understand that the large majority of Muslims are not Terrorists and present no threat whatsoever. But, I'm also tired of the pattern we've established - since 9/11 - of publicly wrapping our arms around Islam after every single Islamic-driven act of Terrorism . . . . and there have been many. In the end, I get to feeling that we're simply trying to love them so much that they won't kill us anymore - and that just isn't going to work. I saw a recent figure - and I forget the exact number now . . . . that indicated that perhaps 9 to 15% of European Muslims supported or were sympathetic to ISIS. That's a very large number. Now, it may be out of fear -- much like the US' strategy of assuring the world that we really love Islam -- but people tend to gravitate toward power, and to a lot of people, it might look like ISIS is pretty powerful.
37
Per a recent British poll 19% of the British Muslim respondents either supported or strongly supported Muslims who left Britain and joined the fight in Syria or Iraq. Maybe a few of those joined the Kurds, but most of them joined Daesh or Al Nusra. It is a frighteningly high number and it is not clear whether these type of percentages are characteristic only of British Muslims or widespread across Europe (or even in the US). Either way something has to be done about it and acknowledging, instead of denying, the problem is the first step of that.
When I checked online, I found that Newsweek reported that 15% of ALL French citizens, not of Muslims, sympathize with or are in support of Isis. That seems unbelievable, but please check it. Then again, what I read does not tell what questions they asked to establish that any person was sympathetic or not. I have heard that the questions were ambiguous.
I have recently returned from Austria, where I met scores of Muslim youth during my several week visit, and I must report that not one of them expressed any sympathies for terrorism in the name of Islam. Without exception, all were vehemently against violence by Muslims and felt anger, horror, and humiliation in response to acts of extremist violence done by those who claim to be Muslim. They loved living in Austrian and were proud of their citizenry or residence there. Perhaps that is not coincidental, given Austria's Edict of Tolerance, which condemns the vilification of or antagonism toward anyone. This edict followed the Holocaust, which Austrians apparently and admirably still mourn daily, as public spaces commemorate the victims to the extent that the site of each victim's home is memorialized.
I am a Muslim woman wearing a head scarf, and I must say that I felt safe there even after the heinous and horrific attacks in Paris. Not one person in Vienna was ever rude to me or told me to "go back home"--which I hear in the U.S. I greatly appreciate that most Austrians were very kind and polite toward me.
I have recently returned from Austria, where I met scores of Muslim youth during my several week visit, and I must report that not one of them expressed any sympathies for terrorism in the name of Islam. Without exception, all were vehemently against violence by Muslims and felt anger, horror, and humiliation in response to acts of extremist violence done by those who claim to be Muslim. They loved living in Austrian and were proud of their citizenry or residence there. Perhaps that is not coincidental, given Austria's Edict of Tolerance, which condemns the vilification of or antagonism toward anyone. This edict followed the Holocaust, which Austrians apparently and admirably still mourn daily, as public spaces commemorate the victims to the extent that the site of each victim's home is memorialized.
I am a Muslim woman wearing a head scarf, and I must say that I felt safe there even after the heinous and horrific attacks in Paris. Not one person in Vienna was ever rude to me or told me to "go back home"--which I hear in the U.S. I greatly appreciate that most Austrians were very kind and polite toward me.
18
You nailed it, my friend...
The militants of ISIS and Al Qaeda are not only thugs and murderers -- they are proven liars.
So why does anyone actually believe them when they claim to be waging their terrorist wars on behalf of Islam?
Think about it.
Meanwhile, I've just returned from Indonesia which has by far the world's largest Islamic population (an estimated 203 million adherents).
As Times readers know, Indonesian Muslim leaders have begun a vigorous public campaign to expose and denounce ISIS, et al, for not adhering to true Islam (see "From Indonesia, a Muslim Challenge to the Ideology of the Islamic State" by Joe Cochrane, 11/26/2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/27/world/asia/indonesia-islam-nahdlatul-u....
And I can personally report that Indonesian Muslims -- especially the student groups I encountered while touring historic sites -- were thrilled to meet an American. They frequently came up to engage me in friendly conversation and have their pictures taken with me.
So, frankly, don't be so downright stupid as to believe the terrorists when they claim to be fighting for Islam. Don't play into their monstrous self-justification.
These thugs don't speak for the millions of Muslims in Indonesia -- or in America.
So why does anyone actually believe them when they claim to be waging their terrorist wars on behalf of Islam?
Think about it.
Meanwhile, I've just returned from Indonesia which has by far the world's largest Islamic population (an estimated 203 million adherents).
As Times readers know, Indonesian Muslim leaders have begun a vigorous public campaign to expose and denounce ISIS, et al, for not adhering to true Islam (see "From Indonesia, a Muslim Challenge to the Ideology of the Islamic State" by Joe Cochrane, 11/26/2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/27/world/asia/indonesia-islam-nahdlatul-u....
And I can personally report that Indonesian Muslims -- especially the student groups I encountered while touring historic sites -- were thrilled to meet an American. They frequently came up to engage me in friendly conversation and have their pictures taken with me.
So, frankly, don't be so downright stupid as to believe the terrorists when they claim to be fighting for Islam. Don't play into their monstrous self-justification.
These thugs don't speak for the millions of Muslims in Indonesia -- or in America.
56
Huh? Why would any rational person refuse to believe what they say motivates them? Most (not all) of the terrorist acts in the world today are committed by people who are devout Muslims and who claim that they committed their crimes in the name of Islam. Who are you to define Islam for them? No one who is sane argues that all Muslims are terrorists, or terrorist supporters. But denying that Islam plays a significant role in motivating terrorists is not only ridiculous, it is suicidal.
The problem is they speak for millions of others world wide, what part of that don't you understand, Indonesians generally are moderate, even thos ethere record of dealing with terrorist's isn't flash. Death or life for smuggling grass but a few years for blowing up a nightclub and killing over a 100 people.
Is this the same Indonesia where it is illegal to try to convert people from Islam? And where Alexander An was sent to prison for 2 years in 2012 for "coming out" as an atheist ex-Muslim?
When I hear Islam is a "religion of peace and tolerance" I can't help but think "just not a lot".
When I hear Islam is a "religion of peace and tolerance" I can't help but think "just not a lot".
Generalization and hyphens add nothing to the assault in San Berdu yesterday, nor does connecting non-existant dots from SB to IS.
No muslim is hyphenated except in the US... and no one here seems to be able to explain the meaning behind the hyphen.. Is it for those born into a family of Christians or Jews or others who choose now Islam? Or is it children who are first generation 'American' born to naturalized or other parents who profess Islam?
As for the perpetrators, they are terrorists-whether or not they followed (a very corrupted version of) Islam if they in fact did. Islam prohibits actions reported from California. But where the motive to cause such carnage may never be known. To link them with any group is bone headed as there is no evidence to substantiate such allegations.
We as muslim yet again have to defend ourselves and our peaceful religion when others who commit equally horrendous acts but who are not muslim do not. Would someone care to explain why this is so?
As for the author, he writes for only one audience and about a handful of people out of a population at least 1.5 billion in the greater world. His muslims are not necessarily the entire population of muslims in the US nor in the rest of the world. If he and I crossed paths he would wrongfully place me in the wrong category because he has only one image in his head about us, when their are many.
With the Farooks now dead, justice can't be done nor can the truth be known.
No muslim is hyphenated except in the US... and no one here seems to be able to explain the meaning behind the hyphen.. Is it for those born into a family of Christians or Jews or others who choose now Islam? Or is it children who are first generation 'American' born to naturalized or other parents who profess Islam?
As for the perpetrators, they are terrorists-whether or not they followed (a very corrupted version of) Islam if they in fact did. Islam prohibits actions reported from California. But where the motive to cause such carnage may never be known. To link them with any group is bone headed as there is no evidence to substantiate such allegations.
We as muslim yet again have to defend ourselves and our peaceful religion when others who commit equally horrendous acts but who are not muslim do not. Would someone care to explain why this is so?
As for the author, he writes for only one audience and about a handful of people out of a population at least 1.5 billion in the greater world. His muslims are not necessarily the entire population of muslims in the US nor in the rest of the world. If he and I crossed paths he would wrongfully place me in the wrong category because he has only one image in his head about us, when their are many.
With the Farooks now dead, justice can't be done nor can the truth be known.
4
The truth about their motivation is coming out slowly and will be fully known and understood, and it is not "workplace violence". There has never been a "workplace violence" in history that I am aware of when the murderer brought his armed wife with him to help murdering more people. The Farooks are dead, so at one level justice has been done, although their accomplices still need to be found prosecuted and jailed.
Because there not doing it in the name of there religion, seriously, how hard is that to understand. When people continually murder people and quote a certain god or a religion for doing so, its time to admit that religion has a problem. If you have to ask that question then I seriously have to question your IQ and ability to recognise common sense.
I'm tired of the racism label applied to those worried over Muslim extremists. If this were at all accurate, Sunnis/Peshmerga would be lumped in with those seen as threats: THEY AREN'T.
Because it isn't a religion or a race people are against: it's an IDEOLOGY, like NAZISM/FASCISM. If American Muslims wanted to separate themselves from extremists, all they had to do was stand up against them from the start. Yet, only now, in the wake of Paris' & the SB atrocities, is any real effort being made. And by whom? A group The Washington Post reports the UAE deems terrorists (CAIR). Far too little, too late, and by the WRONG people.
If Muslims feel the heat of their own apathy, they have only themselves to blame. There have been many and repeated calls for Muslims, particularly Imams & other leaders, to take a stand against terrorist acts: these have been ignored. As far back as 2008 The Mapping Sharia in America Project, sponsored by the Washington-based Center for Security Policy, which has trained former counterintelligence and counterterrorism agents from FBI, CIA and U.S. military who are skilled in Arabic and Urdu to conduct undercover reconnaissance, found of 100 mosques, 75 should be on a watch list. Many Islamic centers were found to be operating under auspices of the Saudi Arabian govt and U.S. front groups for the Muslim Brotherhood (Egypt.) Muslims who've PROVEN themselves in law enforcement & early protest we appreciate & trust. All others: too late-and it's on YOU.
Because it isn't a religion or a race people are against: it's an IDEOLOGY, like NAZISM/FASCISM. If American Muslims wanted to separate themselves from extremists, all they had to do was stand up against them from the start. Yet, only now, in the wake of Paris' & the SB atrocities, is any real effort being made. And by whom? A group The Washington Post reports the UAE deems terrorists (CAIR). Far too little, too late, and by the WRONG people.
If Muslims feel the heat of their own apathy, they have only themselves to blame. There have been many and repeated calls for Muslims, particularly Imams & other leaders, to take a stand against terrorist acts: these have been ignored. As far back as 2008 The Mapping Sharia in America Project, sponsored by the Washington-based Center for Security Policy, which has trained former counterintelligence and counterterrorism agents from FBI, CIA and U.S. military who are skilled in Arabic and Urdu to conduct undercover reconnaissance, found of 100 mosques, 75 should be on a watch list. Many Islamic centers were found to be operating under auspices of the Saudi Arabian govt and U.S. front groups for the Muslim Brotherhood (Egypt.) Muslims who've PROVEN themselves in law enforcement & early protest we appreciate & trust. All others: too late-and it's on YOU.
7
From-Wiki
"The Center for Security Policy (CSP) is a national security think tank based in Washington, DC that has been widely accused of engaging in conspiracy theorizing by a range of individuals, media outlets and organizations. Its activities are focused on what it claims is a secret, global campaign to destroy western civilization."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_for_Security_Policy
"The Center for Security Policy (CSP) is a national security think tank based in Washington, DC that has been widely accused of engaging in conspiracy theorizing by a range of individuals, media outlets and organizations. Its activities are focused on what it claims is a secret, global campaign to destroy western civilization."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_for_Security_Policy
The writer of the op-ed may be sincere but some of the groups and individuals representing and associated with Islam in American are far from respectable. CAIR the Council of American Islamic Relations has been designated a terrorist group by the United Arab Emirates. Care joins ISIS, Al Aqeada and Boko Haram among others on the UAE terror list. Several Somali immigrants have either gone back to Somalia to fight for Islamic terror groups or have raised funds for Islamic terror groups. It is small comfort to me that 100 plots have been disrupted by people who should never have been admitted to this country. The reality is you could admit 10,000 non-Muslims of any religion have zero chance of those immigrants planting pressure cooker bombs or firing automatic weapons and planting bombs at a disability center. How do I know that because there are no reports of Hindus or Buddhists or Amish or Jews planting bombs at sporting events, shooting up cafes in Paris or flying planes into buildings in either Europe or the US. The only immigrants committing these atrocities are associated with Islam. Many proudly proclaim they are killing non Muslims in the name of Islam.That is the reality.
12
I find it disheartening when hundreds of millions of Muslims want sharia law for everyone, the death penalty for apostasy, or the stoning of people who commit adultery (according to a Pew survey). There is something fundamentally wrong when huge swaths of people support bronze age morality. This is 2015, people! Religion is 300 years past its expiration date so wake up and smell the reality. That 6 month old baby you just abandoned will not be joining you in the afterlife so don't waste your precious time on this Earth murdering other people. Be civilized.
6
I appreciate that Mr. Hussein Mullick assists in the military fight against terror, denounces the shooters, and denounces Islamophobia. I also get that a large majority of American Muslims worry about Islamic extremism and oppose it. That's all good and well when the West is facing an existential crisis brought about by Islamic (yes, Islamic) fanatics and nihilists. But it's not enough.
How about being a little less defensive and reactive and a little more proactive? Mr. Hussein Mullick cites Minneapolis law enforcement as having worked with the Muslim community to develop trust. How about Muslim leaders actively seeking out law enforcement to develop trust? How about Muslim leaders actively and loudly embarking on well-designed programs, within their mosques, to counter fanaticism and extremism? How about Muslim leaders publicizing such efforts in the mainstream press?
This war will not be won by military efforts, the absurd US social media campaign ("think again!"), disrupting the financial flow to ISIS, or ever greater security measures at ever greater cost to civil liberties. There must also be a powerful effort within the Muslim community to embark on its own project of countering the extremists, and the temptation of extremism, that is such a compelling force within those very mosques and communities.
So far, and like many Americans I follow this stuff with morbid curiosity, there has been precious little along these lines offered up by Muslim leaders.
How about being a little less defensive and reactive and a little more proactive? Mr. Hussein Mullick cites Minneapolis law enforcement as having worked with the Muslim community to develop trust. How about Muslim leaders actively seeking out law enforcement to develop trust? How about Muslim leaders actively and loudly embarking on well-designed programs, within their mosques, to counter fanaticism and extremism? How about Muslim leaders publicizing such efforts in the mainstream press?
This war will not be won by military efforts, the absurd US social media campaign ("think again!"), disrupting the financial flow to ISIS, or ever greater security measures at ever greater cost to civil liberties. There must also be a powerful effort within the Muslim community to embark on its own project of countering the extremists, and the temptation of extremism, that is such a compelling force within those very mosques and communities.
So far, and like many Americans I follow this stuff with morbid curiosity, there has been precious little along these lines offered up by Muslim leaders.
8
Saudi Arabia has a big financial and cultural stake in spreading a very corrupt version of Islam, and have been doing so for decades. First, it was moving the educational system of the Levant and North Africa from french and English into Arabic making a big mess of it, and which sent generations of youth into a state of confusion and stunt their progress. Second, their financial stake is to keep Muslims as conservative as possible so they can continue to be very loyal clients to the holy land business through annual pilgrimage, which many do over and over again. They have infiltrated Muslims throughout the world with their TV programs where clerics instill fear about God the almighty, and warn about being cozy and friendly with the west who are depicted as enemies of God. These clerics and other mouth pieces have used the internet to also reach US citizens and this should be taken as a cyber warfare threat and be dealt with accordingly. The struggle is not with Islam, but with its hijackers and it is a cultural one. Muslims including their governments all over the world must do their part or lose their sovereignty and pride to the radicals supported by the Saudis.
3
Muslims should be disturbed if not outraged that the most holy place in their religion is under the control of and administered by a government they would not want their wives to live under (to name one thing among many). It should really be a bigger deal to them than the current status of Jerusalem, another holy place. An organized boycott of the haj until certain liberalizations took place would impress on the Saudis that in the eyes of the rest of the Muslim world they are not the exemplary Muslims they think themselves to be.
1
Since the Muslims living in India, Indonesia, Malaysia or even Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan don't generally share the Islamic State concerns it's main recruiting ground remains the Western countries. If the West goes schzophrenic about the Muslims and fails to differentiate the small fringe of the Islamist extremists from the larger sections of the common Muslims, and thereby alienates them from the mainstream, it would be playing into the game of the Islamic State that simply wants to ignite such faultlines in the multicultural democratic societies. The West, and for that matter, the world community has to learn and recognise that neither Islam nor the Muslim community are the same as being propagated and championed by the Islamist fanatics. Finally, instead of the international military alliances, there's need for the global alliance of democracies and liberal societies against the Islamist terror monster. The Twentieth century wars are to be fought and won through diplomacy and mass education, and not through the medievalist mindset and wars.
2
If I wasn't an atheist with agnostic leanings I would definitely support this cause. On a larger scale (a few thousand divided by 1.6 billion), I think it is important to note that the Iranian/Shia affiliations have not imported the same degree of reactionary fundamentalism from that Emirate which Shall Not Be Named. I don't know how these guns end up doing so much damage. Apparently, the second amendment did not have the future of civilization in mind, nor the blood thirsty Guided Assault Rifle Party that has no issue with politicizing tragedy and thereby setting off a chain reaction.
1
An atheist with agnostic leanings? That's a contradiction. Analogous to saying, "There is no magic ... unless there is."
RIght wing and self-labeled (but not actual) Christians engage in 9 times more terrorism than self-labeled (but not actual) Muslims in the US.
Time to get a grip. The problem is intolerance.
Of course Muslims are frightened. They should be. Just read the reactions to this column.
Time to get a grip. The problem is intolerance.
Of course Muslims are frightened. They should be. Just read the reactions to this column.
15
Liar, liar, liar! There has not been Christian terrorism in the US
Yep we are intolerant of murderers flying planes full of people into tall buildings; intolerant of suicide bombers who target places of worship; intolerant of beheadings and mass kidnapping and rape. Yep it's the readers here who lack tolerance.
Please support your claim re. "right-wing" and "Christians."
Nine times more terrorism, even if your premise is supported by fact? But don't we have at least 50 times as many people in the groups you disparage as we have Muslims.
Nine times more terrorism, even if your premise is supported by fact? But don't we have at least 50 times as many people in the groups you disparage as we have Muslims.
WE must DEMAND separation of church and state at all levels of society in America. WE must not allow OUR country to devolve into an angry, hateful, fearful radical christian society. There are powerful, wealthy money masters who would love to keep us fighting against each other and who want constant world chaos to keep we peons in line while they take over OUR governments, steal OUR hard-earned taxpayer money, run OUR lives and kill OUR children in their power wars. WE must stop them. NOW! Every Vote Counts.
13
The only way extremist Muslims will be defeated is when the millions of their non-extremist fellow Muslims mount a campaign to correct and contradict the Jihadists' radical interpretation of the Koran and the teachings of Muhammed. As long as Jihadists believe unwaveringly that theirs is the only true interpretation of Islam, they will go on. They will not listen to us infidels, but they will listen to other Muslims and if the vast majority of Muslims openly negate the extremists' beliefs, the extremists may begin to question their convictions.
33
We have countries like Malaysia--supposedly a moderate, modern Islamic state still denying the Holocaust. We don't hear much from large Islamic countries like Indonesia about ISIS. Saudi Arabia is our ally yet finances schools advocating a very anti-western form of Islam. We should not descend into Islamophobia but there is good reason to be guarded, wary and cautious.
39
Saudi is our mortal enemy, not our ally. Same with Turkey and Pakistan.
Malaysia? You're now picking a fight with Malaysia? We're in deep trouble....
How many Americans know that Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world and India is second or third largest depending on who is counting?
According to all reports that show number of foreign fighters in ISIS from various countries, there are NO fighters - or close to zero - from these two countries!
Though this is NOT to suggest that there has been NO Jihadist violence there. There certainly is. However, relatively speaking such occurrences have been very few and in many cases executed by foreign elements (2008 Mumbai attacks for example).
What are they doing different?
According to all reports that show number of foreign fighters in ISIS from various countries, there are NO fighters - or close to zero - from these two countries!
Though this is NOT to suggest that there has been NO Jihadist violence there. There certainly is. However, relatively speaking such occurrences have been very few and in many cases executed by foreign elements (2008 Mumbai attacks for example).
What are they doing different?
Human behavior is predictable enough that you can assume that the alienation of an entire religion, or any kind of group for that matter, will end poorly. History has proved this time and again, from the Serbian revolt against the Byzantine Empire in 1035 to the protests in Ferguson just last year - stigmatized and alienated groups have always revolted.
Bits of the Islamic faith are spoon-fed by American media and our country gobbles it up. There are violent passages in the Quran, but there are violent passages in all religious texts. The Quran, Bible, Torah, etc., were all written in a more archaic time period, for a different society. If the only bits of Christianity (a religion widely regarded as peaceful) we knew about were the anti-Gay, anti-woman, pro-slavery, violent verses, we'd have an entirely different opinion on the religion as a whole.
Christians are not all viewed to be equal to Christian terrorist or extremist groups. If you wouldn't shame or alienate a Christian churchgoer for the wrongdoings of the KKK, you shouldn't shame or alienate a Muslim follower for the wrongdoings of the Islamic State group.
Everyone has a different interpretation of their own religion, and the point the author was trying to make is that alienating specific groups of people for the wrongdoings of a few extremists will only result in more terrorists or Islamic extremists out of spite for this country, due to the way they've been treated and regarded by US citizens.
Bits of the Islamic faith are spoon-fed by American media and our country gobbles it up. There are violent passages in the Quran, but there are violent passages in all religious texts. The Quran, Bible, Torah, etc., were all written in a more archaic time period, for a different society. If the only bits of Christianity (a religion widely regarded as peaceful) we knew about were the anti-Gay, anti-woman, pro-slavery, violent verses, we'd have an entirely different opinion on the religion as a whole.
Christians are not all viewed to be equal to Christian terrorist or extremist groups. If you wouldn't shame or alienate a Christian churchgoer for the wrongdoings of the KKK, you shouldn't shame or alienate a Muslim follower for the wrongdoings of the Islamic State group.
Everyone has a different interpretation of their own religion, and the point the author was trying to make is that alienating specific groups of people for the wrongdoings of a few extremists will only result in more terrorists or Islamic extremists out of spite for this country, due to the way they've been treated and regarded by US citizens.
11
True, the Bible (particularly the Old Testament) is, in part, a truly hateful screed, but terrorists are not currently invoking Deuteronomy while raping, enslaving and chopping off heads. Rather, they are quoting the Qu'ran and Hadith. And most thoughtful Westerners are not blaming "Muslims" for the infamy of Islamic ideology. Rather, we are blaming Islam itself, and begging Muslims around the world to disavow the vile ideology that is presently inspiring terrorism and barbarism.
Please quote the violent verses of the New Testament. Jesus said "resist not evil." He told his followers not to act violently even in self-defense. He rebuked Peter for attacked the Centurian that came to arrest him and then healed the Centurian. He said to forgive sinners and not to judge anyone in this life. He did make it clear that God would judge people in the afterlife but that was clearly to be left entirely to God. No -- sorry -- St. Paul saying that those who engage in homosexual behavior will not go to heaven does not cut it.
Here's the difference -- Christians have often been violent IN SPITE of the clear and utterly consistent teaching of the New Testament against all violence. Muslims have often been peaceful IN SPITE of the over 100 verses in the Koran urging violence against infidels. On the other hand, there are Christians who take Jesus's teaching literally and are total pacifists (Mennonites, Quakers, others). And there are Muslims who take Mohammed's teachings on jihad literally and are terrorists.
Here's the difference -- Christians have often been violent IN SPITE of the clear and utterly consistent teaching of the New Testament against all violence. Muslims have often been peaceful IN SPITE of the over 100 verses in the Koran urging violence against infidels. On the other hand, there are Christians who take Jesus's teaching literally and are total pacifists (Mennonites, Quakers, others). And there are Muslims who take Mohammed's teachings on jihad literally and are terrorists.
1
We dont want to alienate or hurt these murdering muslims feelings. We want to exterminate them.
There is much good thinking and reasoning in this commentary. Let us NOT give our country away to fear...........
12
Don’t worry, Mr. Mullick, as long as there are people who want to use an incident like San Bernardino to bash “Islam,” there will be people like me who would never do that. As we see, there are too many lone wolves out there to protect anyone against isolated attacks, but there are enough of us in this country to block anything like establishing a registry or closing mosques, no matter how strenuously extremists might argue for such things. Violent extremists are tiny minorities on both "sides" of this, and while they enjoy more general support than they deserve, including vocal support, we are the majority and we will stick together.
62
This is exactly the mentality which has prevented Islam from reform. If Muslims still think that Islam doesn't need reform then they will continue enabling these acts of terror around the world. That there are some pieces of controversial text in the Holy Koran that these extremists use to justify their heinous acts is not a matter of speculation. Regardless of the fact that those pieces of text maybe from another era, have specific context or background or some suitable explanation. It doesn't matter. The fact of the matter is that these pieces of controversial texts are being used to justify terror.
Now either the majority of the peace loving Muslims can carry on with the same denial and dissociation of Islam from terror or they can take much more positive steps like starting a dialog to update the Holy Koran. Purge the book by editing or removing these pieces of controversial texts. Remove the only justification these maniacs use to sully a largely peaceful group of people. Unless peace loving Muslims around the world step and take concrete steps to reform the religion. Many might say that similar texts in other religious books. But does that argument help in any way? Which other religious texts are being cited for mass murder around the world?
It is now or never. If the majority of peace loving Muslims quit giving useless sound bytes in news conferences and take concrete action, the world will turn around for a better future. Till then wait for the next attack.
Now either the majority of the peace loving Muslims can carry on with the same denial and dissociation of Islam from terror or they can take much more positive steps like starting a dialog to update the Holy Koran. Purge the book by editing or removing these pieces of controversial texts. Remove the only justification these maniacs use to sully a largely peaceful group of people. Unless peace loving Muslims around the world step and take concrete steps to reform the religion. Many might say that similar texts in other religious books. But does that argument help in any way? Which other religious texts are being cited for mass murder around the world?
It is now or never. If the majority of peace loving Muslims quit giving useless sound bytes in news conferences and take concrete action, the world will turn around for a better future. Till then wait for the next attack.
18
Now or never? really? you are telling another faith that it is now or never? Step back and savor that and ask yourself about your own faith
Reformation of the religion is absolutely the key. The passive or defensive approach is not changing the impact the extremists are having-they can still compel people to believe their ideology based on quotes from scripture.
Saudi Arabia’s government promotes a radical, intolerant form of Islam known as Wahhabism. This jihadist ideology is spread through state-sanctioned mosques and madrassas. In order for the Saudi royal family to stay in power it must appease the ultra-conservative Wahhabi religious establishment.
Each of the presidential candidates should explain what they intend to do about this situation.
Each of the presidential candidates should explain what they intend to do about this situation.
32
The photo accompanying this article showing Hussam Ayloush comforting a member of the terrorists family instead of any member of a victim's family tells you everything you need to know about the mindset and true sympathies of the Council of American Islamic Relations. This sort of warped thinking is the real problem confronting American Muslims today, not "Islamophobia".
39
The insistence that terrorist's family didn't know rings false to any intelligent person, whether the terrorists are Muslim or Christian.
So you want the Islamic organization to go to the houses of the victims and comfort their families?
Is that really the ONLY thing Mr. Ayloush did yesterday? I doubt a victim's family member would want anyone comforting them immediately after the shooting except other family and friends. One photo is not worth a thousand words in this case and does not say everything.
the only victor here is the same one in every mass shooting: the gun manufacturers.
6
I agree with the essence of what Haider says in his column. However, to cite a Pew Poll saying ISIS has little or no support in most Muslim-majority countries is a bit ridiculous.
Let's be realistic here: how many ISIS sympathizers are likely to respond to a Pew poll? How many even have the opportunity to respond? Just another example that those who believe in these kinds of polls are hopelessly credulous.
I do agree that the great majority of Muslims in America abhor these kinds of senseless acts of hatred and violence. And I would like to agree that nothing in the Islamic religion supports or justifies such vicious and ruthless behavior.
However, we need to keep in mind that, rightly or wrongly, Muslim terrorists repeatedly cite the tenets of Islam to justify their acts. This makes it incumbent on the rest of the Islamic community around the world to loudly, emphatically, and continuously condemn terrorism. We don't hear enough of that from the Muslim community.
Let's be realistic here: how many ISIS sympathizers are likely to respond to a Pew poll? How many even have the opportunity to respond? Just another example that those who believe in these kinds of polls are hopelessly credulous.
I do agree that the great majority of Muslims in America abhor these kinds of senseless acts of hatred and violence. And I would like to agree that nothing in the Islamic religion supports or justifies such vicious and ruthless behavior.
However, we need to keep in mind that, rightly or wrongly, Muslim terrorists repeatedly cite the tenets of Islam to justify their acts. This makes it incumbent on the rest of the Islamic community around the world to loudly, emphatically, and continuously condemn terrorism. We don't hear enough of that from the Muslim community.
16
No, the Pew poll ( I can't link to it on my phone, but look it up) shows something near 20 percent of Muslims approve of Jihad. It was very disheartening. Only a fool would feel good about 80% of Muslims being against jihad.....
1
The way French and British Muslims have been the best defense against extremism in their respective countries?
Did you write any deeply troubled articles about the rising vitriol against Jews in Europe that is being driven by Muslim hatred of Israel? Where were you when Jewish shops were attacked by Muslim youth in Sarcelles in summer 2014? Where were your "deeply troubled" comments when the Rotherham (and Oxford, Doncaster, Rochdale, Bradford, etc.) grooming gang stories broke in the UK and the extent of attempts to sweep it under the rug came out? Or when Swedish schools had to stop bringing in the few Holocaust survivors left in the area because Muslim students abused them so horribly, or about rising levels of violence against Jews in Malmo, Sweden?
Where were your deeply troubled comments when a French Muslim last year tried to get France's ban on the burqa overturned by the European Court of Human Rights, all the while insisting she was a "true French patriot" (except for wanting to undermine her country's deeply held, defining attachment to secularism) so she could "feel at peace with my religion once in awhile" (no one bought that story, including the ECHR)?
Islam has a problem.
In point of fact, the "anti-Muslim" vitriol in this country has been remarkably tame until a political campaign and the Paris massacre gave a few opportunistic politicians an opening.
Even in the wake of 9/11, mass violence against American Muslims simply did not occur.
Did you write any deeply troubled articles about the rising vitriol against Jews in Europe that is being driven by Muslim hatred of Israel? Where were you when Jewish shops were attacked by Muslim youth in Sarcelles in summer 2014? Where were your "deeply troubled" comments when the Rotherham (and Oxford, Doncaster, Rochdale, Bradford, etc.) grooming gang stories broke in the UK and the extent of attempts to sweep it under the rug came out? Or when Swedish schools had to stop bringing in the few Holocaust survivors left in the area because Muslim students abused them so horribly, or about rising levels of violence against Jews in Malmo, Sweden?
Where were your deeply troubled comments when a French Muslim last year tried to get France's ban on the burqa overturned by the European Court of Human Rights, all the while insisting she was a "true French patriot" (except for wanting to undermine her country's deeply held, defining attachment to secularism) so she could "feel at peace with my religion once in awhile" (no one bought that story, including the ECHR)?
Islam has a problem.
In point of fact, the "anti-Muslim" vitriol in this country has been remarkably tame until a political campaign and the Paris massacre gave a few opportunistic politicians an opening.
Even in the wake of 9/11, mass violence against American Muslims simply did not occur.
41
Good points.
1
Well said........so well said that it should have been a NYT Pick.
1
I'm glad to read this heartfelt and rational column--especially as there is really no other way for America than to embrace the vigor of our pluralism.
Even so, what I really wish I were reading is Mr. Mullick calling a Muslim march against ISIS in Washington, D.C. A million Muslims, coming from all over America to march in Washington, carrying placards strongly condemning ISIS and proclaiming their passion for America and its Constitution, would do far more in the war against both Islamic fanatics and Islamophobia than yet another column about how most American Muslims hate ISIS.
Visuals count, and huge demonstrations make for marvelous visuals.
Even so, what I really wish I were reading is Mr. Mullick calling a Muslim march against ISIS in Washington, D.C. A million Muslims, coming from all over America to march in Washington, carrying placards strongly condemning ISIS and proclaiming their passion for America and its Constitution, would do far more in the war against both Islamic fanatics and Islamophobia than yet another column about how most American Muslims hate ISIS.
Visuals count, and huge demonstrations make for marvelous visuals.
8
He writes, "In America we don't pick or reject a state religion." This is flat-out incorrect. In the US, we reject a state religion. I am dismayed that someone who teaches anti-terrorism at the Naval War College refuses to accept, or does not grasp, this basic tenet of US constitutional law.
35
Wow, we are paying for this man to teach our military? He needs a bit of training on how the Constituion works!
So where exactly do you find the clause that says the separation of church and state?
You don't need to depend on those with an vested interest or on the public authorities to make an informed decision about what is going on. Simply READ. Read the universally recognized orthodox texts. Each text is written for the most simple comprehension level. Very quick and easy reading. The orthodox texts are analogous to any membership handbook. Read the handbook, know what is expected of members. Know for yourself the facts of the matter at hand.
Honestly there is not that much to read, either. There are only four universally orthodox books or texts. Two orthodox books of sayings, called Hadith; the Hadith of Buhkari and the Hadith of Abu Muslim. One othrodox biography, called a Sira; the Sira of Ishaq. And, one book of the reported word of God himself; the Quran.
Make your own decision after reading. You won't be a convert simply from reading the handbook ... but you will know the facts. Translations are available online. Or, read a summary of the orthodox texts. Where ever you get them, just read the orthodox texts yourself, people. Then decide.
Honestly there is not that much to read, either. There are only four universally orthodox books or texts. Two orthodox books of sayings, called Hadith; the Hadith of Buhkari and the Hadith of Abu Muslim. One othrodox biography, called a Sira; the Sira of Ishaq. And, one book of the reported word of God himself; the Quran.
Make your own decision after reading. You won't be a convert simply from reading the handbook ... but you will know the facts. Translations are available online. Or, read a summary of the orthodox texts. Where ever you get them, just read the orthodox texts yourself, people. Then decide.
2
It would help if news outlets could try to keep a lid on what I call "tmc" (too much coverage). Even the local affiliates now send reporters to these events (both Paris and San Bernardino for NY stations) although some don't seem to know where they're going. (One NBC New York reporter twice last night referred to San Bernardino as being in Northern California.) But terror terror all the time draws viewers (and hence advertisers) no matter how factually incorrect.
There was a lot of domestic terrorism in the US in the 1970s. In NYC, the FALN (Puerto Rican nationalist group), the JDL (Jewish Defense League) and a Croatian separatist group whose name I forget, among others, were responsible for many bombimgs, bomb scares, hijackings, deaths and injuries. Then there was the never-solved bombing at the TWA terminal at LGA at Xmas 1975 that killed around a dozen and injured nearly 100. It could be scary, but people dealt with it and I don't recall anyone suggesting we crack down on Puerto Ricans, Jews or Croatians (although the perpetrators of various acts were vigorously pursued and prosecuted). In my view one big reason for the difference from now is we didn't have CNN, FOx News, et al constantly trying to stir things up and bringing in "experts" to pontificate ad infinitum, and far less local station coverage, presumably because their equipment was much bulkier and expensive to cart around then.
There was a lot of domestic terrorism in the US in the 1970s. In NYC, the FALN (Puerto Rican nationalist group), the JDL (Jewish Defense League) and a Croatian separatist group whose name I forget, among others, were responsible for many bombimgs, bomb scares, hijackings, deaths and injuries. Then there was the never-solved bombing at the TWA terminal at LGA at Xmas 1975 that killed around a dozen and injured nearly 100. It could be scary, but people dealt with it and I don't recall anyone suggesting we crack down on Puerto Ricans, Jews or Croatians (although the perpetrators of various acts were vigorously pursued and prosecuted). In my view one big reason for the difference from now is we didn't have CNN, FOx News, et al constantly trying to stir things up and bringing in "experts" to pontificate ad infinitum, and far less local station coverage, presumably because their equipment was much bulkier and expensive to cart around then.
7
No, the Left was sympathetic to the FALN at the time and still is: Clinton pardoned the bombers as part of his disgraceful round of pardons on his last day in office. That was done to curry favor with the Puerto Rican voters in NY where Hillary was running for the Senate. Reason number 487 to vote against Hillary....
Wow. I guess just like the nra saying it's never the guns, the times is going to say, it's never Islam. I think the average American is getting past that pc way of thinking at this point.
20
Thank you, Ms. Mullick, & NYT. This is an important perspective (actually, reality) which more Americans desperately need to understand. For your 13-month-old, my four 23-33-year olds, & America's other children.
5
I would like to hear from the author a definition for and explanation of the apparent phenomenon of "at-risk Muslim youth" in the U.S. Is there such a thing as "at-risk Christian youth" in the U.S.? "At-risk Jewish youth" or "at-risk Buddhist youth"? I am no fan of organized religion in any form, but it seems that if there really is such a thing as "at-risk Muslim youth" in the U.S., that by itself indicates that there is indeed at least one aspect of Islam that has the potential to result in a danger (among many other dangers) to U.S. society.
23
We need more Muslims to speak up more in this way. We need them to condemn the terrorist actions loudly and repeatedly. So that haters cannot suggest they do otherwise. Muslim communities need to collaborate even more than they do already with law enforcement to root out the extremists and they should do so conspicuously so all of America knows it. So that haters cannot deny that they are doing so. This is a battle that can be won and must be won.
4
This one is deeply distressing. If continued in similar vein, even after such horrific massacres, there is little hope of any progress on ISIS or terrorism. So I wish Mr.Mullick had taken a different approach.
I am an Islamophobe.
I do not hate Muslims, I do not fear Muslims. And I do not hate Islam. I fear Islam. I am terrified of Islam. In my book, phobia is fear, not hatred. My fear is rational. Yes, I could be accurately described an Islamophobe.
So I think Mr.Mullick is wrong to make this about Muslims. Reality, it is about Islam, not about Muslims.
We, the rest of the world, we are offered a number of narratives on the issue of ISIS and Islam and Terrorism. A vast number of narratives, causes and effect. WaPost had one where we are asked to be "nicer to Muslims, or else...". Then there was one where it was Climate Change thats done it. Not far behind, again WaPost, "it was lack of opportunities and poverty". Finally, Tom Friedman on these very pages yesterday encapsulated it thus : We provide the young ones power, jobs and girls (I kid you not).
No, this is not about Muslims, this is about Islam. Here a clue, via Andrew Brown, writing in The Guardian of UK (Feb 14): The first is whether the fundamentalists are right about the nature of Islam. The answer is surely that it doesn't matter. What matters is to persuade Muslims, and those who hate them, that the fundamentalists are wrong.
We need, in all candor, a politically incorrect discussion on Islam.
I am an Islamophobe.
I do not hate Muslims, I do not fear Muslims. And I do not hate Islam. I fear Islam. I am terrified of Islam. In my book, phobia is fear, not hatred. My fear is rational. Yes, I could be accurately described an Islamophobe.
So I think Mr.Mullick is wrong to make this about Muslims. Reality, it is about Islam, not about Muslims.
We, the rest of the world, we are offered a number of narratives on the issue of ISIS and Islam and Terrorism. A vast number of narratives, causes and effect. WaPost had one where we are asked to be "nicer to Muslims, or else...". Then there was one where it was Climate Change thats done it. Not far behind, again WaPost, "it was lack of opportunities and poverty". Finally, Tom Friedman on these very pages yesterday encapsulated it thus : We provide the young ones power, jobs and girls (I kid you not).
No, this is not about Muslims, this is about Islam. Here a clue, via Andrew Brown, writing in The Guardian of UK (Feb 14): The first is whether the fundamentalists are right about the nature of Islam. The answer is surely that it doesn't matter. What matters is to persuade Muslims, and those who hate them, that the fundamentalists are wrong.
We need, in all candor, a politically incorrect discussion on Islam.
21
If your fear is rational, you are NOT AN Islamophobe!
I understand the writer's sentiments. And I can sympathize with the problem he is facing. Certainly there will be much blind anger expressed against the American Muslims. However, that in itself doesn't remove the question mark from Islam's compatibility with modern civilization. Both issues can be true at the same time. We don't split Scientology into "radical" and "moderate" scientologists. We rightfully identify the entire religion as flawed due to it's basic core principles and the words and deeds it's followers tend to exhibit I fear that we may have a similar problem with Islam.
15
I fully support and appreciate what you say, and feel for you and the huge number of Muslims in your predicament, left to defend and explain Islam - but - until Muslims can feel about Jews and Israelis the same outrage when terrorist killings occur, I cannot be entirely with you, because you are not entirely with me.
19
I'm sorry but if you are mixed up with the US military in any capacity you are a big part of the reason that ISIS exists, thanks to America's obliteration of Iraq and massacre of hundreds of thousands of people.
3
look at all the recent pew polls from the arab/muslim world. there is significant support of terror, killing those who leave the religion and killing LGBT types. the pew polls show that support for terrorism which we are always told is minuscule, is in fact vastly more significant than some would have us believe. So much for islamic tolerance.
It is not unreasonable to be concerned about a group which has for decades attacked us and other westerners with no show of remorse.
one last thing:
to Nick Metrowsky. before the war German Bundt groups met all over the nation and right in madison square garden. we should have locked them up.
It is not unreasonable to be concerned about a group which has for decades attacked us and other westerners with no show of remorse.
one last thing:
to Nick Metrowsky. before the war German Bundt groups met all over the nation and right in madison square garden. we should have locked them up.
9
So now, after this latest attack, which seems likely to be primarily terrorism related, the number of people killed by Islamic extremists in America since 9/11 is 45 (with about 2x that injured - you cannot forget them). It is worth keeping those numbers in mind, but you cannot pretend that the 2,977 victims of 9/11 don't exist. The attacks on America did not start after 9/11.
It's worth nothing that not included in those numbers though are a large number of killings related to Muslim on Muslim violence in America, including honor killings of daughters by their fathers or brothers. Include those numbers and your count of 45 goes up SIGNIFICANTLY.
While I agree that the solution to this problem will not be solved by registering Muslims, closing mosques, etc., SOMETHING must be done. No other religion preaches that it's followers should be free to kill in the name of God if they so believe that others are offending him. This is a purely Muslim belief and it is not compatible with life in a Western democracy. The mosques and imams in the US that preach this insanity need to be deported or imprisoned. Because no other religion is such a threat to non-believers in America. I know of no Baptist extremists who believe they should be allowed kill Americans (or anyone else) because they are 'infidels'. Until the Islamic community fixes this root cause, the US is fully within it's rights to not accept further Islamic refugees, and frankly should not.
It's worth nothing that not included in those numbers though are a large number of killings related to Muslim on Muslim violence in America, including honor killings of daughters by their fathers or brothers. Include those numbers and your count of 45 goes up SIGNIFICANTLY.
While I agree that the solution to this problem will not be solved by registering Muslims, closing mosques, etc., SOMETHING must be done. No other religion preaches that it's followers should be free to kill in the name of God if they so believe that others are offending him. This is a purely Muslim belief and it is not compatible with life in a Western democracy. The mosques and imams in the US that preach this insanity need to be deported or imprisoned. Because no other religion is such a threat to non-believers in America. I know of no Baptist extremists who believe they should be allowed kill Americans (or anyone else) because they are 'infidels'. Until the Islamic community fixes this root cause, the US is fully within it's rights to not accept further Islamic refugees, and frankly should not.
20
What worries me is the apparent political power of those most likely to turn on Muslim Americans. They tend to be the same people who dismiss the conclusion reached by the scientific community that man is a primary contributor to climate change. They tend to be among those who believe the NRA's sales slogan that more guns make us safer. They are often among those who are convinced that government is the enemy and that our nation is better off with a weak, feckless government, which allows corporate entities to exert more influence over our lives than we ever dreamed possible. They number among those who, not too long ago, argued that cigarettes do not cause cancer.
This country has lost its way in many respects, and the rational majority seems stymied at coming up with effective ways to regain proper control over our government, and thus our nation's fate.
We need to push back against the emotionally driven extremists that hate government and want to drive this country over the cliff. If we don't, Muslim Americans won't be the only ones feeling threatened.
This country has lost its way in many respects, and the rational majority seems stymied at coming up with effective ways to regain proper control over our government, and thus our nation's fate.
We need to push back against the emotionally driven extremists that hate government and want to drive this country over the cliff. If we don't, Muslim Americans won't be the only ones feeling threatened.
3
It is rational (i.e., not a "phobia") for Americans to fear violence committed by Muslims in the name of Islam.
21
To this person, Mullick, and CAIR: You are responsible for your religion. Speak out and do what you can to stop the religious madness. And admit it is driven by Islam. Not all, probably less than 5% or 10% but it is Islam. Only you can stop it. If Christians were slaughtering and beheading, you can bet the United States (after Obama leaves) would step in...
http://www.periodictablet.com
http://www.periodictablet.com
11
You are the best solution. But you need to chose to solve it. Every mosque needs to have anti-extremism classes. You need to report any of your people that start talking crazy. and you need to understand that to root them out, you will ave to give up some liberties, like the rest of us have had to do.
13
A christian terrorist attack on Planned Parenthood yesterday, a muslim attack on a social services center today. Dogmatic and extremist religious thinking is a big part of the problem. A big part of the solution is scientific progress and secular pluralism. It is time to call out religion for what it is . . . dangerous magical thinking.
6
Why do you claim that the PP attack was Christian?
This is an important lesson for the Latino community. If you want the elite media, including the NY Times, to come to your defense and treat you with utmost respect, you have to make them scared of you first.
9
The author appears to have more credibility and expertise than all of the "yes, but..." commenters combined. Yes, but don't be so stuck in your subjective opinion of Muslims that you are dismissing his point. As a matter of fact, you are the subject of his point.
1
Unfortunately the facts world wide do not support case the writer is making. Muslims in every society they're a minority are a source of problems.
This issue will never be resolved by Muslims themselves.
The real question for plural societies is: What do we do about this?
No easy answers.
This issue will never be resolved by Muslims themselves.
The real question for plural societies is: What do we do about this?
No easy answers.
11
I have an answer. Not an easy one.
1
Most Americans understand and accept that American Muslims are as horrified as anyone that such things take place. But when a country accepts them and provides opportunities to experience education, pluralism and freedom no matter their sex, religion or politics, whether it's in Paris or here, it is difficult for many of us to understand why they make the choice to kill.
6
@ Amy D.
'...Most Americans understand and accept that American Muslims are as horrified as anyone that such things take place...'
How do we know this? By their words?
Or by this a photo of the writer comforting the family of the terrorists, as if they were the actual victims? And the article that is saying the same thing, that Muslims are really the victims, as if Americans are killing Muslims on the streets?
'...Most Americans understand and accept that American Muslims are as horrified as anyone that such things take place...'
How do we know this? By their words?
Or by this a photo of the writer comforting the family of the terrorists, as if they were the actual victims? And the article that is saying the same thing, that Muslims are really the victims, as if Americans are killing Muslims on the streets?
I stand with Haider Ali Hussein Mullick, and I hope that other Americans keep these words in mind when they slander the pro-life movement for the actions of one lone gunman.
3
The pro life movement is not engaging in wholesale slaughterer on a worldwide basis. Radical Islam most certainly is.
The author's thoughts are well written. The premise of the article, don't make this a victory for ISIS, is flawed. This is an act of violent islam against a Christmas party. It doesn't matter which group you credit. The question is, how does America deal with violent islam? The wife just had all those background checks that are supposed to ensure all those syrians are basically nice people. It didn't work for her and likely won't work for a bunch of the proposed 10,000. Another question is appropriate. Has Islam gotten more violent over that last 50 years. The answer seems to be yes again. The left loves to use the phobia word attached to anyone who is against any of their latest pushes. In the case of islamophobia it may now be warranted.
12
"In 26 deadly attacks inside the United States since 9/11, Islamist extremists had killed 31 people. By comparison, right-wing groups had killed 48, the data said"
Yep. There's far more to fear from armed, white, right-wing extremists than American Muslims. The fact that so many Americans can't (or won't) distinguish between the millions of peaceful Muslims living in this country and a tiny number of extremists is crazy-making. Why have we let irrational fear take over our nation?
Yep. There's far more to fear from armed, white, right-wing extremists than American Muslims. The fact that so many Americans can't (or won't) distinguish between the millions of peaceful Muslims living in this country and a tiny number of extremists is crazy-making. Why have we let irrational fear take over our nation?
5
Those statistics don't stand up so well if we are talking per capita. 38% (~121.2 million) of Americans identify as conservative, whereas there are roughly 2.7 million Muslim Americans. That means, based on attacks since 9/11, if there were equal numbers of American Muslims and Conservatives in the United States, Muslim Americans would have killed 29 times more people than their Conservative counterparts.
I personally think both sides are insane, because there are plenty of religions and political groups that do absolutely no killing, no matter what their grievances are, which should really be the gold standard. Highlighting that Muslims carrying out fewer attacks than Conservatives who are armed to the teeth, and have their own insane religious notions isn't exactly winning the war of ideas. However, no one should fool themselves into thinking that one religion has a monopoly on bad ideas! That would be truly ignorant.
I personally think both sides are insane, because there are plenty of religions and political groups that do absolutely no killing, no matter what their grievances are, which should really be the gold standard. Highlighting that Muslims carrying out fewer attacks than Conservatives who are armed to the teeth, and have their own insane religious notions isn't exactly winning the war of ideas. However, no one should fool themselves into thinking that one religion has a monopoly on bad ideas! That would be truly ignorant.
It's the uneducated that have these knee jerk reaction,
Plus the fact that few Americans personally know a Muslim.
Plus the fact that few Americans personally know a Muslim.
7
The aim of every extreme fundamentalist group, is to make it so there can be no coexistence: you are either with us and grimly against "them," or you are either a fool or not a true believer.
Those who coexist, those who live in peace with others, as friends and fellow citizens, under the common banner of law that states "justice for all," are the great refutation of fundamentalism with its lust for war and apocalypse.
Let us refute this insanity by living in coexistence. Every time a Muslim and a non-Muslim live in peace with each other, as friends and citizens, the entire mission of these cowards and murderers is refuted. And this applies to every diabolical force or group that would divide us.
Friends, let us defeat this madness, together.
Those who coexist, those who live in peace with others, as friends and fellow citizens, under the common banner of law that states "justice for all," are the great refutation of fundamentalism with its lust for war and apocalypse.
Let us refute this insanity by living in coexistence. Every time a Muslim and a non-Muslim live in peace with each other, as friends and citizens, the entire mission of these cowards and murderers is refuted. And this applies to every diabolical force or group that would divide us.
Friends, let us defeat this madness, together.
6
This is the article that should be enlarged and on the front page! Not the one about the couple being suspected of terrorism!
3
You must be kidding.
It seems that once again, the terrorist state of Saudi Arabia has radicalized an American Muslim resulting in yet another act of domestic terrorism.
Why not call this for what it is?
The time is long past for this administration to declare Saudi Arabia for what it is: a state sponsor of terrorism.
Forbid Americans to travel to that country without explicit State Department approval. Properly vet any Americans who do travel to Saudi Arabia. Follow their activities upon their return to our shores.
Saudi Arabia is NOT our nation's ally in the war against Muslim extremism.
Why not call this for what it is?
The time is long past for this administration to declare Saudi Arabia for what it is: a state sponsor of terrorism.
Forbid Americans to travel to that country without explicit State Department approval. Properly vet any Americans who do travel to Saudi Arabia. Follow their activities upon their return to our shores.
Saudi Arabia is NOT our nation's ally in the war against Muslim extremism.
19
Last night when I heard the news... and whenever I hear of such incidents in our country... I just pray in my heart... God please don't let them be Muslims. So far I did not know of any mass shooting involving Muslims. Last night that changed and the timing could not have been worse. Already Muslims are the most hated group in the US - we have been dealing with the repercussions of the Paris attacks which include stereotyping and racism at best and vandalism and outright physical harm at worst. As far as I am concerned anyone engaging in such vile and sadistic activities cannot possibly be a Muslim. And generally, any belief system that leads a human being to kill innocents is not worth believing in. I don't know what the motives of the killers yesterday were. But if it was any twisted understanding of Islam... then know that they do not represent Islam in any way.
I try to pray five times a day (fearfully in public now), I read the Quran diligently with translation. I have never come across anything that would justify killing innocents. To my American brothers and sisters... Please do not label them as Muslims. I do not recognize them as such.
Hats off too our law enforcement who got to them before they could cause any further damage. Although its up to God, but it is my belief through faith in Islam that their souls will burn in hell for eternity.
My deep felt condolences to the families and the loved ones of all affected by this terrible tragedy.
I try to pray five times a day (fearfully in public now), I read the Quran diligently with translation. I have never come across anything that would justify killing innocents. To my American brothers and sisters... Please do not label them as Muslims. I do not recognize them as such.
Hats off too our law enforcement who got to them before they could cause any further damage. Although its up to God, but it is my belief through faith in Islam that their souls will burn in hell for eternity.
My deep felt condolences to the families and the loved ones of all affected by this terrible tragedy.
115
No mass shootings by Muslims? Might want to check DC sniper, Fort Hood, and Chatanooga.
2
Actually there are many more hate crimes committed against Jews in the US than against Muslims. If the number of hate crimes is a measure of how much a group is hated than the Jews win first prize. Stop feeling sorry for yourself as a Muslim and get out and rally your fellow co-religionists to fight radical Islam.
2
I suggest you reread your Qur'an. I'm only a fifth of the way through, and its admonitions to the followers of Islam are terrifying.
2
Everyone is free to practice as they desire here, this is true, but I don't think it should be considered out-of-bounds to state soberly that certain beliefs that are very common (according to the same Pew Center cited in this article) in countries with majority Muslim populations - a belief that people who leave the faith or draw the prophet should be put to death, that sharia should be the official law of the land, that adulterers should be stoned to death - those beliefs are abhorrent, un-American, and unwelcome here. Am I alloyed to say that? If not I should be.
9
I think it is important to hear from American Muslim reinforcing their commitment to the traditional values that we all, as a nation, believe are sacrosanct including the separation between church and state & the commitment to their country while peacefully practicing their religious faith. As Salman Rushdie wrote in his brilliant novel, "The Satanic Verses", "“From the beginning men used God to justify the unjustifiable.” We cannot separate our violent nature that is inherent in our nature since the mask underneath our masks simply hides the bare bloodless skull.
The healthy channeling of our aggressive tendencies is acceptable when participating in contacts sports or vicariously cheering for our favorite teams. This same sense of belonging to a team can be transferred to a nation or religion which can become unhealthy when unbalanced people begin to believe that their "team" is superior to another & encourage other people to hate the other "out" group. Prejudice is an innate human trait which civilization attempts to eradicate although sizing up the "other" & quickly categorizing them into a pre-formed category is second nature. This is why it is so easy for individuals who have experienced victimization by another group, to generalize about the rest of the group. It is important for us to expose ourselves to Muslims including visiting a mosque or Islamic Center to see for ourselves how normal the majority are not like crazy ISIS guys espousing violent hate speech.
The healthy channeling of our aggressive tendencies is acceptable when participating in contacts sports or vicariously cheering for our favorite teams. This same sense of belonging to a team can be transferred to a nation or religion which can become unhealthy when unbalanced people begin to believe that their "team" is superior to another & encourage other people to hate the other "out" group. Prejudice is an innate human trait which civilization attempts to eradicate although sizing up the "other" & quickly categorizing them into a pre-formed category is second nature. This is why it is so easy for individuals who have experienced victimization by another group, to generalize about the rest of the group. It is important for us to expose ourselves to Muslims including visiting a mosque or Islamic Center to see for ourselves how normal the majority are not like crazy ISIS guys espousing violent hate speech.
7
"Indeed, a few American Muslim preachers stoke sectarian divisions, ignore human rights, fail to condemn female genital mutilation, look the other way when women are killed in the name of honor, and demonize gays. Like me, most American Muslims condemn such perversions of our faith."
Mr. Mullick's statement raises a number of troubling questions that American Muslims have yet to address. 1) Who gets to decide which practices are "perversions" of a faith verses practices that are sanctioned by the holy texts? 2) Are Muslims more prone to committing "perverse" acts in the defense of their faith than the followers of other religions? 3) Sunnis kill Shiites, and Shiites kill Sunnis, all because the others are deemed heretics. Which sect, then, has "perverted" the faith?. . . Both?
Until American Muslims deal with these questions in an open and honest fashion, the rest of America is likely to remain suspicious.
Mr. Mullick's statement raises a number of troubling questions that American Muslims have yet to address. 1) Who gets to decide which practices are "perversions" of a faith verses practices that are sanctioned by the holy texts? 2) Are Muslims more prone to committing "perverse" acts in the defense of their faith than the followers of other religions? 3) Sunnis kill Shiites, and Shiites kill Sunnis, all because the others are deemed heretics. Which sect, then, has "perverted" the faith?. . . Both?
Until American Muslims deal with these questions in an open and honest fashion, the rest of America is likely to remain suspicious.
13
Don't throw stones. Catholics versus Protestants, Norther Ireland happened. Was that about religion or something else. Same thing between Sunni and Shite. Religion is just cover for political and economic power.
It's never about Politics,Religion, Race, Ethnicity or Sex. Those are just some stupid banners flown to identify or divide people along fighting lines. If we ignore them, those divisions disappear and it is in all of our interest as humans to strive to do so. I wish we had an alien invasion, so that this becomes a little more clearer.
It's never about Politics,Religion, Race, Ethnicity or Sex. Those are just some stupid banners flown to identify or divide people along fighting lines. If we ignore them, those divisions disappear and it is in all of our interest as humans to strive to do so. I wish we had an alien invasion, so that this becomes a little more clearer.
"As for myself, I hope my 13-month-old son grows up in an America that continues to honor diversity and loyalty to our Constitution, without any religious, racial or ethnic test."
I additionally hope that your son doesn't grow up to be part of the 13-22% of Muslim Americans that don't categorically reject the belief "that suicide bombing and other forms of violence against civilian targets are justified in order to defend Islam from its enemies."
I additionally hope that your son doesn't grow up to be part of the 13-22% of Muslim Americans that don't categorically reject the belief "that suicide bombing and other forms of violence against civilian targets are justified in order to defend Islam from its enemies."
16
or the 40% of republicans who think president obama is a muslim.
The 13-22% of Muslim Americans who do not categorically reject "that suicide bombing and other forms of violence against civilian targets are justified in order to defend Islam from its enemies."?
Can you enlighten us about where this data came from? I'm baffled as to how whoever conducted this survey could ask a yes/no (do/don't) question and not know whether the % of respondents who said yes was 13% or 22%.
Can you enlighten us about where this data came from? I'm baffled as to how whoever conducted this survey could ask a yes/no (do/don't) question and not know whether the % of respondents who said yes was 13% or 22%.
Yes, we don't hound all Italians in order to try to control La Cosa Nostra; this is because we rightly presume that most Italians are not criminals and are as capable of loyalty to the US as any other normal citizen. Moreover, we have used these loyal citizens in the fight against crime (Guliani?) and for justice (arguably, Scalia). So the same goes for the average Muslim. And given the importance of their community connection, an intelligent Muslim American should find ample opportunity and should be recruited to work for one of the various agencies that help gather intelligence on the terrorists who happen to be in their own or in the general Muslim community.
5
Yet it was the Italians who brought this scourge with them, as rats climbing aboard a ship.
And it was the acceptance and silence of the Mafia by Italians that caused so much damage to this country.
And it was the acceptance and silence of the Mafia by Italians that caused so much damage to this country.
Dear Mr. Mullick: Muslims were not attacked and killed in Paris because of their religion nor was this the case in San Bernardino. Muslims living in the US or Europe are not victims and are not being killed by some irrational phobia of their religion. You are not doing Muslims anywhere any favors by willfully refusing any self reflection or self criticism. How about showing some "leadership" or guidance? How many more decades before Muslims admit that reform might be an ok thing and not a sign of "Islamophobia"? When will moderate Muslims like you start agitating for reform within Islam itself?
232
It is important to become acquainted with the over 73 sects of Islam sects in order to distinguish the moderate from the radical extremists who advocate violence. Those who are familiar with the IRA or Irish Resistance Army know that they were fighting a religious war between British Protestantism and Irish Catholicism. As you will recall during WWII, Germans identified Jews as a group that was to be despised based on the doctrine of Nazism. Similarly there are sects of Islam that advocate violence against the West that they feel has oppressed them & represents everything that their religious espouses against. These extremist sects range from Sunni including various sects like Hanafi, Maliki, Shafiʿi, Hanbali, Ẓāhirī & Wahhabis & Salafis, Shia including various branches like Twelvers, Ahmadiyya, Batini jurisprudence, Ja'fari jurisprudence, Alawism, Qur'anists, Ismaili, Zaidi, Anatolian Qizilbashism and Alevi Islamic School of Theology. Another branch of Islam is Sufism and Tariqat. The new American denominations including African American, Moorish Science Temple, Nation of Islam, Five Percenter, Aqidah, and many others. What is important to recognize is that the radical ISIS group derives its religious tenets from radical Sunni extremist ideology which espouses violent jihad as a form of religious behavior & seeks to actively radicalize new members in the West to commit acts of violent terrorism.
@Clovis. Would like to point out that French-Muslims were killed in the Paris attacks. I will not be surprised if some of the victims of these murderous San Bernardino shooters will turn out to be Muslim as well. These people are FANATICS. They absolutely do not care WHO they kill.
Are you agitating for reform within your own country, which is full of Islamophobic extremists, anti-black extremists, anti-gay extremists, and anti-Latino extremists? Why are you angry at someone who is trying to educate you about the diversity within Islam?
I realize that the author is in the Navy, but let's be clear--he's not an F-18 pilot nor a Navy Seal. He's a reservist who seems to be in some pseudo-academic position at the Naval War College. Why we don't have more "operators" with a name similar with this authors is likely due to issues of cultural fit for both the individuals and those respective organizations/groups. We likely need more conversations on why this is--to both understand it and change it...but these would be similarly difficult to reconcile as are his faith's positioning and roles of women.
I can't help but consider the fact that if I were a family member of a victim of this incident, I would be enraged by this op-ed. Instead of critically trying to understand why his religion and perhaps culture perpetrates such violence...or more clearly feels the need to spread such death--he is already pulling on the Islamaphobia fire alarm.
Strangely enough, while ISIS may want to create an environment where American Muslims feel alienation they may actually have another consequence to their actions: I suspect that ISIS may actually be the precipitate of the reversal of the politically correct Western moment. Likely to their detriment.
I can't help but consider the fact that if I were a family member of a victim of this incident, I would be enraged by this op-ed. Instead of critically trying to understand why his religion and perhaps culture perpetrates such violence...or more clearly feels the need to spread such death--he is already pulling on the Islamaphobia fire alarm.
Strangely enough, while ISIS may want to create an environment where American Muslims feel alienation they may actually have another consequence to their actions: I suspect that ISIS may actually be the precipitate of the reversal of the politically correct Western moment. Likely to their detriment.
9
"Indeed, a few American Muslim preachers stoke sectarian divisions, ignore human rights, fail to condemn female genital mutilation, look the other way when women are killed in the name of honor, and demonize gays. Like me, most American Muslims condemn such perversions of our faith."
If they still exist, it means they have listeners and followers. I do not go to listen to a person to whom I do not want to listen.
"Around 2006, many Americans feared the entry of refugees from Somalia who were fleeing a war against Islamist fanatics. Instead of isolating these refugees because of fears of terrorists in their midst, however, Minneapolis law enforcement agencies worked closely with the community to develop trust."
Is he talking about so called "Little Mogadishu"?! Is a very bad example of peace and prosperity. I just Googled it. Form CBS News: "Minneapolis has become recruiting ground for Islamic extremists."
I do understand his feeling and salute him for the service to this country. But please do not blame others for negative features of your religion. The change must come from within the Muslim community. That's the only way.
If they still exist, it means they have listeners and followers. I do not go to listen to a person to whom I do not want to listen.
"Around 2006, many Americans feared the entry of refugees from Somalia who were fleeing a war against Islamist fanatics. Instead of isolating these refugees because of fears of terrorists in their midst, however, Minneapolis law enforcement agencies worked closely with the community to develop trust."
Is he talking about so called "Little Mogadishu"?! Is a very bad example of peace and prosperity. I just Googled it. Form CBS News: "Minneapolis has become recruiting ground for Islamic extremists."
I do understand his feeling and salute him for the service to this country. But please do not blame others for negative features of your religion. The change must come from within the Muslim community. That's the only way.
14
American Muslims are a strong bulwark against Islamic extremism
__
Yeah right.
Like the mother who live in the SAME townhouse as her killer son and daughter-in-law and who
(1) Never noticed the guns and ammunition and bombs stockpiled there
(2) Never thought it odd that - while told they ere going to a doctor's appointment and to watch they kid - they headed out in military gear with guns and bombs
ANd the Islamic group immediately ought off on her garbage of "ohhhh..... she was worried when she heard about the shooting....and believed they were going to the doctor....."
WOW!
She did a really good job of preventing the murders.
Some "bulwark" against extremism
__
Yeah right.
Like the mother who live in the SAME townhouse as her killer son and daughter-in-law and who
(1) Never noticed the guns and ammunition and bombs stockpiled there
(2) Never thought it odd that - while told they ere going to a doctor's appointment and to watch they kid - they headed out in military gear with guns and bombs
ANd the Islamic group immediately ought off on her garbage of "ohhhh..... she was worried when she heard about the shooting....and believed they were going to the doctor....."
WOW!
She did a really good job of preventing the murders.
Some "bulwark" against extremism
23
Well, this sounds good. But the majority of muslims referred to in the piece, in the US and elsewhere, really need to stand up and be more vocal. And not just when Americans and Europeans are killed. Stand up for decent Islam whenever children are murdered for going to school, mass rapes are committed, homosexuals executed, Jews persecuted, "heretics and infidels" beheaded, etc. I do not mean sarcasm here. This would really help.
12
Hardly anyone argues that all Muslims, or a majority are a problem. But, what do you do? The NYT was not willing to say what we all pretty much knew, that multiple attackers with assault rifles and bombs were highly likely to be Muslims. I can feel sorry for Muslims who do not subscribe to the terrorist creed at the same time want more surveillance and an end to Middle Eastern immigration. There are hundreds of millions of people who would like to immigrate here. The rest of the world, OK by me, Middle Easterners, not now. It is not being an Islamaphobe, it is simply common sense.
18
As what some would consider a fundamentalist Christian, I thank you for writing this column and for your service. Every American should read this piece. We may fundamentally disagree and engage on a theological level or even in the political sphere, but when it comes to national identity and national security we ought to stand shoulder to shoulder.
11
Haven't we all, the world over and particularly in North America, had more than enough of being driven, nay, hounded 24/7, into "Us vs. Them?"
4
I am sorry but I am not convinced. Saying that the supporters of Da'esh are not real Muslims amounts to the "no true Scotsman" fallacy. They call themselves Muslims. Islam has no central religious authority, so you cannot excommunicate them. The most you can do is to say that your interpretation of Islam differs from theirs, which is of course true. But what DOES mainstream Islam stand for? Platitudes about "religion of peace" go nowhere to explain the profound social and ideological dysfunction in so many majority-Muslim countries of the world. They go nowhere in explaining the prevalence of female genital mutilation, inequality, violence, cultural and technological stagnation, and extreme fundamentalism in the Middle East and beyond. Comparison between majority-Muslim Pakistan where the shooter is from and India is instructive: the two countries have a similar ethnic and racial makeup but different religious compositions. Which one is more democratic, scientifically-minded and (relatively) peaceful? "Islamophobia" is often used as a way to stifle any criticism of Islam. But just as not all political ideologies are the same, not all religions are the same. I accept that the majority of American Muslims are peaceful. This does not answer the question why the religion they profess to follow leads others into terrorism.
57
For centuries and even recently, Christianity was extremely violent too. Think about witch hunts, the killing or banishing of Jews (from Medieval Spain, for instance), the idea that women were property, should be beaten by their husbands, and excluded from the clergy, and the lynching and persecution of Blacks in the "Christian" South under America's period of apartheid. Since we're talking inequality and persecution, let's throw in colonialism and what Christians did to Native Americans and other indigenous people worldwide. Religions are only tools. They are whatever the people who practice them want them to be. I don't blame Islam for violence, inequality, sexism and terrorism. We've had plenty of that under Christianity (and other faiths) as well.
Why do Muslims protest passionately (and angrily) Mohamed cartoons or burning of Koran etc. but not killing of civilians by Muslims chanting allah u akbar? What is a bigger insult to Muslims' religion?
Unfortunately for you, phobia of Islam is perfectly rational; any group whose adherents believe in such absurd barbarities as Sharia Law - let alone in the extreme moral wickedness of homosexuals - warrants from good people fear, suspicion and loathing. Andrew Cummins said it best: ' "Islamophobia": A word created by fascists, and used by cowards, to manipulate morons.' Is it not in the slightest evidence to you that Islam in general has a profound problem if, every time you hear of a bombing and of mass shootings, one of your first thoughts is of Islam and of one its chief doctrines, jihadism? Surely, there are many varieties of Islam, but many of these include not only preposterous science, which no truthful modern human can accept, but also explicit endorsements of violence, which no moral modern human can accept. It is time for us to stop trying, through absurd contrivances, to see Islam in a falsely good light; there is hardly any light in it, and often what is lit up and visible to all is disturbing, if not downright dangerous.
36
I am disappointed in some of the other commenters for their criticism of moderate Muslims. I think there is something that many, including some of my fellow commenters, fail to consider. While it is true that the majority of high-profile extremist groups at the present claim a connection to Islam, the problem is not internet to the Muslim faith, it is a development of society.
ISIS, Boko Haram, Al Qaeda, and so on are all able to exist because of regional turmoil. The lack of strong government and unified nation states over the past century in heavily Muslim parts of the world (something that was caused in large part by Western colonial practices, I might add) have created safe places for murderers to claim power, resources, and followers. There is no reason to believe that some American right-wing extremist groups would not do the same things the aforementioned organizations do if they too if they had the opportunity.
We must remember that there is nothing about Islam that allows for more violence than other ideologies, but, all the same, forcing the reasonable to bear the stigma of the monster might just become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
ISIS, Boko Haram, Al Qaeda, and so on are all able to exist because of regional turmoil. The lack of strong government and unified nation states over the past century in heavily Muslim parts of the world (something that was caused in large part by Western colonial practices, I might add) have created safe places for murderers to claim power, resources, and followers. There is no reason to believe that some American right-wing extremist groups would not do the same things the aforementioned organizations do if they too if they had the opportunity.
We must remember that there is nothing about Islam that allows for more violence than other ideologies, but, all the same, forcing the reasonable to bear the stigma of the monster might just become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
7
You obviously have not read the Koran or Sunnah. Irresponsible.
1
I am knocked to the floor with your comment "We must remember that there is nothing about Islam that allows for more violence than other ideologies."
What, what, what?
Compare Jesus to Mohammed and what they advised about acting towards their enemies - Jesus, turning the other cheek, Mohammed, slaughtering your enemies. Jesus, telling the truth, even if it means your own death, Mohammed, telling his followers it was moral to lie and deceive the non-Muslim.
The comparison goes on and on. Will the NY Times even permit the most glaring? Jesus, celibate, Mohammed, taking eight year girls as "wives."
No difference?
What, what, what?
Compare Jesus to Mohammed and what they advised about acting towards their enemies - Jesus, turning the other cheek, Mohammed, slaughtering your enemies. Jesus, telling the truth, even if it means your own death, Mohammed, telling his followers it was moral to lie and deceive the non-Muslim.
The comparison goes on and on. Will the NY Times even permit the most glaring? Jesus, celibate, Mohammed, taking eight year girls as "wives."
No difference?
Unfortunately, Mr. Mullick, ISIS' great recruiting tools here in the U.S. are the legislators who walk the halls of the House of Representatives and the Senate. These elected officials were, in the main, sent to Washington by the fearful and the ignorant, those who are unable to make some kind of sense out of a changing world. They're afraid of what they refuse to understand. The leading poll figure for the Republican Party built his candidacy on a racist anti-Mexican platform, using them as the template for America's economic distress. With the Paris attacks fresh in everyone's mind, the new Speaker of the House has tracked Donald Trump's fear of "the other" to include Muslims, regardless of their country of origin. Mr. Ryan wants to seal the borders, airports and seaports against Muslims. He has great and wide support in Congress. The president wants to grant asylum to Syrian refugees but he is opposed by the very formidable right wing and a growing number of citizens whose ranks are sure to swell after San Bernardino. Fear now rules this country and it is the most fertile ground imaginable for ISIS. Frightened people are stockpiling weapons. Mass shootings are the norm now, the blood in the water seen and scented by the sharks of ISIS. The battle may already be lost.
90
That's nonsense used to try and shut down any attempt to hold Muslims responsible for their own relgion and for the behavior of their children. It is almost always Muslims who are the offenders in mass murders of Americans by "outsiders" . Whatever Republicnas say about Mexicans and other Hispanic people, the Hispanic community never suggest that Spanish speaking peoples make war on Gringoes, take their women and murder them wherever they can be found and force them to become Catholics.(Even in 1500 when the CHurch DID kill and murder "apostates" and nopn Catholics it didn't do so based on nationality. This behavior helped to turn Spain into a dustbin of history)
The Islamic community needs to become accepting of criticism and to learn to roll with the pounches. US law and judges will defend them and their rights as much as the rights of gun owners have been defended. All the Whining about Islamophobia is free speech letting the hot air out. People complain about everything in the news and it isn't news they do so.
The Islamic community needs to become accepting of criticism and to learn to roll with the pounches. US law and judges will defend them and their rights as much as the rights of gun owners have been defended. All the Whining about Islamophobia is free speech letting the hot air out. People complain about everything in the news and it isn't news they do so.
The ranks certainly swell when this paper and other media outlets focus on fear, ask readers to share their fears (giving voice to the anxieties of the most paranoid among us) and basically play the anti-gun card to boost the fortunes of the Clinton machine, which latches onto the anti-gun meme as way to keep us distracted from the continued fleecing of the public by the wealthy and the gigantic military-industrial complex that drives all the wars and most of government spending. Ever since 911, both parties have promoted nothing but fear, displaying their feckless nature. A leader would remind us that we are the Land of the Brave and that we aren't going to allow extremist lunatics to alter our culture. Instead, we got "be afraid, be very afraid," stupid terrorist-generating wars in the Middle East, and the (once again proven) useless Homeland Security that is the largest bureaucracy on Earth, and a populace stoked to be fearful sheep. We are under the rule of self-serving, manipulative monsters, and they are not Muslims.
Ah, but would you condemn terrorism against Israelis, and Jews in general? The problem is that many Muslims openly or quietly endorse such terrorism because Jews "deserve" it. When that is tolerated, many see the hypocrisy, and figure that not only Jews, or Israelis, are fair targets; why not infidels of any sort? To get better results, moderate Muslims must condemn the anti-Semitism they typically grow up with. Separate out the political Israeli-Palestinian issue from assuming that all those Jews there, and the supporters abroad, deserve to suffer. Wrong.
30
It's not workplace violence--as some are so desperate to believe. The LA Times writes now that there was no altercation; they had ISIS videos on their computer; their apartment was a bomb-factory; they were in touch with radicals who were on the FBI watchlist; the co-workers had given a baby-shower for the baby; they left the baby with the grandmother that morning, saying they were going to the doctor (a lie)--so the attack was planned before the party started.
Their message is very very clear and destructive: "We don't CARE how well you treat us; we don't CARE that Sayeed's known you for five years; we don't CARE that you are our co-workers; we don't CARE that you gave a baby-shower for our baby. You are infidels. Kuffir. You deserve to die, for the greater glory of Allah This is all that we feel about you."
The Muslim community has to massively and publicly protest such conduct. Not just issue a few pro-forma denunciations that are actually only concerned with potential Islamophobia--i.e., themselves. That is counterproductive.
Their message is very very clear and destructive: "We don't CARE how well you treat us; we don't CARE that Sayeed's known you for five years; we don't CARE that you are our co-workers; we don't CARE that you gave a baby-shower for our baby. You are infidels. Kuffir. You deserve to die, for the greater glory of Allah This is all that we feel about you."
The Muslim community has to massively and publicly protest such conduct. Not just issue a few pro-forma denunciations that are actually only concerned with potential Islamophobia--i.e., themselves. That is counterproductive.
47
Until all Muslim leaders are regularly denouncing ISIS and until Muslim clerics Siemens a unified message against Isis and their methodology of in humane treatment of humans progress can't be made.
Iran should get involved in this in a more public faction
Iran should get involved in this in a more public faction
This is, of course, the scariest kind of terrorism -- which is why decent people of all religions and backgrounds are scared.
This is an ordinary couple -- living a normal life -- with jobs, babies, a home. They are not some disenfranchised minority -- and the husband is no immigrant, he was a native born US citizen.
Yet they had nothing better to do with their time -- WITH A NEW BABY -- then to plan to murder their co-workers and colleagues. That's what the videos, the pipe bombs, the arsenal of weapons were all for -- killing the ordinary people around them.
That's how hate-filled the two of them were. No mercy, no compassion, no friendship. And they were willing to DIE and leave behind an infant baby.
I don't know who started the story about "the husband was insulted at a party". As you say, there is corroborating evidence of any insult -- why would it make his wife dress in riot gear and commit murder anyways? -- what insult would be worth orphaning your child? -- and they clearly were planning this from the get-go. It was very well organized. He must have been planning and thinking through this mass murder for months.
This is an ordinary couple -- living a normal life -- with jobs, babies, a home. They are not some disenfranchised minority -- and the husband is no immigrant, he was a native born US citizen.
Yet they had nothing better to do with their time -- WITH A NEW BABY -- then to plan to murder their co-workers and colleagues. That's what the videos, the pipe bombs, the arsenal of weapons were all for -- killing the ordinary people around them.
That's how hate-filled the two of them were. No mercy, no compassion, no friendship. And they were willing to DIE and leave behind an infant baby.
I don't know who started the story about "the husband was insulted at a party". As you say, there is corroborating evidence of any insult -- why would it make his wife dress in riot gear and commit murder anyways? -- what insult would be worth orphaning your child? -- and they clearly were planning this from the get-go. It was very well organized. He must have been planning and thinking through this mass murder for months.
1
While welcomed, this piece sets up a strawman argument. There never has been any backlash of Islamophobia in the U.S. and none is in the offing. The simple and sad fact is that, at every level, antisemitic attacks far outpace all others.
Also, the writer addresses the wrong audience when it comes to Islam, because the problem of their faith is entirely internal. The various Islamic terrorist groups need to be confronted in their theological interpretations directly. It matters not to them what non-Muslims or what may be termed the average Muslim has to say about "real Islam. It is incumbent on respected Muslim theologians, both Sunni and Shia, to lay out in a compelling manner a counter interpretation of the same verses the jihadists rely on. That we are decades into this crisis and nothing of the sort has been undertaken by al Azhar or in Qom is telling and distressing. They may be unwilling to do so or they may be incapable of doing so using traditional Islamic exegetical practices.
Also, pretending that the problem is only ISIS when Hamas, Hezbollah, Boko Haram, al-Qaeda and their ilk all believe the same thing but differ only in tactics distracts from the Hydra headed problem.
The World needs to lay down a clear marker: the murder of any civilian, regardless of their nationality or religion, is in every instance unjustifiable and wrong. The West is reaping the bitter harvest it has sown when it failed to draw that line when the victims were Israelis and Jews.
Also, the writer addresses the wrong audience when it comes to Islam, because the problem of their faith is entirely internal. The various Islamic terrorist groups need to be confronted in their theological interpretations directly. It matters not to them what non-Muslims or what may be termed the average Muslim has to say about "real Islam. It is incumbent on respected Muslim theologians, both Sunni and Shia, to lay out in a compelling manner a counter interpretation of the same verses the jihadists rely on. That we are decades into this crisis and nothing of the sort has been undertaken by al Azhar or in Qom is telling and distressing. They may be unwilling to do so or they may be incapable of doing so using traditional Islamic exegetical practices.
Also, pretending that the problem is only ISIS when Hamas, Hezbollah, Boko Haram, al-Qaeda and their ilk all believe the same thing but differ only in tactics distracts from the Hydra headed problem.
The World needs to lay down a clear marker: the murder of any civilian, regardless of their nationality or religion, is in every instance unjustifiable and wrong. The West is reaping the bitter harvest it has sown when it failed to draw that line when the victims were Israelis and Jews.
32
There never has been any backlash of Islamaphobiaand none is in the offing? Where have you been in the past few months or decades? Where have you been since President Obama has been elected?
All you have to do is read the comments here or attend a Trump rally or listen to Ted Cruz and the last thing you will conclude is that there is no backlash of Islamaphobia in the United States.
All you have to do is read the comments here or attend a Trump rally or listen to Ted Cruz and the last thing you will conclude is that there is no backlash of Islamaphobia in the United States.
One possible explanation for the puzzling timing and motivation of the San Bernardino attack is that the team had been planning something impactful for a long time on behalf of ISIS. After Paris, ISIS promised a comprehensive attack on the West, and may have released the San Bernardino team to do something quickly in support of that vow – and the team chose what they could on the spur of the moment to comply. This explanation also could explain why the pipe bombs never went off – the attack wasn’t well-executed because of the need to do something dramatic fast.
But this piece argues for making a distinction between radical Islamist jihadism and regular, peaceful people who wish to worship as Islam specifies. On its face, this plea resonates with a lot of Americans, including George W. Bush amid the mounds of debris of the Trade Towers up to Barack Obama’s repeated entreaties not to tar all Muslims with the outrages of Qaeda, the Taliban, ISIS and Boko Haram.
That said, serious consideration really requires that American Muslims make a statement about the Islam they worship that purports to be so different from the worship practiced in Iran, or a Saudi Salafist enclave … or in an ISIS camp. What is your view of the role of women in society? What are the practices permitted men in determining the permissible actions of women? What is the relationship between constitutional democracy and the practice of Islam – which takes precedence in governance? You get the idea.
But this piece argues for making a distinction between radical Islamist jihadism and regular, peaceful people who wish to worship as Islam specifies. On its face, this plea resonates with a lot of Americans, including George W. Bush amid the mounds of debris of the Trade Towers up to Barack Obama’s repeated entreaties not to tar all Muslims with the outrages of Qaeda, the Taliban, ISIS and Boko Haram.
That said, serious consideration really requires that American Muslims make a statement about the Islam they worship that purports to be so different from the worship practiced in Iran, or a Saudi Salafist enclave … or in an ISIS camp. What is your view of the role of women in society? What are the practices permitted men in determining the permissible actions of women? What is the relationship between constitutional democracy and the practice of Islam – which takes precedence in governance? You get the idea.
10
You are studying Muslimology. That cannot define Islam unless the canon is reformed.
Surely we can look at majority Muslim nations to see the answers to these questions.
Or we can ignore the writing on the wall at our peril.
Or we can ignore the writing on the wall at our peril.
Islamophobia? Alright, we will never again be "Islamophobic". Done.
Now, what term should we use to describe Muslim hatred for the West, Christians, and America, that manifests itself in the brutal murders of innocent people, the world over?
As long as that new term correctly describes who the terrorists are, I have no problem not being "Islamophobic".
Now, what term should we use to describe Muslim hatred for the West, Christians, and America, that manifests itself in the brutal murders of innocent people, the world over?
As long as that new term correctly describes who the terrorists are, I have no problem not being "Islamophobic".
21
These author states that right wing terrorism has taken 48 lives since 9/11 and Islamic terrorism 31 in the US. Why not move the date back one day to include the 2,977 dead in the 9/11 attack. It is the same time period and we then receive a more objective view of the comparative numbers of dead from the two terror groups.
26
Some people will attribute the shootings to Islamist politics but most will attribute it to angry people taking it out on people they associate with their anger rather than serving some political agenda. How much the shooters in San Bernardino were encouraged by ISIS and Al Qaeda is yet to be determined but their behavior was triggered by murderous resentment against people with who they had worked for long time. Most people see shooting like this kind of terror as non-sectarian and motivated by personal issues that is not motivated by religious fanaticism.
1
Am American. No qualifier needed! We live in a fragmented state!
“The Islamic State has little to no support in most Muslim-majority countries, according to a Pew Research Center poll after the Paris attacks.”
For those interested, here's a chart showing the results of this Pew poll: http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/17/in-nations-with-signific...
What it shows is that only 28% (!) of Pakistanis have an unfavorable view of ISIS (an additional 9% "don't know"). In other Muslim-majority countries like Nigeria, Malaysia, Turkey, and Indonesia (and others), only 60-80% of people have an unfavorable view of ISIS.
Contrary to what this author contents, this doesn’t mean that the Muslim world has “little to no support” for ISIS – what it indicates is that there are hundreds of millions of people in Muslim-majority countries who have a “favorable” view of ISIS (or "don't know"). This should comfort no one.
For those interested, here's a chart showing the results of this Pew poll: http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/17/in-nations-with-signific...
What it shows is that only 28% (!) of Pakistanis have an unfavorable view of ISIS (an additional 9% "don't know"). In other Muslim-majority countries like Nigeria, Malaysia, Turkey, and Indonesia (and others), only 60-80% of people have an unfavorable view of ISIS.
Contrary to what this author contents, this doesn’t mean that the Muslim world has “little to no support” for ISIS – what it indicates is that there are hundreds of millions of people in Muslim-majority countries who have a “favorable” view of ISIS (or "don't know"). This should comfort no one.
19
After the 1993 WTC bombing, the most popular names for baby boys in the Middle East was suddenly Osama. How do we reconcile this fact with the notion that Islam is a religion of peace? How do the many peaceful, ordinary Muslims reconcile this? We need to hear from them.
18
I'm afraid the writer pines for a ship that has left long ago. It is not "vitriol" to exclude from one's community people who's sacred text and accompanying documents comprise the basis for an untenable an often violent ethic. It is not "Islamaphobia" that a nation of and by the people be able to chose which people comprise it. You see I'm not especially afraid of the many muslims whose path I cross on a daily basis it is rather that if I agree with everything in this piece and do and say nothing I would countenance their (muslim) ill treatment of converts, religious minorities and gays (a well documented phenomanon the world over including here) and if I did that I would be accepting my own inferior status in a muslim dominated society.
Jospeh Smith was told to clean his theological house or deal with the cavalry- he complied. CAIR can no longer trot out a sincerely distraught muslim relative and claim moral parity with the slaughtered. I would like to see a contract stating exactly how a faith that is getting more virulent not less is going to adapt it's self to this countries social mores. This is one shooting spree that actually has a component that can be dealt with and it has nothing to do with guns.
Jospeh Smith was told to clean his theological house or deal with the cavalry- he complied. CAIR can no longer trot out a sincerely distraught muslim relative and claim moral parity with the slaughtered. I would like to see a contract stating exactly how a faith that is getting more virulent not less is going to adapt it's self to this countries social mores. This is one shooting spree that actually has a component that can be dealt with and it has nothing to do with guns.
21
Many so-called 'peaceful, moderate' Muslims nevertheless would like to live in an Islamic state. Not necessarily the crazy one that has sprung up in Iraq and Syria, but something along the lines of Egypt of Saudi Arabia. While they disagree with the tactics of the jihadists, they will bring about some of their goals through gradual pressure.
Right now in the US, they talk a multicultural game. When they reach a certain percentage of the population, they will start to talk differently. They will ask for Sharia law to be the unofficial standard in the areas they are concentrated, and request that others respect their sensibilities. Immodestly dressed women and infidels should keep out. They will gradually expend their requests, and keep pushing, playing on the guilt of the majority.....until they become the majority. But of course, they won't feel guilty then.
Don't believe me? Look at what is happening in Europe. Yeah, it's all colorful multiculturalism, right!
Right now in the US, they talk a multicultural game. When they reach a certain percentage of the population, they will start to talk differently. They will ask for Sharia law to be the unofficial standard in the areas they are concentrated, and request that others respect their sensibilities. Immodestly dressed women and infidels should keep out. They will gradually expend their requests, and keep pushing, playing on the guilt of the majority.....until they become the majority. But of course, they won't feel guilty then.
Don't believe me? Look at what is happening in Europe. Yeah, it's all colorful multiculturalism, right!
64
nope. I don't
Not if they are properly integrated - which happens in multiple ways but Europe made a mistake in this regard which happened because of their experience with fascism.
You are wrong in predicting how people will behave - you have no idea actually. It could go that way but it is just as likely if not more so to go the way it has with other groups in the US.
You are wrong in predicting how people will behave - you have no idea actually. It could go that way but it is just as likely if not more so to go the way it has with other groups in the US.
"even while we remain vigilant about the few American Muslims who wish us harm."
Pray, how do we spot them?
Pray, how do we spot them?
1
Hate crimes against jews have consistently remained more than double the rate of those against muslims. Rather than screaming "Islamophobia", perhaps marching in favor of equal rights for all, including atheists, gays, jews and women, will result in a better reaction from the rest of us.
83
Oh yes, Jews are such a persecuted group in America. Being a Jew in America is about as close as you can come to being born with a silver spoon in your mouth. Give me a break. I question the methodology used to compile such statistics. Jews suffering TRUE hate crimes in the US are a rarity. In fact I can't even think of a single example in recent memory.
1
I am a liberal and have no ill wishes to my Muslim neighbors, but I think the author of this piece is in denial about the very real problem of Islamic extremism. It is all well and good to exhort us not to discriminate -- it's a worthy message. But it doesn't contribute anything helpful to solving the problem of radical Islam, which is all too real, as recent events have shown.
238
An important point, and great user name.
2
On the contrary, Felix, you missed the point entirely. Of course no one thing is going to solve the problem of terrorism, no matter who commits it. But to the degree that the choice is between making common cause with our Muslim brothers and sisters and turning a quarter of the world's population into villains, the latter approach can only exacerbate the problem.
2
"but I think the author of this piece is in denial about the very real problem of Islamic extremism."
Well, given that he is a law abiding Muslim, his denial is totally understandable. He is defending his community as he should. I respect him for that.
What is less understandable is the denial from our president, Mrs. Clinton and the editorial board of the NYT. They are the ones steering the ship of State into dangerous waters.
Well, given that he is a law abiding Muslim, his denial is totally understandable. He is defending his community as he should. I respect him for that.
What is less understandable is the denial from our president, Mrs. Clinton and the editorial board of the NYT. They are the ones steering the ship of State into dangerous waters.
Sorry, Haider. I think we need to stand up to Muslims who use their religion as an excuse to murder people. It's ISIS, Boko Haram, al Qaeda, Jabhat al-Nusra and all the other Islamic hate groups waging war on the rest of the world and their toxic ideology that we need to be worried about. I'm not too concerned with 'Islamophobia' being the problem. That will take care of itself when a majority of Muslims around the world join hands with non-muslims in an aggressive, unified front to rid the world of these extremists. Let's start with the mosque down the street. Let's start with Saudi Arabia, home of the most sacred Islamic site in the world and work from there. What do you say? And while we're at it, how about a major Islamic Reformation whereby the violent surahs in the Koran used to justify these horrific actions are completely and officially renounced by the Muslim community?
49
I am grateful for all you do and have done, but simply thinking and working for peace will not change the Islamic canon, so much of which makes for troubling politics. What the Sunnah and Koran say about unbelievers, infidels, Kafir, Jews and Christians is so frequently un-neighborly in violent ways. The fact that it is deeply inconsistent about how to treat unbelievers is equally disturbing. The violence, the dualism (one treatment for the believers, another treatment for unbelievers), encouragement of duplicity...all make for bad politics sanctioned by Allah that anyone can read. Could Islam be the only major civilizational doctrine that rejects the Golden Rule?
Separating the bad political doctrine from the religion is hard because it comes to Muslims through the life of their prophet who is venerated as the perfect Muslim and who must be imitated (the Koran demands this 91 different times). He was a bad neighbor to many and therein resides the problem. One cannot change a biography and it seems impossible (absurd) to attempt to remove him from the first pillar of Islam.
Muslims must stop jihad of the sword, and soon. It is a war declared by the Islamic doctrine on all the world for 1400 years; the antithesis of pluralism. Use your voice, money, brains and muscle, but consider that it may only be truly accomplished by changing the canon. If this cannot be done, I fear the world will stop trying to discern between peoples and their doctrine and just squash all of it.
Separating the bad political doctrine from the religion is hard because it comes to Muslims through the life of their prophet who is venerated as the perfect Muslim and who must be imitated (the Koran demands this 91 different times). He was a bad neighbor to many and therein resides the problem. One cannot change a biography and it seems impossible (absurd) to attempt to remove him from the first pillar of Islam.
Muslims must stop jihad of the sword, and soon. It is a war declared by the Islamic doctrine on all the world for 1400 years; the antithesis of pluralism. Use your voice, money, brains and muscle, but consider that it may only be truly accomplished by changing the canon. If this cannot be done, I fear the world will stop trying to discern between peoples and their doctrine and just squash all of it.
28
Charles, you are right.
But self-criticism is, alas, something that is characteristic of Western Civilization.
In Paris, this year started with bloodshed, and ends with bloodshed, from Islamic fundamentalist believers that follow very strictly the rules of their religion,
Still, all that can be heard from the very large, 12 millions, Muslim community, is an outcry of "not in our names!", "We are not responsible", "Islam is peace"...
Not one, and I mean one " I am ashamed of my religion, there is something wrong that needs to be fixed"
I have taught twenty plus years in Saint Denis, not a half mile from the place where the Paris killers nested.
I am on sabbatical leave this year, and I don't think I will go back.
I am sick of it.
My niece lost four of her good friends,
A close friend of mine lost nine friends.
France is going, without a doubt, towards terrible events.
I hope the USA will fare better.
But self-criticism is, alas, something that is characteristic of Western Civilization.
In Paris, this year started with bloodshed, and ends with bloodshed, from Islamic fundamentalist believers that follow very strictly the rules of their religion,
Still, all that can be heard from the very large, 12 millions, Muslim community, is an outcry of "not in our names!", "We are not responsible", "Islam is peace"...
Not one, and I mean one " I am ashamed of my religion, there is something wrong that needs to be fixed"
I have taught twenty plus years in Saint Denis, not a half mile from the place where the Paris killers nested.
I am on sabbatical leave this year, and I don't think I will go back.
I am sick of it.
My niece lost four of her good friends,
A close friend of mine lost nine friends.
France is going, without a doubt, towards terrible events.
I hope the USA will fare better.
1
Have you read the Christian canon, the bible, recently? Inside you will also find exhortations to violence and cause for discrimination, and I don't see anyone calling for all to condemn it. What I do see are most people ignoring those parts of it that no longer make sense (though there are also fundamental fanatics who would apply the doctrines literally see: creationism). Just like we can't condemn all Christians for their brethren's extremism, we should also keep that in mind with Muslims.
I am reminded of something that Bill Maher said a few months ago: "If there are so many rotten apples, there must be something wrong with the tree."
A similar thought was expressed more than 2000 years ago: "you shall know the tree by its fruit."
A similar thought was expressed more than 2000 years ago: "you shall know the tree by its fruit."
90
Agreed, but I'd say the same thing about all religions, including Christianity. Religion is mental poison.
Thank you, Mr. Mullick. The best thing you and every American Muslim who is reasonable can do is to keep speaking out, keep writing articles, keep denouncing the extremists. You'll find that a lot of other Americans - Christians, Jews, atheists, Buddists - will support you.
13
Edmund Burke said: "The people never give up their liberties but under some delusion". Well, I'm now apparently under the delusion that some Muslim down the street will not strike me down while I'm at work, church, or school. So, where does this lead? What part of our beautiful liberty must we forsake to protect the lives of loved ones?
The answer: none. Maintain the status quo in that regard, but for God's sake, beef up the intelligence. This is getting too close to the bone now.
The answer: none. Maintain the status quo in that regard, but for God's sake, beef up the intelligence. This is getting too close to the bone now.
3
Terrorism has been around since before the Roman Empire and it is not going away anytime soon. The face of the terrorists have changed but their sole purpose and aim has stayed consistent. That does not give a free pass to any group or religion or political organization to go around killing innocent people. It is important to remember that groups like ISIS have caused more suffering and death, by far, among its fellow Muslims than any harm they have inflicted on America or the rest of the world. America, through a lot worse times, has remained faithful to the words and actions of our Founding Fathers and this is no time to change... and certainly no time to start pointing fingers and blaming and labeling a religion for the actions of a tiny, tiny few.
3
Thank you! Yes!
Wow .. less than 24 hours before the Times goes from "guns are evil .. boo guns" to the familiar and tired "not all muslims". I guess every death cult has its apologists but its sad to see a once great newspaper in the vanguard.
27
IT's definitely not either/or. Both are equally valid points.
Oh, so the real problem is "Islamophobia." The "real problem" couldn't possibly be an ideology that promotes homophobia, misogyny, blatant exhortations to violence, intolerance of other religions, a unity of church and state, a stated philosophy of lying to promote a religious agenda (taquiyya), etc., etc. How about criticizing the elements of Islamic ideology that result in violence wherever Islam borders on a neighboring religion (Islam's bloody borders)? We've heard your nonsense too many times before. We're not falling for it again. I would love to hear your critique of Sharia and how it conflicts with American values. I would love to hear your critique of honor killings and of jihadism, but somehow the problem is always Islamophobia. We're not "phobic" about Islam; we wish we could be phobic about it but the explosions, bloodletting and prolific victim-mongering are too loud to ignore. We know far more about Islam than we would ever want to know. Please understand- it's not a "phobia"- it's more an informed dislike. And we're not blaming Muslims- they are the primary victims of a really bad ideology.
51
That pretty much sounds like the Republican agenda these days as advocated by evangelists. Some of Trump's endorsers include an anti-abortion radical who thinks those who perform abortions should be executed, and another who thinks homosexuals should be killed. How is that so different from Sharia law? How is it different to say that women should not be allowed to have abortions under any circumstances as most Republican candidates say, even if having a child would kill the woman, or if she was the victim of rape or incest?
Some of us have an informed dislike of this kind of bigotry and theocracy in our own country.
Some of us have an informed dislike of this kind of bigotry and theocracy in our own country.
1
An ideology is it?
"an ideology that promotes homophobia, misogyny, blatant exhortations to violence, intolerance of other religions, a unity of church and state, a stated philosophy of lying to promote a religious agenda (taquiyya),..."
Kinda sounds like the Republican platform.
"an ideology that promotes homophobia, misogyny, blatant exhortations to violence, intolerance of other religions, a unity of church and state, a stated philosophy of lying to promote a religious agenda (taquiyya),..."
Kinda sounds like the Republican platform.
Exactly right!
This conflict needs to be between normal people of all creeds who embrace a tolerant modern open society and bigoted losers of all creeds who want us to revert back to tribal societies to preserve their misbegotten status and prejudices.
This conflict needs to be between normal people of all creeds who embrace a tolerant modern open society and bigoted losers of all creeds who want us to revert back to tribal societies to preserve their misbegotten status and prejudices.
1
So why didnt the mother of this terrorist notice the arsenal in her home....correct me if wrong, but i understand they lived together? She didn't notice them building pipe bombs? Stockpiling ammo? Hmmmm
35
It is only Muslims who can eradicate this extremist violent elements among them. They should be talking and discussing it openly in their mosques and in their homes because it will not only affect them but their future generations also. According to recent study by the George Washington University, 40 % of arrested suspects on terrorism in last 18 months were below 21 year age and has no typical profile or demographic. Open discussion in Muslim community and at homes might bring out these vulnerable teenagers and others and may be prevented from falling prey to extremist ideology.
7
You are a tribute to our country and an important part of the solution to eradicating at least a portion of our domestic terrorism problem and concern.
I agree with you that the vast majority of Muslims in the US are law abiding -- if they weren't we'd have a much more serious issue. Your article, however, fails to offer solutions to the very small minority of US Muslims who are radicalized or are disproportionately susceptible to radicalization. I suggest you use your knowledge of your faith and community to work to develop such a solution.
Needless to say, radicalization is not unique to the Muslim community but it is one of the communities that is getting a lot of attention and along with the others need to reform the small component that challenges our security.
I agree with you that the vast majority of Muslims in the US are law abiding -- if they weren't we'd have a much more serious issue. Your article, however, fails to offer solutions to the very small minority of US Muslims who are radicalized or are disproportionately susceptible to radicalization. I suggest you use your knowledge of your faith and community to work to develop such a solution.
Needless to say, radicalization is not unique to the Muslim community but it is one of the communities that is getting a lot of attention and along with the others need to reform the small component that challenges our security.
4
Although not a Muslim, I can understand the writer's concerns. The media writes recently that the suspect appears "to have been radicalized," which makes it sounds as if he had walked through some sort of jihadi cloud, and was thereafter in some way no longer competent or even who he was previously. Or as if some sort of switch on his back was inadvertently jostled into the deadly rampage setting. The point I am trying to make that when we speak of such tragedies and remove the sense of agency from the horrific act we participate in spreading the panic about the culture itself. I.e. If it happened to this guy, maybe it might happen to my neighbor, my co-worker, or my child's teacher. Better I believe to say that these two individuals chose a path of profound and unspeakable evil. No matter what one's belief system might be, I think all reasonable people would agree with that.
2
This column is far more realistic and persuasive than the many columns in prior weeks suggesting that Muslims were less often terrorists in the US than Christians, as if Tim McVeigh claimed to be killing in the name of Jesus
3
I respect Mr. Mullick taking the time and making the effort here, but seriously, "American Muslims are our best defense against [Muslim] extremism"? At least his censure of "more Islamophobia" rings familiar and true. Still, Mr. Mullick must be unaware that the Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton has confidently assured America that Muslim fundamentalist violence "has nothing whatsoever to do with Islam".
President Obama has likewise explained to ignorant, paranoid Americans that while self-identified Muslims are proper Muslims and potential Islamophobia victims the day before they kill in Allah's name, once there are bodies on the ground, that itself proves they weren't "real" Muslims in the first place. (Until death or trial, when they should be accomodated with a shariah-compliant burial like Osama bin Laden, or beard like Major Hasan).
Naturally, Mr. Mullick is correct to praise and validate Muslims generally, and to deplore the shameful American (and European and African and Russian and Far Eastern) xenophobia which targets Muslims. Good and decent and well-informed Americans all agreed with General Casey after Fort Hood and reiterate today after San Bernardino that anti-Muslim backlashes would be greater tragedies than the massacres themselves.
But please avoid specious and offensive connections between "true" Muslims and the containment of "Muslim" violence undertaken in the name and furtherance of Islam, Mr. Mullick.
President Obama has likewise explained to ignorant, paranoid Americans that while self-identified Muslims are proper Muslims and potential Islamophobia victims the day before they kill in Allah's name, once there are bodies on the ground, that itself proves they weren't "real" Muslims in the first place. (Until death or trial, when they should be accomodated with a shariah-compliant burial like Osama bin Laden, or beard like Major Hasan).
Naturally, Mr. Mullick is correct to praise and validate Muslims generally, and to deplore the shameful American (and European and African and Russian and Far Eastern) xenophobia which targets Muslims. Good and decent and well-informed Americans all agreed with General Casey after Fort Hood and reiterate today after San Bernardino that anti-Muslim backlashes would be greater tragedies than the massacres themselves.
But please avoid specious and offensive connections between "true" Muslims and the containment of "Muslim" violence undertaken in the name and furtherance of Islam, Mr. Mullick.
8
'...Good and decent and well-informed Americans all agreed with General Casey after Fort Hood and reiterate today after San Bernardino that anti-Muslim backlashes would be greater tragedies than the massacres themselves...'
Doubtful the families of the murdered would agree.
Doubtful the families of the murdered would agree.
Methinks you doth protest too much. When a Jew is caught doing some horrendous act, or the state of Israel kills Palestinian civilians, Jews hang their heads in shame and speak out loudly. I rarely see a column, following some atrocity, about how wonderful their fellow Jews are and that it's only a few bad apples in the barrel. They seem to take accountability and responsibility for the atrocities of their fringe elements and express their deep shame. Perhaps study them and what they stand for. Try accountability, shame, and humility and tone down the accolades. It will go a long way.
46
I don't believe you are correct in describing what happens when Israel or a Jew "is caught doing some horrendous act." I don't think Mr. Mullick needs the lesson you claim exists.
2
Of course I understand and support wholeheartedly what you say - but I always wonder if these humanist views most Muslims believe extend to Jews and Israel? And it matters, it really does. Because until most Muslims feel about Israel and Jews as they do about any other random country, until the killing of Israelis is considered as abominable as yesterday's killings (the Paris killings had Jewish connections in terms of ownership of at least two sites) I will not be entirely with you, I will continue to wonder if you are really with me. But I continue to hope that most Muslims will come to terms with Israel and Jews, and that extremists everywhere will be defeated. And while it isn't fair that you, someone for whom this horrible violence is entirely foreign and despicable, and others like you feel compelled to defend Islam, I believe you must. These are times in which we live, and I am grateful for your work and this essay.
14
A wise, balanced and patriotic message in a time when moderation and thoughtfulness are more necessary than ever.
5
In a vacuum of pure theory 'terrorism has no religion'. But who are we kidding here?
Islam needs a MAJOR reformation from within. 'Islamophobia' is the straw man of left-liberalism that stops this necessary change and progress from pushing forward.
Islam needs a MAJOR reformation from within. 'Islamophobia' is the straw man of left-liberalism that stops this necessary change and progress from pushing forward.
37
Straw-man, how so, when there are acts of violence toward Muslims (and those perceived to be Muslims) after every terrorist attack? It is a legitimate issue, just as the issue many Middle Eastern countries have in their treatment of certain groups is legitimate. Also, targeting American Muslims for the actions of those they have no realistic connection with or responsibilty for, does even more to stop change and progress, as the author cogently argues.
1
In order for persecution of innocent Muslims to stop the rest of Muslim world has to be vocal in their denounciation of violence. The leders of these countries, the influential clerics have to daily be on all social media channels denouncing ISIS actions discouraging individuals explaining why God can't be ever for killing of innocent civilians!!!
Iran has to be integral in helping west with this extremism.
Until and unless Islamic world accepts responibility and addresses the illegitimate claims within Islamic religion West can do nothing. Islamist problem can be solved only by good Muslims !!!
Iran has to be integral in helping west with this extremism.
Until and unless Islamic world accepts responibility and addresses the illegitimate claims within Islamic religion West can do nothing. Islamist problem can be solved only by good Muslims !!!
1
If Americans breach their social contract with peaceful, Muslim citizens, out of expediency, demagoguery, collective punishment, or otherwise, it will be the end of civil liberties and the beginning of a dark age.
11
As a secular arab-american of moroccan origin, I am proud to be an american citizen and proud to defend the constitution, against enemies both foreign and domestic (and make no mistake, president Roosevelt was a domestic enemy of the constitution when he created japanese internment camps).
America has been good to me. The education I paid for was useful, I like my job and my coworkers, I have been treated with respect and dignity the vast majority of the time. It's not perfect. It can get lonelier than other places.
There is only one thing that I really hope all my compatriots understand: As much that they hate Al Qaeda and Isis, muslim-americans hate them 100 times more. These evil and cowardly people have been continuously bringing shame on us and making all our lives worse for over a decade.
America has been good to me. The education I paid for was useful, I like my job and my coworkers, I have been treated with respect and dignity the vast majority of the time. It's not perfect. It can get lonelier than other places.
There is only one thing that I really hope all my compatriots understand: As much that they hate Al Qaeda and Isis, muslim-americans hate them 100 times more. These evil and cowardly people have been continuously bringing shame on us and making all our lives worse for over a decade.
232
Then please tell me how this couple gathered all these weapons and tactical gear, how they hid their radical ideas from their friends and family? Someone knew and said nothing and 14 people are dead because they said nothing. Speak up. Notify police or the FBI when your family member or friend starts talking hatred, when they buy a gun or even a balaclava in Southern California.
2
If muslim-americans hate jihadists 100 times more than the rest of of us, they would be speaking out forcefully in public against jihadists...and they would be educating jihadists on how their actions are contrary to the tenets of Islam.
1
I'm glad to hear that you are a proud Arab-American, and I believe you when you say that you hate Al Qaeda and ISIS 100 times more.
As a non-Muslim American, I am very troubled, however, by the fact that the vast majority of Muslims in America seem to be afraid of publicly showing their disdain for radical extremists. Why isn't every mosque in America organizing action against extremism? Why isn't there a million man march against radical Islam? Why is it that in several major cities in America, federal authorities have arrested radical Jihadists with ties to local American mosques? Some Muslims are outspoken in these situations, but many more simply react defensively (and naturally so), rather than going on the offensive against the extremists who are dragging down the reputation of the majority.
I applaud your patriotism, and hope that your anti-extremist zeal can translate into the types of action that will show the rest of America that American Muslims are serious about stamping out extremism.
As a non-Muslim American, I am very troubled, however, by the fact that the vast majority of Muslims in America seem to be afraid of publicly showing their disdain for radical extremists. Why isn't every mosque in America organizing action against extremism? Why isn't there a million man march against radical Islam? Why is it that in several major cities in America, federal authorities have arrested radical Jihadists with ties to local American mosques? Some Muslims are outspoken in these situations, but many more simply react defensively (and naturally so), rather than going on the offensive against the extremists who are dragging down the reputation of the majority.
I applaud your patriotism, and hope that your anti-extremist zeal can translate into the types of action that will show the rest of America that American Muslims are serious about stamping out extremism.
In America we mock everyone as a source of humor and diffusion
of fear. Everyone is a candidate. Our leaders, our religions our celebs,
the list goes on and on. So can I suggest if you want to be an American
you start with making fun of yourselves. You might discover that is
the greatest weapon you have to be accepted and dispel our fears
that any criticism of Islam warrants a death threat from some member
of your community.
of fear. Everyone is a candidate. Our leaders, our religions our celebs,
the list goes on and on. So can I suggest if you want to be an American
you start with making fun of yourselves. You might discover that is
the greatest weapon you have to be accepted and dispel our fears
that any criticism of Islam warrants a death threat from some member
of your community.
3
In the Catholic faith, there is such a thing as excommunication, essentially meaning a person is thrown out of the church. If Islam has any similar practice, my recommendation would be to apply it to all Muslims who practice terrorism.
Alternatively, peaceful Muslims could give a new name to their peaceful practice of Islam to distinguish themselves.
Alternatively, peaceful Muslims could give a new name to their peaceful practice of Islam to distinguish themselves.
9
"Nationwide, from 2001 through 2014, more than 100 plots were disrupted, according to a University of North Carolina report."
I'm sure the author's intention was to show how the Muslim community helps police stop terrorism, but that statistic is scary. And even scarier this was before ISIS really came on the scene.
I'm sure the author's intention was to show how the Muslim community helps police stop terrorism, but that statistic is scary. And even scarier this was before ISIS really came on the scene.
12
This is a "darned if you do; darned if you don't" paradigm. I suspect the author is right, that an Islamophobic back lash will feed the beast, ISIS. While I would never intentionally desparage a Muslim individual, the fact is, I am frightened of Muslims. I would never choose to freely associate with any. If I have to work with one, or sit next to one on a plane, I'm going to be very nervous. And whose fault is that? It goes against every human instinct of self preservation to conduct myself otherwise. To imagine that it's a character flaw within me is hard to process.
15
I don't think you have a character flaw, you just haven't gotten to know any Muslims. So much of the fear I read in these comments comes from not knowing "the other".
Through sheer chance I met and know many Muslims in this country, and as my grandma might say, "you couldn't hope to meet nicer people." Seriously, just try to get to know some people and you won't have such fear of the other.
Through sheer chance I met and know many Muslims in this country, and as my grandma might say, "you couldn't hope to meet nicer people." Seriously, just try to get to know some people and you won't have such fear of the other.
When are American Muslims and their mullahs going to rise up and speak out in defiance of radical Islam as a concerted group? The answer is never. And the reason is that their religion requires them to do whatever is necessary to convert the "unbelievers", even unto the penalty of death. That's exactly what their holy book the Koran says, and demands. Look it up. And by the way, the mass murderer in San Bernadino recently memorized the Koran. He was believer who acted according the Koran's demands.
15
Did you not read this article? it is speaking out in defiance of radical Islam. So was the CAIR press conference last night. They are speaking out against radical Islamic terrorists. You just aren't paying attention
1
Agreed, treating regular Muslims poorly is a bad idea. It's also true that most Americans don't do this - Musilm owned businesses continue to thrive, with smiles across the counter on both sides, my neighborhood included. This is one of the most fair-minded countries in the world.
But we'll say this again - we need Muslims to start policing themselves. Don't shoot us and ask that we not become annoyed.
But we'll say this again - we need Muslims to start policing themselves. Don't shoot us and ask that we not become annoyed.
25
Can't disagree.
1
Why can't everybody understand that we are a society of strong sexual morality, economic and business integrity, and peace? Nothing to feel alienated from, for goodness' sake!
Indeed, I think we can recognize that just the opposite is true-- but that this should produce violence is ridiculous. I feel alienated from what much of our society has become; what, Mr. Mullick, does this have to do with violence?
Indeed, I think we can recognize that just the opposite is true-- but that this should produce violence is ridiculous. I feel alienated from what much of our society has become; what, Mr. Mullick, does this have to do with violence?
1
The fact that these two were able to kill is in itself a victory for ISIS.
6
I think it is more a victory for the NRA.
1
Thank you for this editorial. Some of the xenophobic unhelpful recent rants by fear-mongering politicians are un-American and, as you point out, that is what the terrorists want. ISIL wants this to be a war over religion, and some sorry politicians have played right into their hands.
It's not a holy war. It's about sadistic murdering death-cult terrorists on the one hand, and the rest of us on the other.
I wish you and your family well. Keep up the good work, my fellow American.
It's not a holy war. It's about sadistic murdering death-cult terrorists on the one hand, and the rest of us on the other.
I wish you and your family well. Keep up the good work, my fellow American.
7
What Muslim terrorists want is to be able to infiltrate First World countries, so they can destroy them from within, but not until after collecting years of welfare that all refugees are entitled to, of course.
To think that all Muslims are potential terrorists is ridiculous.
To think none are is insane.
To think that all Muslims are potential terrorists is ridiculous.
To think none are is insane.
1
In the late 1990s I took a philosophy course at Loyola University Chicago that featured a segment on medieval philosophy. I was exposed to the writings of Moses Ben Maimon (also known as Maimonides). I found the material fascinating. And in that single course I learned more about the Muslim worldview and faith than I have throughout much of the rest of my life.
Before we go casting stones and denigrating other religious traditions through over-generalizations, hate speech, individual attacks and even terrorism we ought to educate ourselves...and do so deeply.
As I witness the horror of the worlds of Christianity and Islam demonize one another in the years since 2001 I can't help but think of that one teaching attributed to Jesus: Before taking the plank out of your neighbor's eye take the one out of your own eye.
Our world is filled with so much hypocrisy and hate. I'd like to see love win.
Before we go casting stones and denigrating other religious traditions through over-generalizations, hate speech, individual attacks and even terrorism we ought to educate ourselves...and do so deeply.
As I witness the horror of the worlds of Christianity and Islam demonize one another in the years since 2001 I can't help but think of that one teaching attributed to Jesus: Before taking the plank out of your neighbor's eye take the one out of your own eye.
Our world is filled with so much hypocrisy and hate. I'd like to see love win.
3
BCG-Maimonides was a Jew. And one of our most prolific thinkers/writers/experts in Jewish law. But he wrote mostly in his native Arabic, and had dealings with all kinds of Muslims, tolerant of Jews, and not.
4
Maimonides was a Jewish philosopher who was considered a dhimmi, third-class citizen, by the Muslims.
Get your fact right.
Get your fact right.
6
That's adorable. In the meantime, are we even allowed to hint that a clean up of Islam might finally be in order?
5
The failure to mention Saudi Arabia as the main driving force of 7th Century Islamic fundamentalism, and the urgent need for them to do major reforms, reduces this article to amateurish level, regardless of the lavish name dropping.
Perhaps the author needs to read the recent French Muslim author's powerful article before he sets out to write anything more on this issue: Saudi Arabia - an ISIS that has made it! As far as I am concerned that was most important Oped I had read in a very long time!
Perhaps the author needs to read the recent French Muslim author's powerful article before he sets out to write anything more on this issue: Saudi Arabia - an ISIS that has made it! As far as I am concerned that was most important Oped I had read in a very long time!
9
I work along side a Muslim immigrant from Afghanistan. I no more fear her or her family than I do my 12 year old kitty cat. She is as American as I am - a Cuban born non practicing Catholic naturalized citizen.
5
totally agree, I know many Muslims, my family members are Muslim, none agree with ISIS, all are peaceful, hard working family oriented people.
6
It does not matter if I think religious people are foolish or find one belief more silly than another. My disdain for magical thinking will not affect ISIS or its hatred. Nor does it represent a victory for anyone. Those who wish to espouse these silly beliefs are not going to change their minds based on what I think of them. So please, sir, don't lecture me - an atheist - about what I should think of this foolishness.
5
Perhaps we can convince the Republican Freedom Caucus to march with the Muslims for freedom for gays and lesbians, religious pluralism and equal rights. They might be harder to convert though.
2
What a strange correlation! You equate some Republicans who believe that marriage should be between one man and one woman to some Muslims who believe homesexuals should be killed.
Perhaps you didn't see the news about Muslims throwing gay men off the roofs of tall buildings, and Muslims stoning gay men to death?? http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/isis-hurls-gay-men-building...
Perhaps you didn't see the news about Muslims throwing gay men off the roofs of tall buildings, and Muslims stoning gay men to death?? http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/isis-hurls-gay-men-building...
1
'Don’t Make San Bernardino a Victory for ISIS'
This headline and article seems threatening, with the implication that if people do not treat Muslims well and their feelings are hurt, they will become terrorists.
Not exactly reassuring.
This headline and article seems threatening, with the implication that if people do not treat Muslims well and their feelings are hurt, they will become terrorists.
Not exactly reassuring.
27
Part of the Redlands murder team was a female Muslim immigrant. Yes Obama, I am afraid of females brought in from the Syrian war zone - just a terrible idea.
15
She was actually a Pakistani.
So you are saying no Muslims should be allowed in? We should start backsliding on one of our core principles, freedom of religion?
So you are saying no Muslims should be allowed in? We should start backsliding on one of our core principles, freedom of religion?
1
I bet you're afraid of your own shadow.
1
Those who favor an ISIS style Islam must be made to feel unsafe in mosques and amongst other Muslims -- knowing without doubt that others are on the lookout for them -- eager to inform on them (if not worse) and to cleanse the mosques of their presence. It is not enough to claim disapproval of the ISIS sympathizers. They must be made to feel that utter contempt and to fear it.
20
Stop spouting about what not to do. Provide ideas about approches that should taken to minimize the risk of exposure to terrorism.
7
As Will Rogers liked to say, the first thing to do when you find yourself in a hole is to stop digging. The American leadership caste's grand strategy of Invade the World, Invite the World has brought us terrorist blowback perpetrated by, in this case, a second generation immigrant. The simplest, most logical policy response would be to cut back on immigration from Islamic countries. Other things should be done as well, but the most obvious is to: Stop Digging.
8
OMG, not Steve Sailer again.
I could not agree more! Thank you.
4
"More than 250 American Muslims have joined the Islamic State, according to a report by the House Homeland Security Committee"
“For every Muslim who joins a group like the Islamic State, there are millions who reject extremism.”
250 x 1.000.000 = 250,000,000
Are there 250,000,000 Muslims in USA?
“For every Muslim who joins a group like the Islamic State, there are millions who reject extremism.”
250 x 1.000.000 = 250,000,000
Are there 250,000,000 Muslims in USA?
7
And there are still millions who support it.
Well, based on frequency, I'm still at more risk from being shot by angry white guys than radicalized Muslims. Who let all those angry white guys in the country?
10
You say that, but...phobias are often a perfectly rational response to things that threaten our safety. One of those things is the availability of guns, another is radicalized Buddhists. Wait...that's not correct. Muslims as a community bear a greater responsibility for fighting radicalization within their own community. If the Muslim community in the US doesn't want the rest of the country to be afraid of them, work on not giving them a reason to be.
20
I see a picture - one worth a thousand words - of Hussam Ayloush of CAIR and Farhan Khan, brother-in-law of the terrorist. CAIR has been named by the United Arab Emirates, the National Review, and others as a terrorist organization.
15
How about we stop pretending there's nothing wrong in Islam? This was an act of Islamic terrorism. Muslims everywhere need to stop pretending the problem is that we have guns here. Guns have little to do with the fact that the suspects are part of a Saudi culture that demonizes women, insults gays and promotes hatred and violence.
Do something about that before you dare scream what a group of bigots and haters we are here in the US!
Do something about that before you dare scream what a group of bigots and haters we are here in the US!
25
"A culture that demonizes women, insults gays and promotes hatred and violence" - oh yeah, that only exists in Saudi Arabia, nobody in the US does that
If you read the article, it was about American Muslims. Why is Saudi Arabia, another country, relevant? Is every Muslim in America at fault for what happens in every other country? If you are Christian, does that mean you are responsible for religious violence in Northern Ireland? I don't see you taking responsibility for every right wing fanatic that shoots up an abortion clinic because Jesus told him to-- oh wait, that's because terrorism its only terrorism when the person has a name that you can't pronounce, or a skin color you don't find acceptable.
Muslims in America are JUST as likely to be in an office when someone comes and shoots it up because any idiot can get a gun here. They have to live with that fear, as well as the fear that some ignorant racist will assault on them on the way to work.
I will scream about the bigots. You know why? Because I reject ANY form of extremism-- that includes your brand of it.
If you read the article, it was about American Muslims. Why is Saudi Arabia, another country, relevant? Is every Muslim in America at fault for what happens in every other country? If you are Christian, does that mean you are responsible for religious violence in Northern Ireland? I don't see you taking responsibility for every right wing fanatic that shoots up an abortion clinic because Jesus told him to-- oh wait, that's because terrorism its only terrorism when the person has a name that you can't pronounce, or a skin color you don't find acceptable.
Muslims in America are JUST as likely to be in an office when someone comes and shoots it up because any idiot can get a gun here. They have to live with that fear, as well as the fear that some ignorant racist will assault on them on the way to work.
I will scream about the bigots. You know why? Because I reject ANY form of extremism-- that includes your brand of it.
2
Kudos for your commitment and loyalty to this great Nation. However, the hard fact remains that the most of the terrorist are following some form of Islam. So even if you yourself are going to look for suspects you will have to take a close look as muslims. That's how the psychology and math works.
16
As an American, who, as a Jewish person has experienced firsthand similar hate and discrimination, I completely agree with Mr. Mullick. Now is the time to come together as Americans. And thank you for helping to defend this country and our freedoms. Perhaps we need to stop the hyphenated labeling while honoring our backgrounds. We are not Jewish Americans, Muslim Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans and on and on, we are simply Americans with great of diversity in religion and cultures we can all learn from and enjoy.
187
Platitudes are laudable if their aim is to feel good about one's open-mindedness and humanity. They are, however, a solution to nothing.
In the context of terrorism we are NOT "Jewish Americans, Muslim Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans and on and on." (Being a non-Muslim member of one of these groups I actually resent being lumped together with Muslims in the context of terrorist activities). None but one of these groups is associated with providing fertile ground for terror, inadvertent as may be.
Of course the vast majority of Muslims are not terrorists. And of course the vast majority of Muslims are "simply Americans" who do not wish their communities to be a breeding ground for terrorists. But there is no getting around the numbers that of all these groups there is only one consistently producing terrorists.
I do not pretend to know the best approach for addressing the issue--an approach that might be effective, humane and constitutional. But whatever that approach may be, it is certainly not enabled by denying the stark reality that of all these groups there is only one giving rise to terrorism with some regularity--here in the US and by providing recruits for Jihadi groups abroad.
In the context of terrorism we are NOT "Jewish Americans, Muslim Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans and on and on." (Being a non-Muslim member of one of these groups I actually resent being lumped together with Muslims in the context of terrorist activities). None but one of these groups is associated with providing fertile ground for terror, inadvertent as may be.
Of course the vast majority of Muslims are not terrorists. And of course the vast majority of Muslims are "simply Americans" who do not wish their communities to be a breeding ground for terrorists. But there is no getting around the numbers that of all these groups there is only one consistently producing terrorists.
I do not pretend to know the best approach for addressing the issue--an approach that might be effective, humane and constitutional. But whatever that approach may be, it is certainly not enabled by denying the stark reality that of all these groups there is only one giving rise to terrorism with some regularity--here in the US and by providing recruits for Jihadi groups abroad.
1
Really? You, as an American Jew, have found yourself suspected of being a terrorist?
1
Well written. But take a moment to remember that people are scared. And the media only fuels this fear. Rational people understand that not all Muslims are extremists. Just like they realize that all young black men are not going to mug them. But fear and the survival instinct kick in and people tend to be suspicious of everyone. Especially when something bad happens.
Last year we spent Christmas in Rome. It was wonderful to be at the Vatican on Christmas Eve for mass. I never gave one thought to terrorism. There were people there from all over the world. The mood was festive and happy. But I am not sure I would feel so comfortable this year. Is it rational? Would I be scared on the plane if I were next to a Muslim? I would hope not, but I am not so sure right now. And that is the issue. We are just not sure. And that fuels the fear and the cycle continues.
And I still believe we need gun control over in this country. I cannot believe measures have been voted down once again. Our government is not protecting us. And this is a big part of the problem.
Last year we spent Christmas in Rome. It was wonderful to be at the Vatican on Christmas Eve for mass. I never gave one thought to terrorism. There were people there from all over the world. The mood was festive and happy. But I am not sure I would feel so comfortable this year. Is it rational? Would I be scared on the plane if I were next to a Muslim? I would hope not, but I am not so sure right now. And that is the issue. We are just not sure. And that fuels the fear and the cycle continues.
And I still believe we need gun control over in this country. I cannot believe measures have been voted down once again. Our government is not protecting us. And this is a big part of the problem.
13
The anti-Muslim comments -- and this is the New York Times, not some extremist website -- make me sad about my fellow Americans' inability to remember something I recall from kindergarten: Don't blame a whole group for the actions of a few.
193
Nobody blames all Muslims for the terrorism committed by a few. But even liberals like me are wary of the misogyny, homophobia, and anti-semitism that come with large groups of Muslims. Large groups of boorish Republican men sometimes have infuriating views on women's access to healthcare, but they don't hiss at women to cover their hair and faces when walking down the street. This happens time and again to French women when they encounter Muslim men in France. I can express my frustration at Republicans, and I see these frustrations reflected in liberal media reporting. But problems Western women encounter as they see more Muslim men in their cities? No mainstream media will report on it. That's racism and xenophobia. Misogyny and homophobia are terrible wrongs when committed by Republicans in America, but Muslims generally hold even worse views regarding the place of women and gays, and the liberal media gives them a pass because of political correctness. I hate this.
3
This time yesterday NY Times commenters were blaming Republicans, the NRA, etc for this event when they thought it was three white men. Now that the perpetrators were Muslims now they want restrain. HA! Hypocrites.
4
Howard, should be a New York Times pick.
1
Thank you. We are on the same side, but terrorists are trying to draw a line between us. They are terrorists, not armies; the only real power they have is to trick the rest of us into thinking we are at war with each other. That is the only way they have of gaining power. They can't do it without our help. I try over and over to make this simple point, but people often don't want to hear it.
We hand them their victories. Our politicians and pundits, the ones who have never given a thought to Islam in their lives, who Google a few factoids and quotes to help them exploit people's fear--they are the ones who are turning the sick violence into recruitment posters for terrorists. They are the ones who are drawing a line between the 2 greatest religions in the world, escalating the rhetoric and the violence. We are infinitely stronger than these sad people with guns and homemade bombs, but unless we can start being smarter than them we are lost.
We hand them their victories. Our politicians and pundits, the ones who have never given a thought to Islam in their lives, who Google a few factoids and quotes to help them exploit people's fear--they are the ones who are turning the sick violence into recruitment posters for terrorists. They are the ones who are drawing a line between the 2 greatest religions in the world, escalating the rhetoric and the violence. We are infinitely stronger than these sad people with guns and homemade bombs, but unless we can start being smarter than them we are lost.
170
'...They are the ones who are drawing a line between the 2 greatest religions in the world, escalating the rhetoric and the violence...'
I had thought it was the daily terrorist acts committed every day by Muslims all over the world.
Silly me.
I had thought it was the daily terrorist acts committed every day by Muslims all over the world.
Silly me.
4
Drawing a line between the 2 greatest religions in the world is the most useless thing we can do. The best thing we can do is for millions of moderate muslims to demonstrate against the tenets of the muslim faith that foster terrorism. Instead of islamophobes demonstrating outside mosques demanding that the Imams reject jihad, reject sharia, reject any subjugation of women, integrate their own faith communities, in effect move toward secularism and even atheism.There is and never will be a 12th hidden Imam, just like there will never be a 2nd coming of christ, there never was a 1st coming.Until we start to live Lennon's Imagine, and "no religion too" we will go on hating each other and killing each other over books and ideas manufactured not by any creator but by charlatans of history.
"Don’t Make San Bernardino a Victory for ISIS" - So say we all. That's what I wish.
47
Don't make San Bernardino a pity party for people of the same religion as the perps, please.
3
Well said. I have posted this several places and forwarded to several of my more hysterical/reactionary friends.
52
The San Bernardino tragedy is not about gun control, it's not about workplace violence, it's bout radical Islamic terrorism. In addition to the guns, law enforcement found IED's and pipe bombs in the attacker's apartment, and verified much danced planning.
Obama stated just weeks ago that ISIS is not growing and in fact he believed ISIS is more contained. He's clearly in denial; even as our military and our allies ramp-up military attacks on ISIS, and even as American's are murdered by Islamic terrorist on our own soil. Failure.
Obama stated just weeks ago that ISIS is not growing and in fact he believed ISIS is more contained. He's clearly in denial; even as our military and our allies ramp-up military attacks on ISIS, and even as American's are murdered by Islamic terrorist on our own soil. Failure.
78
What if it is really about mentally unstable people whether they're Islamic extremists influenced by ISIS propaganda or Christian extremists who believe that Planned Parenthood clinics are the devil's work & that they're just messengers of God by bombing abortion clinic. What if they are just people who are angry unstable people who are looking for a cult like religion or ideology in which they can unleash their feelings of out of control anger & violence on a target which they believe is somehow mysteriously attached to their deranged vision of God?
2
CK - very much to the contrary. The San Bernardino is MOST DEFINITELY about gun control. You apparently think that terrorism and weak gun laws are mutually exclusive, which is a ludicrous opinion. I want strong gun laws to prevent ALL extremists from all faiths, classes, races to easily access guns. The overwhelming majority of people who slaughter their fellow Americans are NOT muslim. Given that basic fact, American muslims are the last people who I fear.
3
Your connection of the San Bernadino massacre to ISIS is pure speculation.
I am with you but your words underestimate the severity and criticality of the problem. It is no longer enough for American Muslims to denounce and condemn terrorism. In order to stem the tide of the coming Islamophobia, you as an American Muslim must actively seek out and report suspected terrorists. Why you and not me? Because you are there and I am not. You have much greater access to them. How do I know that? Because I have zero access to them.
My words are not fair. They place an undue burden upon you and your family. They wreak of discrimination. Guess what? Life often times is not fair and this is one of those times.
Just as American blacks protested and rallied for years to achieve equal rights, the Muslim community must do the same to wipe out terrorist motivations.
American is not at war with Islam but there are Islamists that are at war with America. You must take an active part in combating that war. We will gladly join you and help you. You must be our eyes and ears. You must make it your business to learn of suspicious activity, to take an active role.
America is the home of slavery, segregation, lynchings and other horrible things. We are the experts of hate. The only way to prevent that hate from becoming widespread for Muslims to march against terror. I will march with you. I will stand beside you. But first, you have to begin that march yourself.
My words are not fair. They place an undue burden upon you and your family. They wreak of discrimination. Guess what? Life often times is not fair and this is one of those times.
Just as American blacks protested and rallied for years to achieve equal rights, the Muslim community must do the same to wipe out terrorist motivations.
American is not at war with Islam but there are Islamists that are at war with America. You must take an active part in combating that war. We will gladly join you and help you. You must be our eyes and ears. You must make it your business to learn of suspicious activity, to take an active role.
America is the home of slavery, segregation, lynchings and other horrible things. We are the experts of hate. The only way to prevent that hate from becoming widespread for Muslims to march against terror. I will march with you. I will stand beside you. But first, you have to begin that march yourself.
256
Oh, Bruce, you had me until "we are the experts of hate." We are indeed human and very flawed, but give us a little credit. We work harder than anyone on our faults and strive everyday to fix our mistakes. Come on, man.
2
Will you as a white American male seek out and report white males that are suspected to engage in mass shootings? This is dangerous rhetoric. Islam is not radicalism; there are notable examples throughout history where religion has been perverted and convoluted in such a way that it no longer resembles the source. Innocent people should not be forced or expected to explain actions of those they are not remotely connected with. I am a fully contributing and functioning member of American society, my burden is no greater than yours. I have as much to fear as you do, I have as much to lose as you do. The audacity to claim that the Muslim community does not deserve equal rights is unequivocally unAmerican.
6
I'm assuming you will also do the same with white culprits of mass shootings? You know, the kind that happen far more frequently than islamic terrorism here in the US? The severity and criticality of these mass shootings, like those in Oregon, Sandy Hook, the church in Charleston, can't be overestimated.
Why you and not me? Because I have zero access to them. America is not at war with white men. But it sure seems like white men are at war with America.
Sound good? Please do your best to seek out and report the next white man that aims to harm us fellow Americans. I will support you, but you must take the first step.
Why you and not me? Because I have zero access to them. America is not at war with white men. But it sure seems like white men are at war with America.
Sound good? Please do your best to seek out and report the next white man that aims to harm us fellow Americans. I will support you, but you must take the first step.
2
What does your religion have to say about forcing women to cover their faces their entire lives in shame?
What does your religion have to say about issuing fatwas?
What does your religion have to say about Muslims as mainstream as Cat Stevens calling for Salman Rushdie to be killed simply because he wrote a book.
Where is the uproar from the Muslim community worldwide over France, Lebanon, Boston, San Bernardino? Nowhere.
Look at the Boston bomber and this most recent situation in San Bernardino. Both seemed like mild-mannered, assimilated folks that nobody suspected.
It is time to be suspicious of all Muslims, for our own survival.
What does your religion have to say about issuing fatwas?
What does your religion have to say about Muslims as mainstream as Cat Stevens calling for Salman Rushdie to be killed simply because he wrote a book.
Where is the uproar from the Muslim community worldwide over France, Lebanon, Boston, San Bernardino? Nowhere.
Look at the Boston bomber and this most recent situation in San Bernardino. Both seemed like mild-mannered, assimilated folks that nobody suspected.
It is time to be suspicious of all Muslims, for our own survival.
172
Honestly, to answer your questions:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.noblequran.com/translation/" title="http://www.noblequran.com/translation/" target="_blank">http://www.noblequran.com/translation/</a><br/><br/>Some of you questions are not the the Quran, because you can thank the very conservative, Wahabbi clerics in Saudi Arabia (our ally) for the most hateful form of Islam which demean woman, created fatwas, issues fatwas. <br/><br/>Some Muslim nations have denounced what has happened. As well as large Muslim communities.<br/><br/>The Boston bombers were from Russia; not, the Middle East. From a region which has been fighting Russian rule for centuries (Czars, Soviets, Putin).<br/><br/>I am not defending anything here, but please search out the facts. Also, there are other faiths which are involved, or have ben involved, in very evil acts over the centuries.<br/><br/>1. Ever hear of the Inquisition?<br/>2. Roman persecution of Christians and Jews?<br/><br/>Or how about today:<br/><br/>1 Persecution of Muslims in Buddhist Burma?<br/>2. Persecution of Muslims in India, thanks to the election of a far right, nationalist, Hindu party?<br/>3. Persecution of Sikhs by Hindus?<br/><br/>Then we can add:<br/><br/>Persecution of anyone in china who wants to embrace a religious faith. Including persecution of Muslims, Christians and Buddhists.<br/><br/>So, to sum up, religious persecution, and religious based terrorism, has been around since humans set up their first settlement in Ur 8,000 years ago.
80
Mr. Metrowsky,
You may be confusing religious violence with sectarian violence. Or maybe, because of the political lens which you may be viewing these events, you cannot differentiate the two. Please direct me to archived evidence where Buddhists or Hindus have attacked Muslims justifying their violence on a theological basis. On the other hand, sectarian violence, often over limited resources, flares out frequently not just in the poorer parts of the world, but also in Europe such as Ireland and erstwhile Yugoslavia. Some of worst sectarian violence has been in the Islamic world, e.g., the Syrian civil war. Perhaps you can try to defend whoever or whatever you are trying to defend without impugning other communities.
You may be confusing religious violence with sectarian violence. Or maybe, because of the political lens which you may be viewing these events, you cannot differentiate the two. Please direct me to archived evidence where Buddhists or Hindus have attacked Muslims justifying their violence on a theological basis. On the other hand, sectarian violence, often over limited resources, flares out frequently not just in the poorer parts of the world, but also in Europe such as Ireland and erstwhile Yugoslavia. Some of worst sectarian violence has been in the Islamic world, e.g., the Syrian civil war. Perhaps you can try to defend whoever or whatever you are trying to defend without impugning other communities.
14
Ajit,
Well, you want examples, here they are:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Muslims_in_Myanmar
http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2015/10/13/448182574/indias-ban-on...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_massacres_in_India
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/17/china-accused-emasculate-ch...
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/17/china-accused-emasculate-ch...
Need any more examples?
Well, you want examples, here they are:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Muslims_in_Myanmar
http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2015/10/13/448182574/indias-ban-on...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_massacres_in_India
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/17/china-accused-emasculate-ch...
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/17/china-accused-emasculate-ch...
Need any more examples?
8
Are you listening, Donald?
12
Absolutely, totally agree! Couldn't agree more!
The danger is called extremism. The most patriotic thing we can ALL do right now is come together in denouncing violence and vengeance -- I'm talking about Protestants, Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Christians, Jews, Pagans, Hindus, Buddhists, atheists, and Muslims embracing religious pluralism and each other -- and denouncing violence (and especially violence against non-combatants and others who are easy, easy -- disgustingly easy -- targets).
The danger is called extremism. The most patriotic thing we can ALL do right now is come together in denouncing violence and vengeance -- I'm talking about Protestants, Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Christians, Jews, Pagans, Hindus, Buddhists, atheists, and Muslims embracing religious pluralism and each other -- and denouncing violence (and especially violence against non-combatants and others who are easy, easy -- disgustingly easy -- targets).
27
“The Islamic State has little to no support in most Muslim-majority countries, according to a Pew Research Center poll after the Paris attacks.”
For those interested, here is a chart showing the results of this Pew poll: http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/17/in-nations-with-signific...
It shows that only 28% (!) of Pakistanis have an unfavorable view of ISIS (an additional 9% "don't know"). In other Muslim-majority countries like Nigeria, Malaysia, Turkey, and Indonesia (and others), only 60-80% of people have an unfavorable view of ISIS.
Contrary to what this author contents, this doesn’t mean that the Muslim world has “little to no support” for ISIS – what it indicates is that there are hundreds of millions of people in Muslim-majority countries who don't have an “unfavorable” view of ISIS. This should comfort no one.
For those interested, here is a chart showing the results of this Pew poll: http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/17/in-nations-with-signific...
It shows that only 28% (!) of Pakistanis have an unfavorable view of ISIS (an additional 9% "don't know"). In other Muslim-majority countries like Nigeria, Malaysia, Turkey, and Indonesia (and others), only 60-80% of people have an unfavorable view of ISIS.
Contrary to what this author contents, this doesn’t mean that the Muslim world has “little to no support” for ISIS – what it indicates is that there are hundreds of millions of people in Muslim-majority countries who don't have an “unfavorable” view of ISIS. This should comfort no one.
189
You misread the chart. In Pakistan 28% have an unfavorable view, 9% have a favorable one and the 62% are "don't know". In Lebanon, where I am from over 99 % have an unfavorable view. Please be fair, most of us abhor the extremists and are loathe to identify with them.
4
Thanks for the Pew poll link. Of interest is why Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria were left out of the poll. These countries are where the question needs to be asked - and US policy needs to be adjusted, particularly with regards to any travellers including Pakistan. The shooter's wife was a Saudi - and in fact the whole story of him going there for a bride that was not vetted is our bad.
Nobody should question Mr Mullick's loyalty or values. But he is tied to a religion that in other countries is entirely incompatible with western democracy.
Nobody should question Mr Mullick's loyalty or values. But he is tied to a religion that in other countries is entirely incompatible with western democracy.
4
Val in Brooklyn, NY to Mark B.
I just went to the link you attached. You said it showed 9% of Pakistanis "don't know." What I saw showed 62% aren't sure how they feel and 9% had favorable views of Daesh. Those stats are a bit different from the ones you listed. The chart showed that the bulk of those populations had well over 50% unfavorable view of Daesh, including: Lebanon w/ 100%, Israel 97%, Jordan 94% and Palestine 84%.
Has the info on the link changed since you attached it? Also, remember that unsure doesn't mean favorable view, meaning a possibility of communicating with them and without condescension, steering them away from even considering the toxicity of Daesh.
Submitted 12/3/15@8:07 p.m. e.s.t.
I just went to the link you attached. You said it showed 9% of Pakistanis "don't know." What I saw showed 62% aren't sure how they feel and 9% had favorable views of Daesh. Those stats are a bit different from the ones you listed. The chart showed that the bulk of those populations had well over 50% unfavorable view of Daesh, including: Lebanon w/ 100%, Israel 97%, Jordan 94% and Palestine 84%.
Has the info on the link changed since you attached it? Also, remember that unsure doesn't mean favorable view, meaning a possibility of communicating with them and without condescension, steering them away from even considering the toxicity of Daesh.
Submitted 12/3/15@8:07 p.m. e.s.t.
3
"There are no good Muslims, according to die-hard demagogues."
Who says such a thing? I can't think of any significant politician or prominent figure who says this.
What people say, instead, is that a great many terrorists are Muslims, that the proportion of Muslims who are terrorists is much, much higher than those from other backgrounds, that we would be better off we kept to a minimum the number of Muslims who enter our country.
And all of this is true. While only 1% of Americans are Muslims, now half of all those killed by terrorists in the US, even excluding 9/11, were killed by Muslims. Who would want to admit more Muslims, knowing this?
Who says such a thing? I can't think of any significant politician or prominent figure who says this.
What people say, instead, is that a great many terrorists are Muslims, that the proportion of Muslims who are terrorists is much, much higher than those from other backgrounds, that we would be better off we kept to a minimum the number of Muslims who enter our country.
And all of this is true. While only 1% of Americans are Muslims, now half of all those killed by terrorists in the US, even excluding 9/11, were killed by Muslims. Who would want to admit more Muslims, knowing this?
105
Maybe we should stem the influx of Christians also.
15
i'll take the Muslims; they can have The Donald.
4
Who would want to admit more Muslims? I would.
Nearly all terrorism in the US is from home-grown terrorists and, often, converts to Islam. These are people who have grown up feeling alienated and resentful towards the US, but have never experienced the horror of living under the thumb of religious zealots.
Refugees from ISIS have leaved under that sword and they will do anything they can to stop it from taking root here. Unlike police, refugees can melt into Muslim comunities. Unlike native born Muslims, they are not in denial about religious extremists in their midst. They can recognize extremists and take action long before anyone else notices a problem. The extremists are already here; refugees can be our best defense against them.
Nearly all terrorism in the US is from home-grown terrorists and, often, converts to Islam. These are people who have grown up feeling alienated and resentful towards the US, but have never experienced the horror of living under the thumb of religious zealots.
Refugees from ISIS have leaved under that sword and they will do anything they can to stop it from taking root here. Unlike police, refugees can melt into Muslim comunities. Unlike native born Muslims, they are not in denial about religious extremists in their midst. They can recognize extremists and take action long before anyone else notices a problem. The extremists are already here; refugees can be our best defense against them.
6
Shooter Farook was arguing repeatedly with co-worker (A Jew) that Islam was a a religion of peace. Guess who won that argument unfortunately?
140
Link or proof of that actually happening?
3
Nobody
Acknowledging the obvious -- that Islam has a serious problem with violence, and that mass Muslim immigration into the United States is therefore a bad idea -- is not a victory for ISIS, it's a victory for common sense, and for America.
149
You definitely missed the point of the article. Loyal Muslim- Americans like the author ( and just look at his resume!) are an essential part of America's strength.
The terrorism most of us fear the most is yet another crazed ideologue of any religion, enabled by Republican insistence on the free flow of murder weapons.
The terrorism most of us fear the most is yet another crazed ideologue of any religion, enabled by Republican insistence on the free flow of murder weapons.
7
Islam doesn't have a problem with violence. ISIS does. Islam has it's share of terrible people just like every other religion. Please distinguish between these things before you "acknowledge the obvious"
6
Wow. How absolutely true, and well said.
4
Well said - thank you for writing such a clear article that we need to embrace Muslim Americans in our culture as the vast majority are not extremists.
36
No, Muslims must fully embrace our tolerant, egalitarian, women and men as equals, separation of church and state, dare I say secular culture, otherwise why would someone whose values are so different want to be here?
8
Someone else wrote sarcastically: "Ayan Hirsi Ali wanted to be out of Islam. She chose the wrong way to do it and now every yahoo has her on their hit list. The surest way out of Islam is to commit a terror act. The moment a devout Muslim commits an act of terror, every Tom, Dick and Harry rushes to pronounce that the terrorist was NOT a Muslim. This is amazing."
So thank you! Unlike those who keep saying "terrorism has no religion", you have written that "Islam faces a deadly cult of fanaticism". Now a discussion is possible about methods to catch and to prevent radicalization. It is hard to do that when the most crucial participants in this discussion are in denial.
It seems to me that more significant than the alienation from the general society, the radicalized Muslim, at least in America, is alienated from their own surrounding Muslim community. Buzzfeed tells us that Syed Raheel Farook, the brother of the suspected shooter, Syed Rizwan Farook, served honorably in the US Navy from 2003 to 2007. It is hard to imagine parents deliberately setting out on path that leaves their 6-month old child as an orphan. You might have thought that the couple would leave one of them out of this gun rampage, just so that the child has one parent. Thus this couple is abandoning their own - sibling, child. If this alienation can be detected early and handled, perhaps some tragedies can be prevented.
So thank you! Unlike those who keep saying "terrorism has no religion", you have written that "Islam faces a deadly cult of fanaticism". Now a discussion is possible about methods to catch and to prevent radicalization. It is hard to do that when the most crucial participants in this discussion are in denial.
It seems to me that more significant than the alienation from the general society, the radicalized Muslim, at least in America, is alienated from their own surrounding Muslim community. Buzzfeed tells us that Syed Raheel Farook, the brother of the suspected shooter, Syed Rizwan Farook, served honorably in the US Navy from 2003 to 2007. It is hard to imagine parents deliberately setting out on path that leaves their 6-month old child as an orphan. You might have thought that the couple would leave one of them out of this gun rampage, just so that the child has one parent. Thus this couple is abandoning their own - sibling, child. If this alienation can be detected early and handled, perhaps some tragedies can be prevented.
27
Adding - I'm relying on CNN reporting that Farook was radicalized.
1
No one has yet said if this was an act by ISIS; unless the story has been updated, it was workplace violence. Both are acts of terror, but people are making more of it because the gunmen were of Pakistani descent. That is like blaming a German American, in 1943, commit an act of terror, because of WWII.
Until all the facts come out, restraint should be used in both reporting and assumptions by the public.
What we do know if that is was another mass murder de jour. Why? Because pretty much anyone, who needs one, can get hold of weaponry and ammunition in this country; by both legal and illegal means. There are more guns in the US, than its entire population. And based on Colorado Bureau of Investigation reporting, last Friday was a record day fro gun sales in Colorado. Multiply that by 50 times.
Until the politicians and citizens address this issue, we will continue to see many more mass killing.
And to make San Bernardino so horrific is that this shooting took place at a center for some of the most vulnerable in our society; the dependent disabled. This shows that American citizens are willing to commit horrible acts just about anywhere. Thus, in a way, they are no better than those fighting for ISIS.
Until all the facts come out, restraint should be used in both reporting and assumptions by the public.
What we do know if that is was another mass murder de jour. Why? Because pretty much anyone, who needs one, can get hold of weaponry and ammunition in this country; by both legal and illegal means. There are more guns in the US, than its entire population. And based on Colorado Bureau of Investigation reporting, last Friday was a record day fro gun sales in Colorado. Multiply that by 50 times.
Until the politicians and citizens address this issue, we will continue to see many more mass killing.
And to make San Bernardino so horrific is that this shooting took place at a center for some of the most vulnerable in our society; the dependent disabled. This shows that American citizens are willing to commit horrible acts just about anywhere. Thus, in a way, they are no better than those fighting for ISIS.
39
One thing I left out, I appreciate Mr. Mullick for writing this essay.
Let's face it, in every society, and every faith, in the Us, and elsewhere, there are people who are willing to do horrible things. For human kind, it is fortunate, fro human kind, that such individuals are in a small minority.
Let's face it, in every society, and every faith, in the Us, and elsewhere, there are people who are willing to do horrible things. For human kind, it is fortunate, fro human kind, that such individuals are in a small minority.
33
There weren't "gunmen"; there were a gunman and a gunwoman; a married couple. The woman is not of "Pakistani descent", she is of Pakistani citizenship.
You know those facts-- why the spin? "Workplace violence"-- more spin.
You know those facts-- why the spin? "Workplace violence"-- more spin.
9
Such individuals are not in a 'small minority' in the Middle East.
5
It should be noted that the first victim of anti-Muslim rage following 9/11 was not a Muslim but a Sikh. As a non-white, non-Muslim with a very foreign-sounding name, I could easily be a target of such rage. But I am not worried because the chance is quite small. Americans by and large are sensible, fair-minded people.
Mr. Mullick should be far less worried about alleged "Islamophobia" and far more concerned about how his faith is attracting sociopaths worldwide (many of who are non-Muslims) to the fold. The word Islamophobia implies an irrational fear of Islam. Is he asserting that fear of Islamic terrorism an irrational fear? In fact, use of this term seems to imply a grievance based on the "victim-complex".
Mr. Mullick quotes the Pew poll. I encourage readers to read that report carefully to see how Muslims worldwide view issues such as sharia, democracy, homosexuality, women's freedom, tolerance of other faiths, etc.
http://www.pewforum.org/2013/04/30/the-worlds-muslims-religion-politics-...
It's not enough that we decry terrorism and intolerance. It's importance to understand what we stand for in the West, and to convey that to the immigrants who may have a worldview very different from our Western modernism.
Mr. Mullick should be far less worried about alleged "Islamophobia" and far more concerned about how his faith is attracting sociopaths worldwide (many of who are non-Muslims) to the fold. The word Islamophobia implies an irrational fear of Islam. Is he asserting that fear of Islamic terrorism an irrational fear? In fact, use of this term seems to imply a grievance based on the "victim-complex".
Mr. Mullick quotes the Pew poll. I encourage readers to read that report carefully to see how Muslims worldwide view issues such as sharia, democracy, homosexuality, women's freedom, tolerance of other faiths, etc.
http://www.pewforum.org/2013/04/30/the-worlds-muslims-religion-politics-...
It's not enough that we decry terrorism and intolerance. It's importance to understand what we stand for in the West, and to convey that to the immigrants who may have a worldview very different from our Western modernism.
234
"t should be noted that the first victim of anti-Muslim rage following 9/11 was not a Muslim but a Sikh. As a non-white, non-Muslim with a very foreign-sounding name, I could easily be a target of such rage. But I am not worried because the chance is quite small. Americans by and large are sensible, fair-minded people."
Your example and your conclusion seem rather contradictory. A country that lashes out at a Sikh man in retaliation for Islamist violence is not what I would call "sensible" or "fair-minded."
I'm hoping your assertion is true. But given Donald Trump's popularity in the polls, I have my doubts.
Your example and your conclusion seem rather contradictory. A country that lashes out at a Sikh man in retaliation for Islamist violence is not what I would call "sensible" or "fair-minded."
I'm hoping your assertion is true. But given Donald Trump's popularity in the polls, I have my doubts.
3
So well put, thank you.
1
No, he is referring to the fact that fear of Islam in general is irrational. The same way in which it is irrational to be scared of every black person because one committed a crime. Get it? Or are you trying that hard to make Islam and radical terrorism the same thing?
4
That is all well and good, but the fact remains, muslims are engaged in a worldwide terror campaign to spread their religion and subjugate everyone else. Period.
220
I am sure that you meant "SOME" Muslims. Or maybe given the number of Muslims, worldwide, a "FEW" Muslims.
24
Did you actually read the article, before declaring the "facts"? Question mark?
10
And Americans are engaged in a worldwide campaign to spread . . . what? Shallow capitalist values and exploitation.
So stop with the generalizations. It doesn't help.
So stop with the generalizations. It doesn't help.
11
It happens every single time. There is an attack by Islamists, and even the most ardent Muslim enemy of Islamists gets right into the issue of warning about Islamophobia as a result of the attack. This is a misplaced sense of priority. If Muslims would focus publicly on the shame, disgust, and sense of collective responsibility for the disgraceful actions of their coreligionists, there would be less reason to fear the other. There have been tens of thousands of Islamist-caused deaths (many of them Muslim, mind you) in the last two decades. What we haven't seen is the international Hundred Million Muslim March against extremism, and in favor of true religious pluralism, sexual freedom for gays and lesbians, freedom of the press of speech, and equal rights. When that happens, non-Muslims will have nothing to fear.
488
How of the Planned Parenthood's co-religionists are launching a Hundred Million Christian march to acknowledge the awful shame his actions cast on the whole religion?
I'm not even sure how a Hundred Million Muslim March would work, since there are only supposed to be around 2.6 million Muslims in the US.
I'm not even sure how a Hundred Million Muslim March would work, since there are only supposed to be around 2.6 million Muslims in the US.
14
They have no more collective responsibility for the actions of other Muslims than you do for the actions of other Christians, or Americans, or Men, or Irish, or any group that you belong to.
19
Have you seen the Hundred Million Christian March against the extremists who shoot up Planned Parenthood facilities? Should all Christians be taking "collective responsibility" for the actions of their extremist coreligionists? If not, why do you expect moderate Muslims--thousands of whom have marched in demonstrations like the one pictured to condemn extreme Islamism--to take the blame for the crazies?
26
If Donald Trump read this, he'd say you're a loser and a potential terrorist.
I think you're a brave, good man.
I think you're a brave, good man.
118
And The Donald would be right, sorry to say. The average "peace-loving" Muslim is capable of being radicalized within mere weeks and wreaking gun violence on American cities and suburbs without a care for his/her former American way of life, colleagues, friends and acquaintances. The seeds of radicalism are inside all of them whether they care to admit it or not. Yet we are always supposed to turn the other cheek.
This is from the author's article:
"Nationwide, from 2001 through 2014, more than 100 plots were disrupted, according to a University of North Carolina report."
Well, I actually had no idea that there were that many home-grown plots by Muslims to attack their fellow Americans.
I'm not even sure how to respond to this information other than to say that such a statistic seems to belie the proclamation that Islam is a religion of peace. That, and thank goodness for the FBI (which I never thought I'd be saying out loud).
Very disturbing times.
"Nationwide, from 2001 through 2014, more than 100 plots were disrupted, according to a University of North Carolina report."
Well, I actually had no idea that there were that many home-grown plots by Muslims to attack their fellow Americans.
I'm not even sure how to respond to this information other than to say that such a statistic seems to belie the proclamation that Islam is a religion of peace. That, and thank goodness for the FBI (which I never thought I'd be saying out loud).
Very disturbing times.
158
Did you read the article? He wrote that right wing groups killed 48 people since 911, Islamist extremists only "succeeded" in killing 31.
Did it occur to you even for a moment, to think:
"If more than 100 plots from Islamist extremists were disrupted, and 31 people were killed by them, how many more plots from right wing extremists must have been disrupted, since there are so many more of them in this country?"
Did it occur to you even for a moment, to think:
"If more than 100 plots from Islamist extremists were disrupted, and 31 people were killed by them, how many more plots from right wing extremists must have been disrupted, since there are so many more of them in this country?"
63
As the article states, for every Muslim who joins a group like the Islamic State, there are millions who reject extremism. Islam is a religion of peace for non-radicals.
9
"Well, I actually had no idea that there were that many home-grown plots by Muslims to attack their fellow Americans. "
There weren't. The FBI has a program of entrapping Muslims who they hope are disenfranchised from the US. If the FBI put a fraction of the effort into entrapping right wing terrorists who ARE disenfranchised from the US (as it exists for a majority of its citizens), they would save a lot more people.
There weren't. The FBI has a program of entrapping Muslims who they hope are disenfranchised from the US. If the FBI put a fraction of the effort into entrapping right wing terrorists who ARE disenfranchised from the US (as it exists for a majority of its citizens), they would save a lot more people.
9
Thank you.
35
I would love to see you write another one discussing Pew Polls of worldwide Islam. To hear you critique Muslim views in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Palestine on Sharia law (more than 80% support) and stoning for adultery (more than 75% support) and death for leaving the religion (more than 50% support). The world needs to hear moderate Muslim voices take on non-moderate Muslims!