When the risk a person takes is not his own, then “fiat justitia, ruat caelum” might as well be “fiat experimentum in corpore vili.” America doesn’t have to explain itself to anyone.
27
well welcome to the u.s./california and wish you well but from this point forward at least regarding refugees the u.s. should indefinitely stop admitting any and all refugees until it's figured out how to provide for its own people; more flexibility can be given to those seeking various visas but we have many inadequacies in the social infrastructure to care for our own to take in refugees. maybe sometime when you have time you should stroll through some of the very poor neighborhoods of the sf bay area and you'll see what i mean.
47
>People come to this country because they seek protection, refuge, a better life.<
There is no automatic right to come here, no matter the reason.
There is no automatic right to come here, no matter the reason.
54
Thank you for the first hand perspective.
However one important word appears nowhere in this essay.
IRAN
However one important word appears nowhere in this essay.
IRAN
10
All Muslims are terrorists. Much like all US citizens are congregants of the Westboro Baptist church.
14
Neither Jim Jones nor David Koresh nor Tim McVeigh nor Randy Weaver nor Eric Frein nor Eric Rudolph nor Jerad and Amanda Miller nor Cliven Bundy and sons and friends were foreigners from any of these seven countries. Nor did any of the motivation, planning, training and implementation of the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks originate in any of these countries. Even the dumbest terrorist plotters would shift to other countries to pick someone who has the national origin heritage of Ivana and Melania Trump.
24
Being separated from one's spouse and family for several years is very tough under ordinary circumstances. I can't imagine how tough it would be when one knows the loved ones are in harm's way. I wish you much strength and peace. I wish you and your husband all the best.
35
You may be afraid that this will make terrorism worse. I say that anyone who becomes a terrorist because of a 90-day moratorium on visas from seven of the world's many Muslim-majority countries has mayhem and bloodlust in his or her heart to begin with. Last May, the USA carried out a strike in Somalia on a terrorist training camp which killed 150 people.
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/08/world/africa/us-airstrikes-somalia.html
Do we really want to run the risk of admitting any of those gentle people from this government-free nation until we know that visitors from there are vetted to the best of our ability?
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/08/world/africa/us-airstrikes-somalia.html
Do we really want to run the risk of admitting any of those gentle people from this government-free nation until we know that visitors from there are vetted to the best of our ability?
53
There is no question that Trumps' ridiculous ban on Muslims from 7 countries will ignite terrorist attacks on American soil. It's just a matter of time. And this ban will not accomplish keeping even 1 terrorist out of the US - What about the millions of Muslims already here? What about Saudi Arabia where 18 out of 19 911 terrorists came from in 2001? What about ISIS moving their terrorists from 1 of the 7 banned countries to a country not banned for a few months to get the papers to come to the US? The whole thing is insane and will accomplish nothing but more hatred toward the US throughout the Middle East. God help us if Trump responds to any terrorist attacks with nuclear weapons.
23
Thank you for a brave and eloquent article, Hadil. I lived and worked in Yemen during 1979 and 1980 and have never met kinder, more hospitable people. I am so glad you are here in the U.S. --I trust you are receiving a good welcome at least from some -- and I hope your husband can join you soon.
36
All of us make sacrifices.
29
A Somali refugee committed a terrorist attack at Ohio State University earlier this year. This student is either ignorant or disingenuous by stating that these refugees don't pose a threat.
Furthermore, the son of an Afghan refugee murdered 49 in Orlando, and a poorly vetted Pakistani helped murder several in San Bernardino. It was the sons of a refugee from Chechnya who terrorized Boston. And every day in Europe, we hear of refugees from Syria and Iraq who plan or carry out attacks.
So again, this is just an extremely ignorant or disingenuous line of argument, and the idea that the author is likely taking a seat at Standford from a native born American who doesn't apologize for terrorism because he is such an apologist is the hardest part for me to comprehend.
But the most difficult part of all of this to swallow is the veiled threat that if we try to protect ourselves from these people, either by surgical attacks agaisnt terror cells or through immigration restrictions, we'll only inflame them even more. Tell me, what does Turkey, France, Germany, and Iraq do to "earn" their terror attacks? What have they done to inflame the radical Islamists?
These terrorist groups aren't a human rights organization, despite what Hadil Mansoor Al-Mowafak thinks. Sadly, he probably thinks these things not because he's an ignorant youth, but because he's thoroughly brainwashed with the Islamist belief that his people are being unfairly persecuted.
Furthermore, the son of an Afghan refugee murdered 49 in Orlando, and a poorly vetted Pakistani helped murder several in San Bernardino. It was the sons of a refugee from Chechnya who terrorized Boston. And every day in Europe, we hear of refugees from Syria and Iraq who plan or carry out attacks.
So again, this is just an extremely ignorant or disingenuous line of argument, and the idea that the author is likely taking a seat at Standford from a native born American who doesn't apologize for terrorism because he is such an apologist is the hardest part for me to comprehend.
But the most difficult part of all of this to swallow is the veiled threat that if we try to protect ourselves from these people, either by surgical attacks agaisnt terror cells or through immigration restrictions, we'll only inflame them even more. Tell me, what does Turkey, France, Germany, and Iraq do to "earn" their terror attacks? What have they done to inflame the radical Islamists?
These terrorist groups aren't a human rights organization, despite what Hadil Mansoor Al-Mowafak thinks. Sadly, he probably thinks these things not because he's an ignorant youth, but because he's thoroughly brainwashed with the Islamist belief that his people are being unfairly persecuted.
59
I make one profound point: Your ability to publicly, in writing, criticize the country in which you can listen to the birds each morning and obtain an education from one of our outstanding universities in unavailable to you in your own. America . . . may she reign forever, so that we can take in more of the ungrateful like you. Enjoy your freedom of speech. Americans, including those in my family, have shed their blood and given their lives for your privilege.
59
Just as you don't feed the wants of a spoiled child do you scare from the threats of a terrorist. I wonder if these people actually listen to themselves as to what they are saying?There is always talk about bulling, and how American's need to be all in against, and what is it when a terrorist organization or individuals do the same? American needs to recover her backbone for the good of our Children and future generations.
28
Oh yes. We cannot defend ourselves because it might make the situation much worse. We must just accept it, and we should never question any one who is muslim. We cannot defend ourselves because we all have a bad past, so we must just accept our fate.
51
Oh dear me, things sound terrible in Yemen. I wonder how our State Dept was able to conduct a proper vetting in the midst of all that horror, carnage and civil war?
I am told that Yemen is world known for its ancient architecture, the business acumen of its people, and for being the birthplace of the Bin Laden family.
But I do see your point. I mean, if America having borders is going to annoy Yemenis so much, maybe we should do away with them. And laws. And then maybe, when next you look out of your dorm window in California, you will see the familiar carnage and chaos you tell us is the norm in Yemen.
You came here legally, which I respect and for which I offer you welcome. But you are guest in our home --- and guest usually don't tell the owners who may and may not sit at their table.
I am told that Yemen is world known for its ancient architecture, the business acumen of its people, and for being the birthplace of the Bin Laden family.
But I do see your point. I mean, if America having borders is going to annoy Yemenis so much, maybe we should do away with them. And laws. And then maybe, when next you look out of your dorm window in California, you will see the familiar carnage and chaos you tell us is the norm in Yemen.
You came here legally, which I respect and for which I offer you welcome. But you are guest in our home --- and guest usually don't tell the owners who may and may not sit at their table.
69
Misunderstanding doesn't always bring contempt. Sometimes it creates an epiphany. Again and again we hear that anti-Muslim rhetoric from Western leaders creates more volunteers to fight jihad. There might be some anecdotal reason to believe that's true but maybe it's wrong. Maybe if the 1.4 billion Muslims see how misunderstood they are by Western populations they will act more effectively to counter Islamophobia. Just maybe increasing the volume of anti-Muslim rhetoric will motivate the better angels in all of us to see. Americans and Europeans are not seeing a constant and focused message from the vast majority of Muslims that the violence of the jihad is outside of the mainstream of Muslim life. If silence breeds contempt than the silence of the majority of Muslims needs to end. By and I mean speak out to the Western populations that Islam is not the enemy but the enemy is failed governments, failed communities and failed leadership.
17
First, the number one target of hate crimes in the US and UK is Jews. Guess who the main perpetrators are in the UK? Muslims. Second, this logic that by trying to keep violent people out we might offend people, who will then become really violent is insane. Sounds like the kind of people I don't want here. Islam has an enormous problem with terrorism in the West. We're in their lands and they get violent and they come here bringing violence and you get a mosque shooting.
51
Oh yes, the travel ban will upset the terrorists. Now they'll start beheading journalists and non-Muslims - they never would have done that before. Now they'll start attacking U.S. embassies - yep, that never crossed their mind either. It'll all be due to the travel ban.
Hostility towards America? What a new concept.
The last thing we need is a foreigner from Yemen telling the U.S. how to conduct its Homeland Security and Defense policies. Oh, and as for being "insulted" by the travel ban, then don't travel here. The U.S. is not some international bus station where people from all over the world can come and go as they please without regard to U.S. law. We have our borders and laws for a reason - to protect American interests. Most of us aren't specifically upset if this "insults" foreigners.
Hostility towards America? What a new concept.
The last thing we need is a foreigner from Yemen telling the U.S. how to conduct its Homeland Security and Defense policies. Oh, and as for being "insulted" by the travel ban, then don't travel here. The U.S. is not some international bus station where people from all over the world can come and go as they please without regard to U.S. law. We have our borders and laws for a reason - to protect American interests. Most of us aren't specifically upset if this "insults" foreigners.
70
Americans are willing to defend their values, but they prefer to live and do not want to get killed by Islamic terrorists. So, vetting is only fair. Still, I hope Hadil still will be able to come since she is not subscribed to any extreme ideology.
18
Thank you for bravely sharing your thoughts and experiences Hadil. Stories like this are the best way to disrupt the fear mongering and ignorance of our White House and their followers. I'm confident that the majority of Americans are behind you; that the majority have patriotic values of liberty, freedom, acceptance. The disease of unfounded fear which the Trump Administration is trying to spread is a foolish, self-sabotaging and un-American ideology.
Good luck with your studies and I hope that you will be safely reunited with your husband and family within the context of a rational, human and civilized America.
Good luck with your studies and I hope that you will be safely reunited with your husband and family within the context of a rational, human and civilized America.
25
It is impossible to even imagine the sort of fear, worry and concern that must invade your consciousnesson on whatever basis it does. Your husband is a gracious person who like you is sacraficing love and companionship to an uncertain, but almost guaranteed violent future.
Although we do know of the men who make war, why we follow their call to travel any path of destruction is beyond me. The choice our nation made this last election only magnifies the utter lack of understanding which has underscored our government's policies and the confusion of the electorate from the very founding of this nation.
Beyond infancy no able person thinks to be governed and why we as a people continue with the farce of elections is only clear if the underlying philosophy, which is to rule without restraint rather than govern with equanimity, is understood to be the motive of many who, unfortunatey, obtain political office.
Nonetheless, welcome to our nation which I trust is as good for you as it is for the overwhelming majority of us.
Although we do know of the men who make war, why we follow their call to travel any path of destruction is beyond me. The choice our nation made this last election only magnifies the utter lack of understanding which has underscored our government's policies and the confusion of the electorate from the very founding of this nation.
Beyond infancy no able person thinks to be governed and why we as a people continue with the farce of elections is only clear if the underlying philosophy, which is to rule without restraint rather than govern with equanimity, is understood to be the motive of many who, unfortunatey, obtain political office.
Nonetheless, welcome to our nation which I trust is as good for you as it is for the overwhelming majority of us.
11
Trump is making this a war on Islam (as he said some time ago). This totally plays into the hands of radical groups. Take away somebody's hope and they become easy pickings for groups such as ISIS who convert their despair into ugly ways.
I have travelled the world quite extensively and personally speaking some of the nicest polite people I have ever met have been Muslims. Perhaps Trump should meet some it may change his mind.
I have travelled the world quite extensively and personally speaking some of the nicest polite people I have ever met have been Muslims. Perhaps Trump should meet some it may change his mind.
24
How could Trump's restricting immigration to the USA make terrorism worse? Now think about that. The damage has already been done when Geroge Bush started his holy war. Terrorists, or would be terrorists, already have a well established hatred of the USA, starting, for example, with the first bombing of the twin towers in 1993. Or the shooting outside of CIA headquarters also in 1993 by Mir Aimal Kasi, a Muslim, who said "I was real angry with the policy of the U.S. government in the Middle East, particularly toward the Palestinian people."
The USA has done many things in the recent past to give people plenty of good reason to hate America. Who is going to hate us anyway? Terrorists? The very people we want to keep out? That argument makes little sense. If people really want to come to the USA with a benign peaceful purpose then they will not hate us, even if they are delayed the chance to immigrate. If they turn into American hating terrorists because they were denied entry then they don't need to be here.
There is no right to immigrate to America.
The USA has done many things in the recent past to give people plenty of good reason to hate America. Who is going to hate us anyway? Terrorists? The very people we want to keep out? That argument makes little sense. If people really want to come to the USA with a benign peaceful purpose then they will not hate us, even if they are delayed the chance to immigrate. If they turn into American hating terrorists because they were denied entry then they don't need to be here.
There is no right to immigrate to America.
39
With the exception of pearl harbour and 9/11 Americans have enjoyed stability since the late 19th century. Once manifest destiny was mostly achieved, the native americans subdued and the civil war settled we've enjoyed a pretty peaceful existence on our own continent.
This lack of conflict has caused a lack of empathy. We don't understand what drives people who are living in a war torn country to leave everything they know and move to another country to start over. We've never endured drone attacks, daily bombings, gunfire and pretty much the destruction of everything we've ever know and loved.
Trump's order is cruel and ignorant. No one in these countries has ever done anything to threaten the safety of Americans once they make it through two years of vetting to be allowed to come here. They come here to take advantage of our education system, they start businesses and create jobs and in a lot of ways become more American than those who are born here because they know how lucky we are to live with such stability.
Trump is a bully and a coward. Sadly terrorists will use his words to justify future attacks on Americans.
This lack of conflict has caused a lack of empathy. We don't understand what drives people who are living in a war torn country to leave everything they know and move to another country to start over. We've never endured drone attacks, daily bombings, gunfire and pretty much the destruction of everything we've ever know and loved.
Trump's order is cruel and ignorant. No one in these countries has ever done anything to threaten the safety of Americans once they make it through two years of vetting to be allowed to come here. They come here to take advantage of our education system, they start businesses and create jobs and in a lot of ways become more American than those who are born here because they know how lucky we are to live with such stability.
Trump is a bully and a coward. Sadly terrorists will use his words to justify future attacks on Americans.
6
This is a poignant letter from a woman who clearly would be an asset to any country. The image she draws of our simple daily freedoms, which we've now put at risk by a terrible choice of president, brought tears to my eyes. We have so much--and so much to lose if we continue to be foolish!
And the writer is certainly right, that increasing discrimination against Muslims, will bring us more resentment and trouble.
But I also wonder if immigration to any particular country has a Goldilocks number?
I think of an article I read years ago, that said Japan and Switzerland were some of the happiness countries in the world, with least conflict. And I think of a terrible research project done a long while back, with overcrowded rats jammed into a small cage, think they called it the sink, where terrible events followed the overcrowding?
So is Europe an area that has--temporarily--taken on too many people to assimilate them properly? Not enough jobs, too much strange, neither newcomers nor natives coping very well? Terrible events to follow?
And are we the flip side--we haven't yet taken enough refugees, given our size and improving economy? Wonder if there isn't some magic number, maybe accept 5% newcomers, then pause to assimilate for 10 years, then another inflow?
Meantime, if that's the formula for peaceful acceptance of those in need, how do we help the rest?
Guess that's a thought for another day.
And the writer is certainly right, that increasing discrimination against Muslims, will bring us more resentment and trouble.
But I also wonder if immigration to any particular country has a Goldilocks number?
I think of an article I read years ago, that said Japan and Switzerland were some of the happiness countries in the world, with least conflict. And I think of a terrible research project done a long while back, with overcrowded rats jammed into a small cage, think they called it the sink, where terrible events followed the overcrowding?
So is Europe an area that has--temporarily--taken on too many people to assimilate them properly? Not enough jobs, too much strange, neither newcomers nor natives coping very well? Terrible events to follow?
And are we the flip side--we haven't yet taken enough refugees, given our size and improving economy? Wonder if there isn't some magic number, maybe accept 5% newcomers, then pause to assimilate for 10 years, then another inflow?
Meantime, if that's the formula for peaceful acceptance of those in need, how do we help the rest?
Guess that's a thought for another day.
5
Thank you for writing this. I may not agree with much of it, but I believe it is essential for our people and yours to better know and understand each other. Your choice to study here is courageous and worthy of our support. Your choice to express your views, even more so.
That being said, your credibility is strained when you portray Yemen refugees as not causing terrorism on US soil. Factually correct, but missing the many years of bad actors originating in Yemen, and accounting for actions against the USS Cole, a US Embassy, and targets within our Western European and Saudi allies. The strength of non-Yemen government actors (“terrorist organizations”) within Yemen has not decreased recently, with the conflict heightened by direct Saudi actions and the growing body count. The issue is sorting out the legitimate refugees from those who are not, especially at a time when Yemen government institutions are not able to provide much help.
No one likes to see an 8 year old innocent killed in conflict. Our country goes to extreme lengths to minimize civilian deaths, but they occur, and especially when the bad actors use them as human shields or deterrents to our forces. Carefully chosen facts and then asking for more US rights to be applied in your behalf, well, … doesn’t advance your argument. Statements of implied threat or appeasement - "I'm afraid it will make terrorism worse" - are far worse.
That being said, your credibility is strained when you portray Yemen refugees as not causing terrorism on US soil. Factually correct, but missing the many years of bad actors originating in Yemen, and accounting for actions against the USS Cole, a US Embassy, and targets within our Western European and Saudi allies. The strength of non-Yemen government actors (“terrorist organizations”) within Yemen has not decreased recently, with the conflict heightened by direct Saudi actions and the growing body count. The issue is sorting out the legitimate refugees from those who are not, especially at a time when Yemen government institutions are not able to provide much help.
No one likes to see an 8 year old innocent killed in conflict. Our country goes to extreme lengths to minimize civilian deaths, but they occur, and especially when the bad actors use them as human shields or deterrents to our forces. Carefully chosen facts and then asking for more US rights to be applied in your behalf, well, … doesn’t advance your argument. Statements of implied threat or appeasement - "I'm afraid it will make terrorism worse" - are far worse.
17
The election of Trump, his closest staff, and the love fest that Trump's supporters continue to celebrate while he frustrates people who have learned to think for themselves all tells use that Trump's lame and inept travel ban will have not good effect but will not worsen the situation. Trump's supporters do not think that adversity nor frustrating helplessness and injustice makes people into radicals willing to kill those who they think are responsible. Trump's supporters think that Islam creates terrorists and Christianity produces God's holy warriors. It's a simple and easy to express idea which is only nonsense if you rely upon information from good journalism and sound scholarship, and Trump's supporter's listen to airheads from the extreme right wing of the political spectrum. So don't worry, Trump is just letting the world know that he does not think through problems before they seek solutions and neither do 47% of the electorate.
1
It is often repeated that no terrorism has been committed by people from those 7 countries in the USA.
This is not correct.
In the interest of accuracy, no deaths due to terrorism perpetrated by people of those 7 nationalities.
In fact there have been several terrorist acts perpetrated by Somalis in the USA, but all done so poorly that there were no deaths except those of some of the perpetrators.
In the case of the 2016 Ohio State Univ. attack there were 13 injured.
In Europe there have been many deaths.
November 2015, Paris, 130 dead victims. At least 2 Iraqi terrorists and possibly a Syrian.
A Syrian was also among the attackers in the Brussels March 2016 event in which there were 32 dead civilians.
The attacker in the 2016 Ansbach, Germany bombing was a Syrian refugee. In that event only the attacker died. There were 15 injured, 4 seriously.
2016, Reutlingen, Germany, knife attack by a Syrian refugee killed a pregnant woman.
July 2016, Munich, Germany, a young German of Iranian descent killed 9 people.
The 2016 New Year's Eve mass assaults and rapes are not generally classed as terrorism but I think they're worth including on this list. 68 of the suspects were asylum seekers. I haven't been able to determine their nationalities. The majority of the suspects were of North African origin. However there were Syrians, Iranians and Iraqis as well.
I do not agree with Trump's actions in any way. However I think the above information may be useful to the discussion.
This is not correct.
In the interest of accuracy, no deaths due to terrorism perpetrated by people of those 7 nationalities.
In fact there have been several terrorist acts perpetrated by Somalis in the USA, but all done so poorly that there were no deaths except those of some of the perpetrators.
In the case of the 2016 Ohio State Univ. attack there were 13 injured.
In Europe there have been many deaths.
November 2015, Paris, 130 dead victims. At least 2 Iraqi terrorists and possibly a Syrian.
A Syrian was also among the attackers in the Brussels March 2016 event in which there were 32 dead civilians.
The attacker in the 2016 Ansbach, Germany bombing was a Syrian refugee. In that event only the attacker died. There were 15 injured, 4 seriously.
2016, Reutlingen, Germany, knife attack by a Syrian refugee killed a pregnant woman.
July 2016, Munich, Germany, a young German of Iranian descent killed 9 people.
The 2016 New Year's Eve mass assaults and rapes are not generally classed as terrorism but I think they're worth including on this list. 68 of the suspects were asylum seekers. I haven't been able to determine their nationalities. The majority of the suspects were of North African origin. However there were Syrians, Iranians and Iraqis as well.
I do not agree with Trump's actions in any way. However I think the above information may be useful to the discussion.
32
Why, exactly, should the US killing Yemenis in drone strikes prompt the US to accept refugees from Yemen? Presuming that the US had good reason to kill Yemenis (admittedly, questionable, but the US government should at least have some basis for the killing), presumably some of those it didn't kill might not be the sort whom it would be wise to accept as refugees.
Furthermore, not everyone from all the world over can come to the US who faces strife in their home country. And why would or should they want to? This woman is obviously from the upper crust of Yemeni society (four years at Stanford ain't cheap). Why not stay in Yemen and work to make things better there? Why not make Yemen a beacon of freedom, equality and justice. It didn't happen here by accident, or by our best and brightest migrating to greener pastures. It happened here by hard work, class struggle, civil rights marches, etc.
To just abandon your own country to come and reap the harvest freedom, equality and justice that decades of dogged determination by America's less fortunate brought to fruition just doesn't seem right--not for America or for Yemen.
Furthermore, not everyone from all the world over can come to the US who faces strife in their home country. And why would or should they want to? This woman is obviously from the upper crust of Yemeni society (four years at Stanford ain't cheap). Why not stay in Yemen and work to make things better there? Why not make Yemen a beacon of freedom, equality and justice. It didn't happen here by accident, or by our best and brightest migrating to greener pastures. It happened here by hard work, class struggle, civil rights marches, etc.
To just abandon your own country to come and reap the harvest freedom, equality and justice that decades of dogged determination by America's less fortunate brought to fruition just doesn't seem right--not for America or for Yemen.
34
This is clearly a situation in which empathy for an individual is easy while objectivity on restricting easy travel between Islamic theocracies and the US is difficult.
The major problem with Mr Trump's travel ban is his willingness to reduce policy to the level of reality television while at the same time ensuring that none of his personal or political interests are inconvenienced by his action.
Mr Trump's major problem was compounded by the sheer incompetence of the actors involved in its drafting, its decision-making, its dissemination, and in the Orwellian explanations of what it is or is not ... or might be ... the ban.
The decision to make it more difficult for masses of people from Islamic theocracies to travel to or live within western, secular liberal societies is common sense. See Europe. Go visit the theocracies and voice support for any cause other than the cause determined by the clerics and the guards what is god's will, or his tolerance. Islamic fundamentalism is not a civilized culture nor does it add to our quality of life. It need not be welcomed to our secular culture.
Clearly, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan should be on the list of damaged states whose theocratic and oppressive doctrines fertilize the ideological fields that grow terrorists. Their omission does not invalidate the premise of tightening travel freedoms between the theocracies and civilized nations, but it does underscore the blatantly political nature of Trump's executive order.
The major problem with Mr Trump's travel ban is his willingness to reduce policy to the level of reality television while at the same time ensuring that none of his personal or political interests are inconvenienced by his action.
Mr Trump's major problem was compounded by the sheer incompetence of the actors involved in its drafting, its decision-making, its dissemination, and in the Orwellian explanations of what it is or is not ... or might be ... the ban.
The decision to make it more difficult for masses of people from Islamic theocracies to travel to or live within western, secular liberal societies is common sense. See Europe. Go visit the theocracies and voice support for any cause other than the cause determined by the clerics and the guards what is god's will, or his tolerance. Islamic fundamentalism is not a civilized culture nor does it add to our quality of life. It need not be welcomed to our secular culture.
Clearly, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan should be on the list of damaged states whose theocratic and oppressive doctrines fertilize the ideological fields that grow terrorists. Their omission does not invalidate the premise of tightening travel freedoms between the theocracies and civilized nations, but it does underscore the blatantly political nature of Trump's executive order.
7
Unfortunately, the author is right - partly. The country I come from - India - is what we can consider as an example as to how behavior changes with population. Until fanatics reach a "critical mass", they stay down. India now has that critical mass. They have (and demand) separate set of rules, policies and they harbor each other well (dangerous). While it is good for the community itself, it does not bode well for the nation. The next step is that they choke the entry and exit points to cities (dangerous). They start monopolizing certain businesses (not dangerous. Many communities do this). Then they start blaming the "major" community for everything (dangerous). You have to only look around other examples to see what this country will be like.
But unfortunately the average American will never realize this. They will convert to Islam just to spite Trump. And I think that is just as well. Americans have become too soft. Maybe we deserve to be punched?!
But unfortunately the average American will never realize this. They will convert to Islam just to spite Trump. And I think that is just as well. Americans have become too soft. Maybe we deserve to be punched?!
15
I find the notion that the Trump ban will make it easier for jihadists to recruit and terrorize unconvincing, even facile. Jihadists have had no problem establishing an Islamic state and recruiting from all around the world under the banner of deep and powerful hatred for the Great Satan (America) and the Little Satan (Israel) well before Trump's order. What these people hate, what they preach to impressionable young Muslims, is that Western civilization equals moral corruption, and that the many failures of Muslim societies are solely the fault of Western "exploitation". The idea that the Trump ban adds anything of significance to this already powerful narrative (backed as it is by an immense recruitment mechanism) defies belief. It is like saying that, had FDR not declared war on Japan after December 7, 1941, America would not have lost as many soldiers. Obviously this is true, but it ignores contextual reality.
The same is true here. We are, and have been for quite a while now, at war with a large minority (300 or so million) of the Muslim world. The only question is whether and how we come to accept that fact. Trump's ban may be idiotic from a security perspective; but in another sense it is an expression of a reality Obama had refused to recognize.
I'd go further: it is ironic that the very self-doubt of Western societies, expressed through articles like this one, is the picture of civilizational weakness that jihadists hold up as evidence of our moral corruption.
The same is true here. We are, and have been for quite a while now, at war with a large minority (300 or so million) of the Muslim world. The only question is whether and how we come to accept that fact. Trump's ban may be idiotic from a security perspective; but in another sense it is an expression of a reality Obama had refused to recognize.
I'd go further: it is ironic that the very self-doubt of Western societies, expressed through articles like this one, is the picture of civilizational weakness that jihadists hold up as evidence of our moral corruption.
29
Hadil Mansoor al-Mowafak's essay made me cry. She obviously appreciates the fine education she is receiving and finds joy in seeing and experiencing the happy activities of campus life. The U.S. still offers the most respected education (college and university level) in the world, and we Americans benefit from that reputation in many many ways. We can't afford to lose Hadil and other foreign students who come here to knuckle down and really, really learn. Too many of our own homegrown students think education an imposition, just something to check off the list on the path to "riches."
Many of the readers' comments made me cry in a different way: they represent the worst of the U.S., these racist, nationalistic, protectionist, ignorant, and just plain nasty comments about a young woman trying to escape war and just study. What have we become when an essay such as this brings out the beast in commenters? I'm guessing many of these people are not regular NYT readers. Maybe? I'm also guessing many of them couldn't get into Stanford--or couldn't be bothered.
To Hadil: many, many (even most) Americans welcome you here and wish you well on your intellectual journey.
Many of the readers' comments made me cry in a different way: they represent the worst of the U.S., these racist, nationalistic, protectionist, ignorant, and just plain nasty comments about a young woman trying to escape war and just study. What have we become when an essay such as this brings out the beast in commenters? I'm guessing many of these people are not regular NYT readers. Maybe? I'm also guessing many of them couldn't get into Stanford--or couldn't be bothered.
To Hadil: many, many (even most) Americans welcome you here and wish you well on your intellectual journey.
18
Let's please remember that Mr. Trump got 5 deferments from serving his country in the military, and more recently--couldn't spend a night in a bed other than his own; For this he had the freedom, opportunity, and financial security, (much at the expense of stiffed bankers and workers), to fly from anywhere in the country to have his own cozy bed.
6
By writing this article the author is volunteering a defense of those who this new rule would hurt most. Nearly all of these arguments are incredibly compelling, not least of which, the author's own pursuit of an American education. However, I do think that the author has glossed over one fact that could seriously undermine her essay in the minds of many Americans. The little girl who was killed, Noura al-Awlaqi, was as innocent as any 8-year old, but she was in the company of known militants and the daughter of one of the biggest enemies of the U.S., Anwar al-Awlaqi. By glossing over this, the author opens herself up to the charge that she is willfully ignoring important facts. Simply addressing this fact would be a far better way to confront these hard truths. I believe there is a powerful argument here and I hope the author has the courage to search for those difficult arguments that include shades of grey on all sides.
19
This falls under all the other worn arguments trotted out by the often-malicious anti-Trump forces. "It makes terrorism worse"; "it's against American values"; "it will alienate Muslim allies"; "America was built on immigrants, and we are vetting those Muslims from the 7 countries", and so on.
Any opinions (not likely in their publication) on how this may save American lives, prevent Fort Hoods, Orlandos, Minneapolis malls, San Bernardinos? Stem the onset of Miuslim non-assimilation and shariah mores so evident in Detroit, Dallas, Minnesota?
Any opinions (not likely in their publication) on how this may save American lives, prevent Fort Hoods, Orlandos, Minneapolis malls, San Bernardinos? Stem the onset of Miuslim non-assimilation and shariah mores so evident in Detroit, Dallas, Minnesota?
34
She says she blames America for harming her country. Think about this. If you thought Yemen was ruining America, would you move to Yemen to go to school? The writer of this piece hates us. Why does she want to come here? She feels entitled, not grateful. There are 47 Muslim majority countries she could go to. I'm not talking about all Muslims. I'm talking about her and some like her. Also, by the way, she used the words "radical groups," meaning radical Islam. We are not supposed to say that, but Muslims admit it. And then, that ever-present threat, "don't make Muslims madder!" Seriously! Don't try to tell me there is nothing violent about this "religion of peace."
48
Wow, after being in the US for less than six months, this college freshwoman from the failed state of Yemen (where women have few rights, are often forced into FGM & too-early marriage, & must cloak themselves in garb from the Middle Ages before going out), feels entitled & superior enough to tell the US how its federal government should behave! To use a word borrowed from a people that the majority of Muslims in the ME hate & want to wipe from the earth, that's chutzpah.
As for the implicit threat in her comments, enough already! Many of us in the West are fed up with being told that if we don't do more to accommodate the demands of Islam & appease its followers, then it'll serve us right when some "radical" Muslims go on a murderous rampage, blowing people up, mowing them down, or slicing them to shreds.
Islamist terrorists can find plenty of reasons for what they do in the Koran & the actions of their prophet, whom they revere & believe God commands them to imitate; not everything they do can be blamed on the misdeeds of the West.
BTW, Yemen & ALL the other countries affected by the so-called "Muslim ban" are among the much larger number of Muslim-majority countries that bar entry by Israeli Jews & also by any travelers who have an Israeli stamp in their passports regardless of where they're from. And in many of these countries this "Jewish ban" has been in place for 50 years. Where's the world outrage over that?
As for the implicit threat in her comments, enough already! Many of us in the West are fed up with being told that if we don't do more to accommodate the demands of Islam & appease its followers, then it'll serve us right when some "radical" Muslims go on a murderous rampage, blowing people up, mowing them down, or slicing them to shreds.
Islamist terrorists can find plenty of reasons for what they do in the Koran & the actions of their prophet, whom they revere & believe God commands them to imitate; not everything they do can be blamed on the misdeeds of the West.
BTW, Yemen & ALL the other countries affected by the so-called "Muslim ban" are among the much larger number of Muslim-majority countries that bar entry by Israeli Jews & also by any travelers who have an Israeli stamp in their passports regardless of where they're from. And in many of these countries this "Jewish ban" has been in place for 50 years. Where's the world outrage over that?
51
The NY Times does not seem to have the integrity nor the impartiality to publish the text of the Immigration Order, nor does it provide any explanation of such.
I guess I'll have to give it a shot....and, YES< I do believe I'll do a much better job than the NY Times.
Only one paragraph today, dear fellow commenters:
The entire verbage boils down to a 90 day temporary ban as follows:
"prohibit the entry of foreign nationals .......from countries that do not provide the information requested pursuant to subsection (d) of this section until compliance occurs."
Subsection d: "Secretary of State shall request all foreign governments that do not supply such information to start providing such information regarding their nationals"
Subseciton c: "I hereby proclaim that the immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of aliens from countries referred to in section 217(a)(12) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1187(a)(12) "
During this period the President directs Homeland Security to construct a strategy to make our long-term immigration law fit the needs of the 21st Century.
I guess I'll have to give it a shot....and, YES< I do believe I'll do a much better job than the NY Times.
Only one paragraph today, dear fellow commenters:
The entire verbage boils down to a 90 day temporary ban as follows:
"prohibit the entry of foreign nationals .......from countries that do not provide the information requested pursuant to subsection (d) of this section until compliance occurs."
Subsection d: "Secretary of State shall request all foreign governments that do not supply such information to start providing such information regarding their nationals"
Subseciton c: "I hereby proclaim that the immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of aliens from countries referred to in section 217(a)(12) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1187(a)(12) "
During this period the President directs Homeland Security to construct a strategy to make our long-term immigration law fit the needs of the 21st Century.
31
Welcome to America. We are and have been better. Right now we have a bad case of mad cow disease. Those of us who choose to live in fear conveniently lump all Muslims in one basket, you are all terrorists or potential terrorists. But there many of us who welcome the diversity you bring to our shores. You bring a different perspective, culture and life style. Most of all you treasure freedom and equality, concepts on which our democracy was founded. We need as many people as we can get who understand and cherish those concepts. What is truly American is to embrace the good and the wonderful we find in those who are different and incorporate it into our lives and our communities. There are many of us who stand with you against racism and bigotry. Trumpism wil not prevail.
7
Not so. But a nice well-coached non-thinking, knee-jerk reaction to what the Media told you about Trumps exec order.
The Governing Elites have you well-trained.
Ralph Nader once said, "They are laughing at you". He was right.
The Governing Elites have you well-trained.
Ralph Nader once said, "They are laughing at you". He was right.
26
Of course it's going to make terrorism worse. That is the intent.
Without a serious attack, how will Bannon and Trump be able to fulfill the last steps of their plan to create a corporatist authoritarian state partnered with Russia in the new crusades?
Without a serious attack, how will Bannon and Trump be able to fulfill the last steps of their plan to create a corporatist authoritarian state partnered with Russia in the new crusades?
35
Ben--Right. Once trump and his henchmen get things nicely stirred up, they can invade more countries, with eyes towards stealing oil and boosting the profits of the military industrial complex, in which they are all invested. There's a reason for all this, but it ain't US security.
6
I'm really surprised by many of the comments here and wonder how many of them have parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc. who were pushed out of their homelands or pulled in by the promise of America. It wasn't their constitutional right to be here, either, and yet they still came, some suffered discrimination as they tried to assimilate. Let's try to see what we have in common rather than what makes us different. I really fear what this country is coming to when I read comments like these.
49
Yeah, but they were white not brown.
Remember, this isn't about Islam or terrorism. Those are red herrings.
Those people are equally vehement about not letting Mexicans and Central Americans in. They are mostly Christian.
The bottom line as usual is race, no matter how hard everyone tries to pretend otherwise.
Remember, this isn't about Islam or terrorism. Those are red herrings.
Those people are equally vehement about not letting Mexicans and Central Americans in. They are mostly Christian.
The bottom line as usual is race, no matter how hard everyone tries to pretend otherwise.
6
Hail Manor Al-Mowafak is right. The Muslim Ban is, in effect, an assault on a peace-loving people. It is most important to separate our anger, or feared threat, of group--a government, a terrorist element hiding behind a religion. a separatist group, etc., from the People. The People of Yemen, Syria, Eastern Ukraine, etc. are truly the pawns in any war.
As a 20-something soldier, in Vietnam in 1968, I remember driving through a remote rural area, with rice paddies on both sides. I realized then, that those peasants, need deep in paddy water were tending their crops, merely in order to feed their families. They knew nothing of Saigon or Haiphong, had no access to national news, or interest as to who was in power. And surely, the government knew nothing, and cared even less about their welfare.
But, when we use overkill, an army when a small special ops team would suffice, or banning large swarths of people, to perhaps force the terrorist to find another port of entry. is completely asinine. But, in the end, it is always the People who new hurt, those who mean us no harm. They just want a peaceful life for their families--including full bellies.
Perhaps if Donald Trump had seen those peasants in their rice paddies, or the young boy rating a water buffalo, along the road, he would better understand. But oh, he chose not to serve--to see those Little People!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
As a 20-something soldier, in Vietnam in 1968, I remember driving through a remote rural area, with rice paddies on both sides. I realized then, that those peasants, need deep in paddy water were tending their crops, merely in order to feed their families. They knew nothing of Saigon or Haiphong, had no access to national news, or interest as to who was in power. And surely, the government knew nothing, and cared even less about their welfare.
But, when we use overkill, an army when a small special ops team would suffice, or banning large swarths of people, to perhaps force the terrorist to find another port of entry. is completely asinine. But, in the end, it is always the People who new hurt, those who mean us no harm. They just want a peaceful life for their families--including full bellies.
Perhaps if Donald Trump had seen those peasants in their rice paddies, or the young boy rating a water buffalo, along the road, he would better understand. But oh, he chose not to serve--to see those Little People!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
13
It constantly amazes me how fearful we have become in the US. We have horrific situations of war torn countries - counties previously stable and modern in many ways in the case of Syria - where the inhabitants are escaping horrific situations. Yet a significant portion of our country looks at them and can only see "terrorist".
Especially concerning is the fear against Muslim women. My great grandmother wore a head scarf her whole life - nobody in Indiana was afraid of this. Yet because some Muslim women wear headscarves in a different format, they are most likely terrorists here to kill us.
The answer is dialog and connection, not bans. If you actually get to know a Muslim person, the fear will recede.
We can vet people coming from there, and the US as a country at least used to be compassionate to others' suffering. I hope this is still the case moving forward.
Especially concerning is the fear against Muslim women. My great grandmother wore a head scarf her whole life - nobody in Indiana was afraid of this. Yet because some Muslim women wear headscarves in a different format, they are most likely terrorists here to kill us.
The answer is dialog and connection, not bans. If you actually get to know a Muslim person, the fear will recede.
We can vet people coming from there, and the US as a country at least used to be compassionate to others' suffering. I hope this is still the case moving forward.
13
So true. Reminds me of the history of gay marriage in the US. All that was required for the large majority of Americans to approve was knowing a gay person.
Once coming out became a more common thing, the outcome was inevitable.
Once coming out became a more common thing, the outcome was inevitable.
2
If all it takes is a temporary ban to incite Muslims into launching another terrorist attack US soil, that's further evidence that they do not belong in the US in the first place.
I really don't care that the author feels "insulted" by the ban. The US does not owe this woman a Stanford education. Frankly, it owes this woman absolutely nothing.
I really don't care that the author feels "insulted" by the ban. The US does not owe this woman a Stanford education. Frankly, it owes this woman absolutely nothing.
76
I don;t think the US really has anything to do with this woman's Stanford education. Stanford is a private university, and the author was accepted. How or why is between her and the university and is, frankly, none of my (or your) business.
Additionally, I think this country almost unarguably profits from having immigrants (even temporary ones) who can qualify for admission to high level academic institutions.
There's a reason the US economy is the envy of the world, and it's at least partly that we have relatively open borders. If we seal our borders, innovation will be kept out as well as everything else.
Additionally, I think this country almost unarguably profits from having immigrants (even temporary ones) who can qualify for admission to high level academic institutions.
There's a reason the US economy is the envy of the world, and it's at least partly that we have relatively open borders. If we seal our borders, innovation will be kept out as well as everything else.
6
Stanford is a private University. It is not funded by public taxpayers' money. Nobody can enter the US without a visa, it's a simple fact. Obtaining a visa from Yemen and the countries on Mr. Trump's list was already extremely rigorous, even before Mr. Trump became president. Even tourists to the US from Western European countries need to get a visa before entering the US, albeit they can apply for it online and it usually takes only a few days to get it. Contrariwise, Western European countries do not require US citizens to get a visa before entering these countries. Maybe Western European countries should apply the principle of reciprocity and demand a visa from US citizens, just like the US government demands from European citizens.
3
all it takes is incitement for Muslims to launch another terror attack? That is news to me, and to all the Muslims I know of (there have been Muslims in SE Michigan for decades now-- since the 1920's at least). I am more worried about people who take it upon themselves to come after Muslims living among us-- those folks, good Christians though they might be, are the real threat.
4
So much we don't know about the author. How did she manage to get accepted into Stanford, as competitive a university as any? Is her family wealthy (like so many others fortunate to be studying at our "best of the best")? Obviously she's fluent in English- that must be fairly rare in Yemen. Was her dream to return to Yemen with her diploma(s) to help improve things in her native country, or to emigrate elsewhere and escape the dire reality that Yemen is a failing country? Or, like so many other college freshmen, is thinking about what courses she wants to take and choosing a major already overwhelming, without gazing several years into the future?
It's unusual that a Muslim man would grant his wife the permission to cross the ocean and be separated from his influence. In Saudi Arabia women aren't allowed in public without a male relative chaperoning them. Thankfully both husband and wife have shaken off that insanity. What do both make of current events in Yemen?
Hard to find even in our biggest cities, but Yemenite food is simply incredible. Los Angeles had a restaurant "The Magic Carpet" that sadly closed years ago. It's arguably superior to what most folks experience when eating Middle Eastern food, which is mostly Lebanese. Yemenite food is to Lebanese what Thai food is to bland Chinese- spicier, exotic, more sensual.
It's unusual that a Muslim man would grant his wife the permission to cross the ocean and be separated from his influence. In Saudi Arabia women aren't allowed in public without a male relative chaperoning them. Thankfully both husband and wife have shaken off that insanity. What do both make of current events in Yemen?
Hard to find even in our biggest cities, but Yemenite food is simply incredible. Los Angeles had a restaurant "The Magic Carpet" that sadly closed years ago. It's arguably superior to what most folks experience when eating Middle Eastern food, which is mostly Lebanese. Yemenite food is to Lebanese what Thai food is to bland Chinese- spicier, exotic, more sensual.
11
Americans used to be brave-- its in the song, you know: land of the free, home of the brave. We have forgotten about the brave part though, since for so many years politicians have been playing on the fears of Americans, telling us that they alone can keep us "safe". We weren't always afraid of fear (a wise man once told us that we have nothing to fear but fear itself....). We need to rediscover our courage.
35
Yes indeed. And I think that same wise man interred tens of thousands of Japanese in camps for the duration of WW II.
But don't worry, a 90 day ban while we figure things out is no where near as drastic.
But don't worry, a 90 day ban while we figure things out is no where near as drastic.
13
If you look at what is happening in Europe, some countries' police and security forces are being completely overwhelmed with keeping the next Islamic terrorist attack from taking place. As is often said, there are not enough personnel to watch entire communities of people, within which exist a dangerous group of fanatics intent on doing massive harm to Western cultures any way they can. Vetting will not determine who gets radicalized on the internet, a favorite tool of the jihadists. We don't want that here.
And what is happening to religious minorities in the imploding Middle East: "Christians face religious persecution in more countries than any other religious group, according to a recent study by the Pew Research Center.
Persecution has resulted in a sharp decline of the Christian population in the Middle East, according to the New York Times."
(source: Christianity Today magazine 7/2015)
And what is happening to religious minorities in the imploding Middle East: "Christians face religious persecution in more countries than any other religious group, according to a recent study by the Pew Research Center.
Persecution has resulted in a sharp decline of the Christian population in the Middle East, according to the New York Times."
(source: Christianity Today magazine 7/2015)
34
I'm an American but spend almost half my time in France. On a weekly basis there are news reports of small radicalized groups and individuals being discovered and arrested. It really is reaching epidemic proportions. It is becoming a huge cost to the society and economy, destroying people's trust for their neighbors and demanding ever more financial resources for policing.
I haven't seen this happen in the USA and I hope I don't.
I haven't seen this happen in the USA and I hope I don't.
38
The Islamist fundamentalists who want to go back to an Islamic golden age, when all lived according to religious laws and the political leaders were the leaders of the faith, are anti-modern and anti-secular for the same reasons and in the same way that most Evangelical Christians are anti-modern and anti-secular. Some of the radicals what to achieve their ends by any means necessary. In the Middle East, these radicals commit atrocities against their adversaries, who are anybody that is not with them. In America, these radicals murder doctors who perform legal abortions. The faiths are different but the thought processes are identical. Follow the Sermon on the Mount and you will realize that the violence is not from religions but the human animal who fails to have empathy.
7
J.Smith--The most dangerous group of fanatics are taking up space in the White House, and in extremist Christian churches all over the country. "Christianity Today?" Really? Jam packed with "alternative facts," apparently. Good for you.
6
I am a proud New Yorker. We suffered the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil on September 11 and remain a prime target, but we haven't abandoned our American values. We go about our lives without fear and continue to welcome newcomers from all over the world including Muslim lands. I think of many, including Yemenis, who have studied English with me and have become citizens committed to our freedoms and values. Fellow Americans, where is your courage?
121
In 2000, terroists from Yemen bombed the USS Cole killing 17 US Sailors, in 2008 they bobbmed the US Embassy in Yemen killing 20 people, and attmepted to send bombs by airmail on US bound cargo planes, the terrosits in Yemen have forced the complete exodus of the remaining Jewish population in Yemen and Yemen bars Israeli Jews from travel to Yemen of any sort. So, the author's claim that the Yeminis have not perpatrated attacks in the US avoids Yemen's violent history regarding the US an other countries. In Yemen homosexuality is punishable by death, non Muslims have no freedom of religion, forced genital muitlation is paracticed in Yemen, women have no rights and forced marriage from the age of 8 years old is practiced, as are honor killings. So, let's not blame the US for Yemen's abuse of human rights andcontinued and past support of terrorisim.
59
The dilemma USA faces cannot be understated.
Watching events in E.U. and U.K. there is no escape from conclusion of mass 'invasion' of a culture utterly incompatible with our own.
The assumption of the immigrant population eventually assimilates into our set of value needs to be examined carefully, lest our generation experiences present E.U realities and, our future generation struggle to hold on.
Watching events in E.U. and U.K. there is no escape from conclusion of mass 'invasion' of a culture utterly incompatible with our own.
The assumption of the immigrant population eventually assimilates into our set of value needs to be examined carefully, lest our generation experiences present E.U realities and, our future generation struggle to hold on.
24
Islamists will hate us with or without the travel ban. And, yes they will use the travel ban for propaganda purposes, but this doesn't mean that we should have unrestricted travel across our borders.
And Muslims should be writing opinion pieces on why they do not integrate into the Western societies they migrated to.
And Muslims should be writing opinion pieces on why they do not integrate into the Western societies they migrated to.
62
"Muslims should be writing opinion pierces on why they do not integrate into Western societies..."
Thank the stars this comment does not apply to the US. You know 1% of the US population is Muslim. You just aren't seeing massive terrorist attacks here - a very very small fraction of the gun attacks killing thousands a year are Muslim.
Just a thought, perhaps talking to Muslims here will help allay some of the concerns.
Thank the stars this comment does not apply to the US. You know 1% of the US population is Muslim. You just aren't seeing massive terrorist attacks here - a very very small fraction of the gun attacks killing thousands a year are Muslim.
Just a thought, perhaps talking to Muslims here will help allay some of the concerns.
1
At least we'd hope the US is disliked for what it does/has done, as opposed to what it doesn't/hasn't (ie. propaganda/smear campaigns against the US). Who here is arguing for unrestricted travel across our borders? Would you elaborate on your opinion of the integration of Muslims in Western societies? How are you backing up your assertion they do not integrate? Maybe you're referring to the swell of anti-Muslim sentiment in the US for example following 9/11? Which we attribute to Al-Quaeda (you're on the same page here, right?)
1
now, not only do we tell them when and where to go, but what to say? I don't think so Gabe. Other people, who didn't vote for Donald, don't have to do what we say.
PS-- YOU and I will pay for the wall, if it gets built at all.
PS-- YOU and I will pay for the wall, if it gets built at all.
3
Baloney.
Yemen is in the midst of yet another civil war, a very effective Al Qaeda insurgency, is under constant attack from Saudi Arabia, and has government agents and military attaches from Iran present and active within the country.
It's governmental is barely functional.
Our Author would have us believe that, never mind, no extra precautions can possibly benefit mainland US citizens, because all the Yemeni government procedures for granting passports and visas are intact, the vetting process is reliable and thorough, and that there is no meaningful possibility that the process have been infiltrated by bad actors.
That's pretty funny.
Our Author, should be on a late night TV comedy show.
38
They dont vet the people coming here, we do, and, we do it in an extreme fashion already. And it's working because there have been no attacks by these people here.
19
In a way, I believe both Objectivist and Scott fundamentally agree.
Objectivist - Yemen, the 6 other countries, and I would add several more to the list, in fact are not capable or willing to prevent terrorist-minded people from coming to the USA.
Scott - But we already have excellent vetting procedures in place for just this problem, which is why we haven't had attacks from citizens of those countries in many years, (except Somalia, which gets regularly overlooked because there have only been injuries, no deaths).
After the FBI uncovered the Iraqi Al Qaeda operatives living in Bowling Green, KY (now and probably forever associated with the non-existent "Bowling Green Massacre"), President Obama, together with the relevant gov't departments such as FBI, Homeland Security, and State Dept, completely revamped the vetting procedure, giving us the system we have today. It's also worth mentioning the Iraqis in question came into the USA as refugees during the BUSH administration.
Objectivist - Yemen, the 6 other countries, and I would add several more to the list, in fact are not capable or willing to prevent terrorist-minded people from coming to the USA.
Scott - But we already have excellent vetting procedures in place for just this problem, which is why we haven't had attacks from citizens of those countries in many years, (except Somalia, which gets regularly overlooked because there have only been injuries, no deaths).
After the FBI uncovered the Iraqi Al Qaeda operatives living in Bowling Green, KY (now and probably forever associated with the non-existent "Bowling Green Massacre"), President Obama, together with the relevant gov't departments such as FBI, Homeland Security, and State Dept, completely revamped the vetting procedure, giving us the system we have today. It's also worth mentioning the Iraqis in question came into the USA as refugees during the BUSH administration.
5
I believe president Trump is correct in vetting ALL aliens not only from the 7 countries under fire, but all countries in war zones. Do you expect Americans to believe that the countries of Somalia, Libya, Iraq, yemen can actually provide proper documentation of their citizens who are seeking asylum in our country? It's hard to believe that the government buildings housing these documents are still standing. And what about the countries that are exempt from providing visas to enter the US? That is a farce in itself and should be rescinded. Stick to your guns Mr. President. Enough is enough.
32
The point is, we already have extreme vetting, have for years. And apparently it's working given the lack of terrorist attacks by any refugee or immigrant from these countries.
36
Boston Bombers come to mind, and the wife of the San Bernandino killer.
18
@ scott
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/20/us/flaws-in-fingerprint-records-allowe...
"...nearly 900 individuals were granted citizenship because neither the agency nor the FBI databases contained all of the fingerprint records of people who had previously been ordered to be deported...Investigators found that in more than 200 cases they examined, none of the individuals disclosed that they had another identity or that they had final deportation orders on their naturalization application..."
How's that vetting working out so far?
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/20/us/flaws-in-fingerprint-records-allowe...
"...nearly 900 individuals were granted citizenship because neither the agency nor the FBI databases contained all of the fingerprint records of people who had previously been ordered to be deported...Investigators found that in more than 200 cases they examined, none of the individuals disclosed that they had another identity or that they had final deportation orders on their naturalization application..."
How's that vetting working out so far?
14
There are many good arguments against the ban, but the weakest one is that it will somehow make terrorism worse. Those committed to violence against the west already hate our society, what it stands for, and want to rid their countries of its influence. It is hard to see how the Trump administration's actions can make extremist groups detest us any more. President Obama's attempt to try a different approach at the beginning of his Presidency didn't lessen their hate, did it? This argument is being used only to impress those who are afraid immigrants from the Middle East will import terrorist violence to the U.S., and it's understandable for that reason, but it doesn't hold water.
30
Excellent point and I am also wary of the argument, "what kind of message are we sending??" The message is that we are justifiably wary of terrorism as as well as the widespread assimilation problems currently seen in Europe. We cannot base our policy on people who choose to twist that message into racism or anti-religion bias.
21
Hi David. Please see the rhetoric employed in Muslim countries, including ones not even effected by the ban. To say that it doesn't hold water, you would need to (1) look for and (2) find zero evidence of foreign leaders (including terrorist organization heads) that are not upping the negative rhetoric against the US. Also, see domestic terrorism. You would have to tell us how such a ban on individuals of a specific religion is not only not discriminatory, but not likely to incite anger or distrust. Then you can say it does not hold water. We don't need to be experts to do our homework.
10
The ban hands extremists a recruiting tool. It urns their lies about us into truths, making it easier to turn people against us.
13
The 2016 Salutatorian at The City College graduation ceremony was a young Yemeni-American woman. She spoke about the lengths she had to go to to convince her father to allow her to attend first, high school, and then, college. In Yemeni culture, she told the crowd, women were expected to attend "the University of Kitchen." Now she was on her way to graduate school in Michigan.
Michelle Obama was the commencement speaker. The crowd looked like the U.N. General Assembly. It was a beautiful day.
Michelle Obama was the commencement speaker. The crowd looked like the U.N. General Assembly. It was a beautiful day.
7
Being temporarily barred from the U.S. will not make people terrorist, though the barring may stop any potential terrorists from entering the U.S.
What makes people terrorist is the same things that made Robin Hood or William Tell, i.e. the indiscriminate bombing and destruction of their countries and families by outside folk.
When this bombing stops, the "terrorism" will die out, for these "terrorists" are merely men of steel who fight injustice as they have done through the rise of mankind.
The President is in the process of temporarily stopping these terrorists entering the U.S. through airports until a more robust monitoring can be developed while he is also in the process of removing the U.S. from its wars abroad, including Yemen.
This reasonable two handed solution to a major world problem has its merits and will not be deterred by calculated rabble rousing obviously designed to maintain the unacceptable status quo by stamping on new ways of fixing problems.
So, the youngsters and others should go back to their books and leave the paid for sandwiches and banners untouched.
What makes people terrorist is the same things that made Robin Hood or William Tell, i.e. the indiscriminate bombing and destruction of their countries and families by outside folk.
When this bombing stops, the "terrorism" will die out, for these "terrorists" are merely men of steel who fight injustice as they have done through the rise of mankind.
The President is in the process of temporarily stopping these terrorists entering the U.S. through airports until a more robust monitoring can be developed while he is also in the process of removing the U.S. from its wars abroad, including Yemen.
This reasonable two handed solution to a major world problem has its merits and will not be deterred by calculated rabble rousing obviously designed to maintain the unacceptable status quo by stamping on new ways of fixing problems.
So, the youngsters and others should go back to their books and leave the paid for sandwiches and banners untouched.
4
Good counter argument for MORE vigilance and restrictions.
14
I am also against the total ban Trump wanted because it is unjust.
However I do believe there has to be a procedure used that does ban some people especially from these seven countries where we know there are many people who are potential terrorist even if they haven't committed any acts of terrorism in this country
I also do not believe the ban Trump wanted can have the effect of increasing
the likelihood of terrorism but neither do I believe it will make us much safer as well.
The terrorist in the world are very able to infiltrate at least one of their people here which is enough to do what they want to even with a total ban.
Therefore a total ban can not be totally effective and is therefore not a reason to stop people who are very unlikely to be someone who should be banned and are in need our help.
I believe we have to help these people because that is the right thing to do.
However to ignore the dangers they may do is stupid.
This is not a issue where there are simple solutions.
Trump is wrong and so are many on the other side.
We have to try our best to stop people who mean us harm but not at the expense of helping the people who don't.
However I do believe there has to be a procedure used that does ban some people especially from these seven countries where we know there are many people who are potential terrorist even if they haven't committed any acts of terrorism in this country
I also do not believe the ban Trump wanted can have the effect of increasing
the likelihood of terrorism but neither do I believe it will make us much safer as well.
The terrorist in the world are very able to infiltrate at least one of their people here which is enough to do what they want to even with a total ban.
Therefore a total ban can not be totally effective and is therefore not a reason to stop people who are very unlikely to be someone who should be banned and are in need our help.
I believe we have to help these people because that is the right thing to do.
However to ignore the dangers they may do is stupid.
This is not a issue where there are simple solutions.
Trump is wrong and so are many on the other side.
We have to try our best to stop people who mean us harm but not at the expense of helping the people who don't.
3
I believe those 7 countries are a particular danger, not because they are Muslim, but because they are experiencing a breakdown of government functioning and civic order. They are not capable of providing effective policing on their end. For that reason they could potentially be a problem for us.
Looking at incidents inside the USA since 2010, the largest source of terrorists comes from inside our own borders, with a majority of incidents perpetrated be NON-Muslims. However, looking at events perpetrated by Muslims, Pakistan is actually the single largest source.
In Europe, there have been some incidents perpetrated by recent immigrants from Iraq and Syria. However, the majority of incidents were perpetrated by people of North African origin.
In the end, though, the vetting system put in place in 2010-2011 here in the USA seems to have been very effective. This is why I disagree with Trump's whole description of the terrorist problem within our borders. I believe what we've been doing in the last few years is working.
Given that around 800 Americans are murdered by a fellow American, for every 1 who dies due to terrorism, I think we'd be better off focusing our attention on how to reduce murder. That's were our resources and attention should be going.
37% of female murder victims are killed by a present or former spouse/boyfriend. How about we start with that?
About 20% of all murders are related to drugs. Another good issue to focus on.
Looking at incidents inside the USA since 2010, the largest source of terrorists comes from inside our own borders, with a majority of incidents perpetrated be NON-Muslims. However, looking at events perpetrated by Muslims, Pakistan is actually the single largest source.
In Europe, there have been some incidents perpetrated by recent immigrants from Iraq and Syria. However, the majority of incidents were perpetrated by people of North African origin.
In the end, though, the vetting system put in place in 2010-2011 here in the USA seems to have been very effective. This is why I disagree with Trump's whole description of the terrorist problem within our borders. I believe what we've been doing in the last few years is working.
Given that around 800 Americans are murdered by a fellow American, for every 1 who dies due to terrorism, I think we'd be better off focusing our attention on how to reduce murder. That's were our resources and attention should be going.
37% of female murder victims are killed by a present or former spouse/boyfriend. How about we start with that?
About 20% of all murders are related to drugs. Another good issue to focus on.
6
Trump and his cabinet, IMHO, are not deterred by the charge that his ban will increase terrorism. Rather, they are looking for an excuse to go to war, and if necessary, will manufacture that excuse with fake incidents. Already we've seen reports that the fire-starters at Stanford were not Stanford students.. Who were they? Hired agitators to give Trumps followers a fake reason to hate "Liberals?" I can't prove it, but I sincerely hope that investigators will not assume fair play is the rule from this administration.
4
Seriously, if anyone was paying attention, terrorism has escalated tremendously from, say 9/11 until today mostly due to wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, etc. etc. which killed hundreds of thousands. The media slant now against Pres. Trump's immigration ban generating increased terrorism seems a false narrative using it to further attack him. Believe me, I am no particular fan of Pres. Trump, but see that the MSM is going all out to attack anything he does. Strange that I don't recall reading/hearing that our wars would increase terrorism.
15
The argument that US immigration policy will "cause" terrorism is an unfortunate one, as it suggests that the Muslim world's inevitable response to unwelcome policies of sovereign states is terrorism.
Yemen, along with fifteen other Muslim-majority countries, bans not only Israelis from entering the country, but anyone in the world who has visited or has a visa from Israel. No one protests at airports about these patently antisemitic policies, let alone suggests that they will necessarily—or even conceivably—result in Israeli suicide bombers.
At the same time this sort of "warning" attempts to put blame for terrorism on its victims in the West, it also contains an implicit threat: don't make policy the Muslim world doesn't like, or your innocents will be slaughtered.
Furthermore, it's bad advice, as the European states which bent over backwards to appease and accept Muslim immigrants can attest: Germany, France, Brussels, Sweden, et al.
Worst of all, it's demeaning—are we really to believe that Muslims can't follow international law and the norms of civilization and human rights? That their default response to laws they don't like is barbarism and murder or women and children? How insulting is that? And what other group would we hold to such a low standard?
Yemen, along with fifteen other Muslim-majority countries, bans not only Israelis from entering the country, but anyone in the world who has visited or has a visa from Israel. No one protests at airports about these patently antisemitic policies, let alone suggests that they will necessarily—or even conceivably—result in Israeli suicide bombers.
At the same time this sort of "warning" attempts to put blame for terrorism on its victims in the West, it also contains an implicit threat: don't make policy the Muslim world doesn't like, or your innocents will be slaughtered.
Furthermore, it's bad advice, as the European states which bent over backwards to appease and accept Muslim immigrants can attest: Germany, France, Brussels, Sweden, et al.
Worst of all, it's demeaning—are we really to believe that Muslims can't follow international law and the norms of civilization and human rights? That their default response to laws they don't like is barbarism and murder or women and children? How insulting is that? And what other group would we hold to such a low standard?
54
"are we really to believe that Muslims can't follow international law and the norms of civilization and human rights? That their default response to laws they don't like is barbarism and murder or women and children? How insulting is that?"
When that argument is made by a Muslim how can we believe anything other than, "Yes"?
When that argument is made by a Muslim how can we believe anything other than, "Yes"?
10
Make terrorism worse? That's like Roosevelt saying "we only lost a few battleships and crews at Pearl Harbor. Let's not do anything to make Japanese aggression worse."
44
No, you meant to say, "We lost a few battle ships and crews at Pearl Harbor so let's now ban Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean refugees."
6
Fortunately, the judiciary is so far standing up to Trump's ill-conceived and poorly executed manoeuvring, but regardless of that legal battle's outcome, I am even more concerned that Trump's (and Bannon's) rhetoric will embolden domestic terrorist, a la Dylann Roof, to engage in neo-Nazi attacks.
7
I agree that none of the countries on the list has sent a terrorist here, but they have to France. But the deeper issue is that Islam itself is intolerant--sex between men is illegal and carries jail time in 80% of the predominantly Muslim countries while there is nothing like gay marriage or partnership. This is based on ISLAM, not "the people." In six Muslim countries, gays face the death penalty; in the author's Yemen they are STONED TO DEATH. Women are second-class citizens in most of these countries as well.
Do we want to increase the number of Americans who subscribe to a "faith" with such intolerant attitudes? We need not be religious ourselves to have reservations, to say the least.
I do not want my grandson growing up in an America where they have to contend with a large minority--keep in mind that Islam is pro-natalist--that officially wants to impose 7th century nonsense on our society. That endorses religious warfare. That is anti-gay, anti freedom of religion, misogynistic, and prescribes the death penalty for "Apostasy."
One can despise Trump and his inconsistent executive order (why wasn't Saudi Arabia on the list?) and still prefer to keep the fanatics out of America.
Do we want to increase the number of Americans who subscribe to a "faith" with such intolerant attitudes? We need not be religious ourselves to have reservations, to say the least.
I do not want my grandson growing up in an America where they have to contend with a large minority--keep in mind that Islam is pro-natalist--that officially wants to impose 7th century nonsense on our society. That endorses religious warfare. That is anti-gay, anti freedom of religion, misogynistic, and prescribes the death penalty for "Apostasy."
One can despise Trump and his inconsistent executive order (why wasn't Saudi Arabia on the list?) and still prefer to keep the fanatics out of America.
39
I am wondering what you think of Bible verses that specifically condemn homosexuality, affirm the secondary status of women, and seem accepting of slavery? If you read the Bible, especially the Old Testament, it is filled with norms and concepts that, when taken literally, would go against many of our egalitarian principles today.
The point being, all Muslims do not adhere literally to all tenets of Islam, just as not all Christians do. It is absolutely wrong to condemn the many, diverse people of a nation on the basis of the actions of a fundamentalist few.
The point being, all Muslims do not adhere literally to all tenets of Islam, just as not all Christians do. It is absolutely wrong to condemn the many, diverse people of a nation on the basis of the actions of a fundamentalist few.
6
Indeed!
Hadil-
A majority of American voters clearly rejected Trump.
My guess is, given a choice between them and in light of Trump's unConstiutional edicts, a majority of Americans would prefer to bring your husband here to join you, and to send Trump far away to a place where all there is for him to do is to read and reread the US Constituon.
A majority of American voters clearly rejected Trump.
My guess is, given a choice between them and in light of Trump's unConstiutional edicts, a majority of Americans would prefer to bring your husband here to join you, and to send Trump far away to a place where all there is for him to do is to read and reread the US Constituon.
4
The simple fact that this country elected Trump says it all. We are frightened of ISIL and other terrorist organizations, and Muslims in general. And the executive order on the Muslim ban is just a manifestation of the election.
The terrorists are winning!
The terrorists are winning!
31
No foreign national from any country has a right to enter the United States. Aliens should only be admitted if that admission is advantageous to the United States.
Yemen is a lawless ungoverned state that does pose a threat to the United States. I have no sympathy for Ms. Al-Mowafak. If she wants to be with her husband she may return to Yemen.
Yemen is a lawless ungoverned state that does pose a threat to the United States. I have no sympathy for Ms. Al-Mowafak. If she wants to be with her husband she may return to Yemen.
59
Her admission IS advantageous to the US, aswere generations of students, refugees, and immigrants throughout American history.
I am quite sure that her classmates are learning quite a bit about Yemen, and enjoying building a bridge to good people such as Hadil and her friends and family, in a country that has suffered so much.
If you don't like the "lawless" ness of Yemen, perhaps you should stop supporting the Saudis who are dropping bombs they bought from us on the country.
I am quite sure that her classmates are learning quite a bit about Yemen, and enjoying building a bridge to good people such as Hadil and her friends and family, in a country that has suffered so much.
If you don't like the "lawless" ness of Yemen, perhaps you should stop supporting the Saudis who are dropping bombs they bought from us on the country.
8
I pity you John Quinn for your lack of sympathy.
3
Ummm..."Aliens"?
You mean like, French tourists?
Students?
Pakistani doctors who are quickly making up a significant portion of our medical profession?
The thousands that Silicon Valley is currently screaming about?
Or little green people?
What?
You mean like, French tourists?
Students?
Pakistani doctors who are quickly making up a significant portion of our medical profession?
The thousands that Silicon Valley is currently screaming about?
Or little green people?
What?
4
I am unconditionally opposed to this stupid ban but I am getting tired of fluffy feel-good pieces about immigration. I am an immigrant myself, and in my view American xenophobia is the result not of lack of empathy but of lack of knowledge. If anything, Americans are way too emotional, talking about politics as if it were a Hollywood movie with "good guys" and "bad guys" clearly demarcated. The world is not your kindergarten sandbox: there is no black and white but only shades of grey. The Muslim ban is wrong not because people are suffering but because it achieves nothing, creates the climate of xenophobia and prevents a clear assessment of real geopolitical dangers. So I'd really appreciate somebody writing a comprehensive piece on the conflict in Yemen, explaining who is fighting who and why. And for that matter, I'd appreciate the author of this piece making her own political sympathies in this conflict clear.
68
Given your immigran statust, you're welcome. You can express yourself freely in my country without consequence. Can you do so in your own?
4
While sympathetic to the authors situation, the things she loves of the U.S. need be protected from the abhorrent situation now found in Yemen. Unfortunately Islamic terrorists don't have a scarlett T tatooed to their foreheads. A few months of disruption of the Visa process to make it even more secure is a small price to pay for those who would seek the ultimate reward of being permitted to enter the U.S. John Kennedy and his famous "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country" is lost on this author who feels privilaged and ignorant of the goal of keeping the U.S. as safe from terrorism as is possible. As to making terrorism worse, by definition it is abhorant. The conflict in Yemen is multi-national, complicated and has been around for decades. Our interest is to keep the water-ways open and Iran in check. The author should thank Allah everyday that she is attending one of the most prestigious Universities in the U.S. while living in the U.S.
25
I agree that the U.S. needs to be 'protected from the abhorrent situation now found in Yemen".
And also from all other abhorrent situations.
Let's build a lot of individual bomb shelters and not come out of them, especially if we are fearful on election days.
Only the Brave will feel comfortable going to work in the morning.
That'll work.
And also from all other abhorrent situations.
Let's build a lot of individual bomb shelters and not come out of them, especially if we are fearful on election days.
Only the Brave will feel comfortable going to work in the morning.
That'll work.
1
I must apologize for our country. We have these people we call conservatives who keep trying to drag us back to the dark ages where discrimination, prejudice and abuse of power rules.
6
Ron,
You may have a lot to apologize for but OUR country shouldn't be one of them.
What exactly are you blaming on conservatives? Discrimination? Prejudice? Here in the US? This young woman must be one of the luckiest Yemeni alive, in the US attending Stanford. And she left her husband voluntarily. Who's to blame for that?
Ron, if you want to address real discrimination and prejudice please look up how Jews, Christians and homosexuals are treated in this woman's home country. Feel free to go to Yemen and straighten them out.
You may have a lot to apologize for but OUR country shouldn't be one of them.
What exactly are you blaming on conservatives? Discrimination? Prejudice? Here in the US? This young woman must be one of the luckiest Yemeni alive, in the US attending Stanford. And she left her husband voluntarily. Who's to blame for that?
Ron, if you want to address real discrimination and prejudice please look up how Jews, Christians and homosexuals are treated in this woman's home country. Feel free to go to Yemen and straighten them out.
11
We don't frighten easily and mutiple Islamic deaths would be a forgone conclusion.
1
Dear Honor Senior,
Please continue your education!
Please continue your education!
1
Trump is making enemies at home and abroad and when these chickens come home to roost in some horrendous act, it will be used to restrict civil liberties and help Trump consolidate his control.
6
I admire the author's courage and thirst for knowledge. I have studied overseas, separated from family, and it is hard enough when the political climate is friendly. Four years is a long time far from home.
6
Aside from the fact that a seventh century religious dispute still rages into the 21 century and is marked by murder and genocide, is evidence enough to avoid and even bar it from saner shores. During the West's periods of religiously inspired wars, horrific burnings and papal state-sonsored terrorism, it was leaders - political and religious - who sowed hate, not the common people who wanted nothing more than to live peacefully whether les by catholics, protestants, jews or turks. And this is true today. The twin perpetrators of much of this globe's calumnies, and by extension the often reactionary results of revenge and punishment, are Iran and Saudi Arabia. These hateful, hypocritical regimes enslave their populations with ignorance and fear and they spew their poison planetwide. Their utter destruction of each of their ruling cliques is what is called for. If the rest of the world was wise and shrewd enough to have them each kill the other, the West and Islam would be much better off. At the least, no product from either country - and in the case of the pathetic Saudis, that means just one product, so backward these robed thieves are - should be bought. Tighten our belts and let them starve in their oil. There is plenty around and alternative sources abound. Let them blame and assasinate one another. We'll all celebrate that.
17
Hi, that's actually historically inaccurate, as a long history of anti-Semitic pogroms and the execution of women accused of witchcraft (both typically carried out by ordinary Christian citizens) should tell you.
4
Given that this artilce was written by a woman from Yemen its difficult to understand how she can lack such a basic understanding of the radical Islamic based terrorism. The basic idea is to give ones life for the sake of Jihad, thus becoming a martyr in a holy war.
Radical Islam has all sorts of religious reasons why they believe that killing Americans and the westerners in general constitutes Jihad. But since Jihad is a holy war it must be a fight for something to with religion. And as such the fact that America may discriminate against some Muslims, while it may get some people upset, killing Americans because of this is not exactly the type of thing that radicals believe qualifies as Jihad and receiving 72 virgins as a reward.
Radical Islam has all sorts of religious reasons why they believe that killing Americans and the westerners in general constitutes Jihad. But since Jihad is a holy war it must be a fight for something to with religion. And as such the fact that America may discriminate against some Muslims, while it may get some people upset, killing Americans because of this is not exactly the type of thing that radicals believe qualifies as Jihad and receiving 72 virgins as a reward.
17
So, Michael, you believe you understand Islam better than a student from Yemen?
My guess is that your knowledge of Islam is affected by what you hear on Fox News
My guess is that your knowledge of Islam is affected by what you hear on Fox News
6
@Lynn, I cannot speak for Michael but I myself have literally never watched Fox News.
The left is obsessed with Fox News, which is a sign they oppose FREEDOM OF SPEECH (or thought). Fox News is teeny tiny compared to MSNBC or CBS or ABC! They have about 1 million viewers!
So please tell me, Lynn -- who then were the OTHER 61 million who voted for Trump in 49 states? It is physically impossible that they ALL watch Fox News! or it would be the highest rated program on all of television!
And while perhaps Michael and I are not experts on Islam...Ms. al-Mowafak is highly motivated here to tell lies and downplay the reality of terrorism in her nation...for the lefty liberal readers like you who spoon that up like ice cream.
The left is obsessed with Fox News, which is a sign they oppose FREEDOM OF SPEECH (or thought). Fox News is teeny tiny compared to MSNBC or CBS or ABC! They have about 1 million viewers!
So please tell me, Lynn -- who then were the OTHER 61 million who voted for Trump in 49 states? It is physically impossible that they ALL watch Fox News! or it would be the highest rated program on all of television!
And while perhaps Michael and I are not experts on Islam...Ms. al-Mowafak is highly motivated here to tell lies and downplay the reality of terrorism in her nation...for the lefty liberal readers like you who spoon that up like ice cream.
6
@ Lynn
Nice ad hominem attack there.
Nice ad hominem attack there.
4
For the last several years we have been hearing Obama and others on the left tell our country that we should not give in to fear. We have been told that everyone on the right is being hysterical and we need to get a grip on reality. There is a better chance of dying in a bathtub than by a terrorist. I do agree that we should not let fear guide our policy decisions, but why is it okay for the left to now use fear to do just that? If there is a chance of protecting our country, why is one of the left's arguments that the temporary travel ban will lead to more terrorism? You do not get to mock someone for "fear" but then turn around an try to use the same tactic.
23
The objections to Trumps order to bar lawful visa holders from the country are not based on fears. They are due to the actual damage it is causing to actual people who made major life plans (paying tuition, selling homes, accepting jobs, essential surgery) based on a COMMITMENT from the US government.
Imagine if his next order abolishes the Social Security administration because he is not constrained by commitments from previous administrations. People will be fearful because they count on the government honoring previous commitments.
Imagine if his next order abolishes the Social Security administration because he is not constrained by commitments from previous administrations. People will be fearful because they count on the government honoring previous commitments.
2
The argument is not about 'fear'. It is an argument against STUPIDITY.
2
The substance of her column is a threat: give me your American stuff or we'll bomb you.
Of course, it's a chicken-threat, couched in fake concern about how the new immigration policy will "make terrorism worse" and "I'm so worried about Americans" and "if they think America discriminates against Arabs they will bomb you." Followed by some more demands, stop the drone attacks, more foreign aid handouts, stop supporting Israel, blah, blah.
Nobody is fooled by the fake concern, least of all President Trump. Anyway, it's an empty threat. If they could bomb us, they would have done it by now.
Of course, it's a chicken-threat, couched in fake concern about how the new immigration policy will "make terrorism worse" and "I'm so worried about Americans" and "if they think America discriminates against Arabs they will bomb you." Followed by some more demands, stop the drone attacks, more foreign aid handouts, stop supporting Israel, blah, blah.
Nobody is fooled by the fake concern, least of all President Trump. Anyway, it's an empty threat. If they could bomb us, they would have done it by now.
49
Yet Middle America is Terrified!
So I guess it's working.
I don't suppose anyone has noticed the disconnect yet ...
So I guess it's working.
I don't suppose anyone has noticed the disconnect yet ...
1
We must have read two different narratives, I did not read any threat, quite the opposite. What she did advance was the real possibility of adding fuel to the fire and further
3
Thank you "woofy". This tactic has become the norm and is frightening at how the left eats it up. Muslims, leftists and the media never warn Muslims that their homophobia, misogyny, and anti-Jewish bigotry might result in a violent backlash towards them. The hip hop community has been churning out hate speech for many decades and does not seem to fear it will cause violence or bigotry towards their community from those they offend.
Yet anytime there is a desire to curtail criticism of certain groups the left warns us that they might get violent with us so we better walk on eggshells. The left warns us that our speech could cause people to commit hate crimes towards these groups, so we better be careful or we'll have blood on our hands for inciting hate crimes.
Yet this is all a one way street. It is obvious some groups have learned to play white liberal guilt and uses it for financial and emotional extortion. The left isn't tolerant, it's spineless in the face of fascism when that fascism has a non-European face.
Yet anytime there is a desire to curtail criticism of certain groups the left warns us that they might get violent with us so we better walk on eggshells. The left warns us that our speech could cause people to commit hate crimes towards these groups, so we better be careful or we'll have blood on our hands for inciting hate crimes.
Yet this is all a one way street. It is obvious some groups have learned to play white liberal guilt and uses it for financial and emotional extortion. The left isn't tolerant, it's spineless in the face of fascism when that fascism has a non-European face.
5
The correct statement is that no refugee from the 7 countries has killed anyone in a terrorist act on US soil. In fact, per CATO study, in the last 40 years, the only refugees to kill anyone in a terrorist act are 3 non-Muslim Cubans going back to 1970's attacks (there is some question if these murders were terrorism or not). There has been a terrorist attack - car and knife attack (the terrorism portion has not been fully established, but terrorism likely) by a Somali refugee on Ohio State campus just in late November, 2016. No one was killed other than the attacker. Those opposed to Trump's ban, should be careful in saying that no terrorist attacks by refugees have happened - it has happened and it just happened 2 months back - and that changes people's perceptions even if the odds of being killed by a refugee on US soil are exceptionally low. http://www.politifact.com/california/statements/2017/feb/01/ted-lieu/odd...
5
You seem to have conveniently forgotten about the Somali refugee who went on a stabbing spree at Ohio State,
16
Khalid al-Mihdhar, a 9-11 hijacker, entered the United States on January 15, 2000 from Singapore, and then in June 2000 returned to Yemen, where his wife lived. Although a Saudi national, al-Mihdhar operated from Yemen. Why? Because Yemen at that time could not control the radical jihadists, which is no different than today. Al- Mihdhar reentered the United States on July 4, 2001. Al-Mihdhar as a hijacker of American Airlines Flight 77, participated in the murder of almost 3,000 people.
Yemen's inability to operate an effective central government continues to be a threat to the United States.
Yemen's inability to operate an effective central government continues to be a threat to the United States.
18
Americans are right to worry about terrorism. But that worry should be tempered by a realistic assessment of what terrorism really is.
Don't go by what you hear in the media. These are the same people that increase crime stories even while actual crime has been in a steady decline. Fear sells. It also obscures and while we are tuned in with our emotions we are missing what our minds should be telling us.
Terrorism is a tactic used for a political end. This has always been the case. The attack on the World Trade Center was done in retaliation for US troops being stationed on "sacred Islamic ground." The Marine barracks attack was to get US troops out of Lebanon. Truck bombs and and suicide bombers were all a response to US occupation forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Yes, there are lone wolf off-shoots from those wars, and they occasionally pose a domestic threat. But the vast majority of terrorist acts are geo-political in nature. And those are almost all directed against the expansion of American control in the Middle East, either directly or by proxy.
We are told that these deployments are necessary to 'protect our interests.' But we never have serious discussions about what those interests really are and from the many choices we have why our leaders keep choosing a military option?
We need to have this conversation, especially with an unpredictable and possibly unstable leader in the white house. Mostly we need to have it to end these unnecessary, endless wars.
Don't go by what you hear in the media. These are the same people that increase crime stories even while actual crime has been in a steady decline. Fear sells. It also obscures and while we are tuned in with our emotions we are missing what our minds should be telling us.
Terrorism is a tactic used for a political end. This has always been the case. The attack on the World Trade Center was done in retaliation for US troops being stationed on "sacred Islamic ground." The Marine barracks attack was to get US troops out of Lebanon. Truck bombs and and suicide bombers were all a response to US occupation forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Yes, there are lone wolf off-shoots from those wars, and they occasionally pose a domestic threat. But the vast majority of terrorist acts are geo-political in nature. And those are almost all directed against the expansion of American control in the Middle East, either directly or by proxy.
We are told that these deployments are necessary to 'protect our interests.' But we never have serious discussions about what those interests really are and from the many choices we have why our leaders keep choosing a military option?
We need to have this conversation, especially with an unpredictable and possibly unstable leader in the white house. Mostly we need to have it to end these unnecessary, endless wars.
9
Look at the comments of those defending our empathy-deficient president.
Let that sink in.
Now, consider that Paul Bloom, a self-described conservative, has been on a campaign against empathy for the past several years (if you don't know of him, he is the chair of the psych dept at Yale).
Let that sink in. Lectio divina, if you know it (those who attended Jesuit high schools might)
Now, consider this: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/feb/05/trump-travel-ban-f...
What is at the root of the argument against empathy, and the alleged support of 'rationality' - is this all code-speak for anti-Semitism, and general all round xenophobia?
Now, I'm not suggesting the Trump supporters here are consciously aligning themselves with such things. But like David Brooks, if you spend years supporting the mindset that leads to this, you are at least partially responsible.
Let that sink in.
Now, consider that Paul Bloom, a self-described conservative, has been on a campaign against empathy for the past several years (if you don't know of him, he is the chair of the psych dept at Yale).
Let that sink in. Lectio divina, if you know it (those who attended Jesuit high schools might)
Now, consider this: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/feb/05/trump-travel-ban-f...
What is at the root of the argument against empathy, and the alleged support of 'rationality' - is this all code-speak for anti-Semitism, and general all round xenophobia?
Now, I'm not suggesting the Trump supporters here are consciously aligning themselves with such things. But like David Brooks, if you spend years supporting the mindset that leads to this, you are at least partially responsible.
7
No Don Solomon, I just don't like people telling me that if I don't let the certain people into my country, those people might get really angry and might kill me. Don't say that not letting these people in will make terrorism worse. That Mr. Solomon, is the very definition of terrorism.
16
Don't say that letting the refugees in will make terrorism worse. That is also the definition of terrorism.
7
We are so ignorant.
We have seen the arab spring, when people in the muslim world stood up for freedom, they believed in something they were willing to die for. But it failed, because of reactionary islamism. Now arabs are dying to get out of that, they want to be in a free world full of opportunities. We have millions of videos and pictures of their desperation. And we still don't get it, we still believe this is a war of them against us, of the muslims against the western ?
Up to now we, the 'civilized' world, have been sending a message back to the muskims. We are not easy with your situation, but we will help you. Maybe we should have told them more boldly, every muslim country is failing, in the name of your religion terrorists come in our country to murder children - and even you muslims are coming to us for seeking sanctuary. All we should have asked for in return is to reflect on their big hypocrisy. We should have realized, that the islamism is about being abandoned by the muslims, that we are the guiding light. But for that we have to behave like role model, not like bullies.
When now the muslims turn to extremism, it is because of this is what happens, when people are asking for guidance and help, and are let down.
We have seen the arab spring, when people in the muslim world stood up for freedom, they believed in something they were willing to die for. But it failed, because of reactionary islamism. Now arabs are dying to get out of that, they want to be in a free world full of opportunities. We have millions of videos and pictures of their desperation. And we still don't get it, we still believe this is a war of them against us, of the muslims against the western ?
Up to now we, the 'civilized' world, have been sending a message back to the muskims. We are not easy with your situation, but we will help you. Maybe we should have told them more boldly, every muslim country is failing, in the name of your religion terrorists come in our country to murder children - and even you muslims are coming to us for seeking sanctuary. All we should have asked for in return is to reflect on their big hypocrisy. We should have realized, that the islamism is about being abandoned by the muslims, that we are the guiding light. But for that we have to behave like role model, not like bullies.
When now the muslims turn to extremism, it is because of this is what happens, when people are asking for guidance and help, and are let down.
1
So much of the discussion on immigration from the left seems to assume that foreigners have some constitutional right to come to this country.
They do not. They come strictly at the pleasure of the US government.
Is it a shame and disgusting that the majority of the refugees created in the world over the past several decades have been created by militaristic US actions as we pretended to be bringing them democracy.
Obama completely screwed up Syria, Libya, Yemen, and Busch did the same to Iraq and Afghanistan all causing massive population dislocation.
The answer is not that we must accept more refugees, we must stop creating refugees.
They do not. They come strictly at the pleasure of the US government.
Is it a shame and disgusting that the majority of the refugees created in the world over the past several decades have been created by militaristic US actions as we pretended to be bringing them democracy.
Obama completely screwed up Syria, Libya, Yemen, and Busch did the same to Iraq and Afghanistan all causing massive population dislocation.
The answer is not that we must accept more refugees, we must stop creating refugees.
50
Agreed but we shouldn't stop people coming in who have received visas and green cards. People have families across the globe, travel for pleasure and business, get the opportunity to go to school or see friends developed over a lifetime all around the globe. Many people who are being banned have visa's and green cards, families and commitments to education, some are traveling for pleasure. Why ban everyone. All of these people have applied for legal entry.
4
It is a pause. It is not a forever ban.
3
@ HL
Can we agree that no refugee in fear for their lives would every go back every year to the 'old country' for a nice vacation, as happens with many refugees once they receive asylum and bountiful social services, courtesy of the US taxpayers?
Yet somehow this has become the 'norm', which makes all claims of asylum suspect.
Can we agree that no refugee in fear for their lives would every go back every year to the 'old country' for a nice vacation, as happens with many refugees once they receive asylum and bountiful social services, courtesy of the US taxpayers?
Yet somehow this has become the 'norm', which makes all claims of asylum suspect.
9
Mr Trump and his ilk depend on a dystopian view of the world for their own power, prestige and money. They will continue the secret wars, the distribution of arms and training that make the world more dangerous because it's in their personal interest.
We are not courageous, we are just like everyone else. We cower in fear, duck and cover in spite of the fact that the sun is shining, clean water comes our of our taps, food is plentiful and there is no wars raging. Men like Trump get to protect us from the monsters that lurk beneath our beds or they become irrelevant.
That's why guns need to be distributed in schools, drones and guns need to be given to young people without jobs or hope and violence and death needs to reign 24/7. How else can Donald Trump or Putin or some other tyrant be needed to save us?
We are not courageous, we are just like everyone else. We cower in fear, duck and cover in spite of the fact that the sun is shining, clean water comes our of our taps, food is plentiful and there is no wars raging. Men like Trump get to protect us from the monsters that lurk beneath our beds or they become irrelevant.
That's why guns need to be distributed in schools, drones and guns need to be given to young people without jobs or hope and violence and death needs to reign 24/7. How else can Donald Trump or Putin or some other tyrant be needed to save us?
25
'Radical groups will use this move to generate more hostility toward America'
Which is why greater vigilance is not unreasonable. Our freedom and values are beautiful but should not be allowed to be used against us.
Which is why greater vigilance is not unreasonable. Our freedom and values are beautiful but should not be allowed to be used against us.
28
Living by our values will protect us
It is Trump's recruitment alliance with ISIS that endangers us, as Hadil tried to explain to you.
It is Trump's recruitment alliance with ISIS that endangers us, as Hadil tried to explain to you.
3
@ Lynn
Perhaps the families of the 3200+ Americans killed by Muslim terrorists in this country in the last 20 years see things a bit differently - funny how their "values" didn't save them.
Perhaps the families of the 3200+ Americans killed by Muslim terrorists in this country in the last 20 years see things a bit differently - funny how their "values" didn't save them.
8
Thank you for exposing the real fears in Yemen. Here, in the USA "We have nothing to fear but fear itself." Fear of terrorism resulting in the election of Trump, Pence and other Republicans who state "We live in a dangerous world" has enabled not only this dangerous restriction on immigration but also other Republican policies such as foreign military adventures, decreased financial regulation and and less effective healthcare. Each of which have historically resulted quite directly in more deaths of US citizens than terrorism. In aggragate, many more deaths.
19
You are using very bad logic.
The fact that the Republicans policies have resulted in more deaths of US citizens then terrorism has is not a reason to be against those policies for that reason.
Most likely without those policies the number of deaths of US citizens from terrorism would be greater and it is that number that should be used to make the point you are trying to make.
Almost three thousand Americans lost there like at the WTC.
Do not forget that
I could have been one of them as I was not away from the WTC on 911
The fact that the Republicans policies have resulted in more deaths of US citizens then terrorism has is not a reason to be against those policies for that reason.
Most likely without those policies the number of deaths of US citizens from terrorism would be greater and it is that number that should be used to make the point you are trying to make.
Almost three thousand Americans lost there like at the WTC.
Do not forget that
I could have been one of them as I was not away from the WTC on 911
4
Mr. Luettgen and others like him bend over backward to explain & enable our so called president's action, clearly meant as red meat to his anti-Muslim base. He's not kidding this reader, however. The ban was precipitate & ill-conceived, and it will indeed give ISIL recruitment fodder for many years. Ms Al-mowafak, welcome to America, a place everyone used to be innocent until proven guilty, and where ones religious preference did not automatically brand you as a terrorist.
135
Right on. It's a provocation.
Then by definition, sir, you are acknowledging that ISIS has a profound interest in getting as many radicals and Muslims and travelers/students from Arab nations to the US as possible. Why would a terror organization want that? Perhaps to seed our population with "sleeper agents"?
Think about it. Why wouldn't ISIS or any Arab nation wish to RETAIN these valuable doctors, scientists, engineers? Why would they WANT them to immigrate to other countries????
Think about it. Why wouldn't ISIS or any Arab nation wish to RETAIN these valuable doctors, scientists, engineers? Why would they WANT them to immigrate to other countries????
6
You write of the death of a civilian casualty, in this case an 8 year old girl, but never address that the terrorists she was living among were using her as a human shield. These terrorists believe in the destruction of western civilization. They not only do not disagree with civilian casualties of westerners, but encourage it. A temporary ban of non citizens from countries (compiled during the previous administration) known to harbor terrorists is nothing more than a mild inconvenience to foreigners but will allow the new administration a chance to update screening procedures. America is a sovereign country who has a right, as well as a duty, to protect her borders. It is wonderful that you have decided to enhance your education by coming here to an American university but the fact of the matter is you are not an American citizen and not deserving of the same rights afforded citizens here. If you decide you like our country, agree to assimilate into our culture and follow our laws then we are more than happy to have you join us. Just follow the legal procedure to become a legal immigrant. Good luck with your studies, ma'am.
62
Do you have a definition of "our culture"?
I bet a thousand dollars my American culture definition is extremely different by whatever your definition is, just by reading your above comment.
Hadil, Ahlan wa Sahlan! I hope you learn and enjoy every moment you have learning. I can't imagine what it took to get yourself here. You're right on point :).
I bet a thousand dollars my American culture definition is extremely different by whatever your definition is, just by reading your above comment.
Hadil, Ahlan wa Sahlan! I hope you learn and enjoy every moment you have learning. I can't imagine what it took to get yourself here. You're right on point :).
3
So-Called President Trump's act was a solution in search of a problem. The vetting process we have been using has been extremely successful, especially when considering that the leaders of ISIS et al. have been pleading for terrorist acts against America. The only terrorist acts we've had have been by people radicalized here. Trump's ban will almost certainly increase those, without affecting the (non-existent) acts from abroad.
6
"not deserving of the same rights afforded citizens here"
Says you, G. H. of Bryan, Texas.
I disagree. Also, were our country torn by war, and we hoped to find safe haven, what would you say then?
Show me a shred of proof that the current administration's actions make the US safer, and do not incite further domestic terrorism/violence. I will be waiting for your evidence.
Says you, G. H. of Bryan, Texas.
I disagree. Also, were our country torn by war, and we hoped to find safe haven, what would you say then?
Show me a shred of proof that the current administration's actions make the US safer, and do not incite further domestic terrorism/violence. I will be waiting for your evidence.
5
Trump's Muslim-nation travel ban is about nationalism, not terrorism. Trump's fans don't want this piece's author in this country. They want her back in Yemen. Whether this will increase or decrease terrorism is largely irrelevant.
52
Instead of saying Trump doesn't want her here (and how do you definitively know that?), what you should be saying is "why does the author fear close examination of her and her families' background as a pre-visa check?"
14
If President Trump wanted this student back in Yemen, she should would be there, forthwith!
4
Ms. Al-mowafak come to Canada, you and your family are welcome here.
12
If Trump and his team had thought through the implementation of the ban, most of the immediate inconveniences could have been eliminated and the start up would have been smoother.
Aside from the incompetent planning, the attempt to keep terrorists out of America is futile. Our country is simply too large and sieve like to prevent incursions by bad actors.
Ultimately, a diplomatic solution led by America will prevail over a military solution. Until then, random terroristic attacks will continue.
Here in France, a terrorist just attacked at the Louvre museum despite thousands of soldiers nation wide. As long as France continues with its military incursions in other countries that have Islamic populations, France will suffer terroristic attacks.
Aside from the incompetent planning, the attempt to keep terrorists out of America is futile. Our country is simply too large and sieve like to prevent incursions by bad actors.
Ultimately, a diplomatic solution led by America will prevail over a military solution. Until then, random terroristic attacks will continue.
Here in France, a terrorist just attacked at the Louvre museum despite thousands of soldiers nation wide. As long as France continues with its military incursions in other countries that have Islamic populations, France will suffer terroristic attacks.
12
I am quite certain that I read, in le figaro and elsewhere, that the attack took place in the shopping mall, not the museum. Are you really in France?
2
The ban will make little difference as to any increase in terrorism from Yemen.
What will make a difference is the continued unjustified destruction of Yemen by Saudi Arabia and its allies.
Yemen, which was already desperately poor before this war and even before the Arab Spring, has now been reduced to rubble; its cultural heritage obliterated; millions on the verge of starvation and even more on the edge of non-existence. Yemenis for the most part, have had their souls ripped out of their bodies. They have been totally robbed of hope and happiness. And I say this with personal experience having been there more than once and maintain several friendships.
So I asked some of my Yemeni friends what they had initially thought of Saudi's campaign back in the beginning of 2015. Many of them were cautious, saying that they disliked the Houthis for the most part and welcomed the possibility to restore order back to Hadi, Saleh, or anyone with some kind of legitimacy (depending on who I asked).
This mild support lasted all for about a week.
Every single Yemeni I have spoken to (most are from the North so they will have different opinions than those from the South) absolutely HATES Saudi Arabia, UAE, the Gulf, and now to a large extent USA, UK etc and are ready to fight and to kill. They all now support the Houthis.
So the Saudi's indescriminate and callous bombing campaign has only managed to whip up an enormous bed of anger, resentment, and desire for revenge.
What will make a difference is the continued unjustified destruction of Yemen by Saudi Arabia and its allies.
Yemen, which was already desperately poor before this war and even before the Arab Spring, has now been reduced to rubble; its cultural heritage obliterated; millions on the verge of starvation and even more on the edge of non-existence. Yemenis for the most part, have had their souls ripped out of their bodies. They have been totally robbed of hope and happiness. And I say this with personal experience having been there more than once and maintain several friendships.
So I asked some of my Yemeni friends what they had initially thought of Saudi's campaign back in the beginning of 2015. Many of them were cautious, saying that they disliked the Houthis for the most part and welcomed the possibility to restore order back to Hadi, Saleh, or anyone with some kind of legitimacy (depending on who I asked).
This mild support lasted all for about a week.
Every single Yemeni I have spoken to (most are from the North so they will have different opinions than those from the South) absolutely HATES Saudi Arabia, UAE, the Gulf, and now to a large extent USA, UK etc and are ready to fight and to kill. They all now support the Houthis.
So the Saudi's indescriminate and callous bombing campaign has only managed to whip up an enormous bed of anger, resentment, and desire for revenge.
6
I don't see America as a beacon of freedom, equality and justice, but more as a country with lots of freedoms, some justice and equality, plus a vibrant free-wheeling culture amid lots of prejudices and injustice, plus great hesitation about fixing them, but one where checks and balances kick in and work, with great regularity. I agree that it is a beacon.
7
I disagree with the whole tone of this opinion piece.
America owes foreigners nothing.
They come here when they qualify for a visa. And then upon arriving, continue to comply with all laws including immigration.
This lady complains about that raid. A US ervice member was killed. He was killed not because he was coming to habit with terrorists in her country.
He had been sent there by his commander to fight these terrorists and gather intelligence.
This family including this little girl was killed is regrettable. But they were killed not because america made them live with these terrorists.
What Americans are increasingly fearful is inability of middle east and primarily Arabs to learn to live with each other.
And even after they come to america, they refuse to accept openness of our society.
America does not breed terrorism, it is these folks from the countries affected by Trump order are the breeding grounds - they may use america as an excuse.
But excuse is all it is - to simply kill people - and not celebrate life.
America owes foreigners nothing.
They come here when they qualify for a visa. And then upon arriving, continue to comply with all laws including immigration.
This lady complains about that raid. A US ervice member was killed. He was killed not because he was coming to habit with terrorists in her country.
He had been sent there by his commander to fight these terrorists and gather intelligence.
This family including this little girl was killed is regrettable. But they were killed not because america made them live with these terrorists.
What Americans are increasingly fearful is inability of middle east and primarily Arabs to learn to live with each other.
And even after they come to america, they refuse to accept openness of our society.
America does not breed terrorism, it is these folks from the countries affected by Trump order are the breeding grounds - they may use america as an excuse.
But excuse is all it is - to simply kill people - and not celebrate life.
30
Perhaps then, we could stop bombing, droning or supplying others with the materiel to bomb these people in their homes? What would your response be to another country bombing your home?
26
Actually, America owes a couple of trillion dollars to foreigners. Trump himself owes probably over a billion (cause US banks wouldn't loan to him).
3
The bombs and drones are to defend ourselves or others from ISIS and Al Queda.
1
I disagree with Ms. Al-mowafak, largely because I reject her premises. The primary premise is that President Trump’s ban is intended to lessen terrorism. I don’t believe that Trump thinks global “terrorism” can be lessened by any means short of defeating the sources of global terrorism. You don’t do that with bans. However, what a ban can do is lessen the likelihood that terrorism will be visited on Americans in America, and that IS the purpose of Trump’s ban.
Then, Trump’s people didn’t invent the list of seven countries from which entry to the U.S. is banned for up to 90 days: it was the list put together by the Obama administration of the countries from which we most feared that terrorist actions might directly be inflicted on us. A terrorist undoubtedly thinks twice about seeking to travel to America from Saudi Arabia, because the Saudis vet and surveil such travelers extensively. That same traveler might far more likely travel first to Yemen for his U.S. flight, where less attention is paid.
Finally, Trump seeks a holistic approach to lessening our vulnerability to foreign terrorism. Part of that is preventing physical entry by would-be terrorists, and another part is a host of methods aimed at disrupting foreign recruitment seeking to radicalize our own youth remotely – notably from Yemen -- to commit the actual acts of mass murder on our soil. As these worthies have declared war on us, I don’t expect that drones will disappear from the skies of Yemen anytime soon.
Then, Trump’s people didn’t invent the list of seven countries from which entry to the U.S. is banned for up to 90 days: it was the list put together by the Obama administration of the countries from which we most feared that terrorist actions might directly be inflicted on us. A terrorist undoubtedly thinks twice about seeking to travel to America from Saudi Arabia, because the Saudis vet and surveil such travelers extensively. That same traveler might far more likely travel first to Yemen for his U.S. flight, where less attention is paid.
Finally, Trump seeks a holistic approach to lessening our vulnerability to foreign terrorism. Part of that is preventing physical entry by would-be terrorists, and another part is a host of methods aimed at disrupting foreign recruitment seeking to radicalize our own youth remotely – notably from Yemen -- to commit the actual acts of mass murder on our soil. As these worthies have declared war on us, I don’t expect that drones will disappear from the skies of Yemen anytime soon.
59
Trump has tried nothing new to protect Americans than a biased, worthless ban that promotes the idea that the United States is at war with Islam.
I'm sick and tired of hearing what Donald wants to achieve as excuses for his failed policies and inept execution.
I'm sick and tired of hearing what Donald wants to achieve as excuses for his failed policies and inept execution.
8
I'm afraid I do not have faith that a carefully thought out plan, holistic or not, is in place. An ant's path seems complex, but it is not the result of a complex mind.
Trumps actions throughout his campaign and into his first weeks of the presidency have been marred by one outburst after another. His incessant tweets about beauty queens, actresses, judges, reporters, etc. point to a man who cannot control his impulses. His defense of those posts have generally included a doubling-down on sketchy or irrelevant facts. To suggest that there is anything more to his travel ban than a belief that it works is to ignore years of precedence. This is a man who spent five years insisting that his predecessor was born in Kenya (or worse, spent five years being so gullible as to believe any conspiracy theory presented to him).
This is not a man with a plan, this is man with a phone.
Trumps actions throughout his campaign and into his first weeks of the presidency have been marred by one outburst after another. His incessant tweets about beauty queens, actresses, judges, reporters, etc. point to a man who cannot control his impulses. His defense of those posts have generally included a doubling-down on sketchy or irrelevant facts. To suggest that there is anything more to his travel ban than a belief that it works is to ignore years of precedence. This is a man who spent five years insisting that his predecessor was born in Kenya (or worse, spent five years being so gullible as to believe any conspiracy theory presented to him).
This is not a man with a plan, this is man with a phone.
13
Your assertion, "what a ban can do is lessen the likelihood that terrorism will be visited on Americans in America", is not just unproven. It is dis proven in places like San Bernadino and Orlando. Unlike borders for people or weapons, there are no borders to the spread of ideas. Trump's broad brush will further drive those who can be radicalized to action along with those who may be mentally ill. Also, his elision with the NRA's "guns for all" policies will weaponize our nascent lone wolves who, as Nice has shown, do not even need bullets to cause mayhem. Mr. Trump's policies on terrorist cannot be called well-calibrated but rather well-calibered.
14
I deeply regret Hadil Mansoor al-Mowafak's enforced separation from her endangered family, husband, and friends. And I deeply regret both that it is the United States that puts them in danger and deepens that separation. Yet I regret even more that President Trump apparently never took classes that required him to think critically, reflectively, and outside the smug self-righteousness that seems to characterize his world view. We can see he desperately needs knowledge and understanding of the Constitution, a document he swore to uphold and defend but which might as well have been his own genetic code written in Sanskrit for all he seems to grasp of it. The Preamble to the Constitution enjoins him to promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and posterity. He acts as if he has never read the Declaration of Independence, a document pledging its signers to assume great risk as they sought freedom from the tyranny of others. More than just their freedom they sought through collective action to advance the freedom of all. Trump would have been a Tory clinging to a rich, oppressive English monarch. Hadil Manor Al-Mowafak has assumed great risk to come to the United States where she must deal with a president who sees her as a potential terrorist. I hope in her political science classes she will learn to appreciate the risk-taking of our forefathers and the wisdom of those who wrote the Constitution. It is the land of the free, not the afraid.
96
"Hadil Manor al-Mowafak has assumed great risk to come to the United States . . . . ." Surely you jest.
Whatever criticism you may have of Pres. Trump and his polities, the author is 1000 times better off in the US than in her war torn, impoverished homeland. Furthermore, even if Yemen enjoyed a lasting peace, many women in Middle Eastern, Muslim countries are treated as little more than chattel. Trump's worst policies are a vast improvement over the best government policies and best economic conditions of Yemen.
Whatever criticism you may have of Pres. Trump and his polities, the author is 1000 times better off in the US than in her war torn, impoverished homeland. Furthermore, even if Yemen enjoyed a lasting peace, many women in Middle Eastern, Muslim countries are treated as little more than chattel. Trump's worst policies are a vast improvement over the best government policies and best economic conditions of Yemen.
37
You seem to read into the Constitution and Declaration a lot of things that are not actually in there. The Founders wrote that document for their countrymen. Not for anyone else. They would be shocked to see you applying it to citizens of other countries.
9
How has the United States put her in danger and enforced the separation of her family?
If your home country is such a basket case that it can't even vet air travelers at airports, and has no institutions to provide higher education, does it make sense to feel insulted by your host country and then to threaten more terrorism?
If your home country is such a basket case that it can't even vet air travelers at airports, and has no institutions to provide higher education, does it make sense to feel insulted by your host country and then to threaten more terrorism?
19