Excellent piece by Irshad Manji: Let's analyze Fort Hood, not sanitize it .

[snagglepuss]

snip


Let's be clear: If an alleged criminal merely happens to be a Muslim, then religion may well be immaterial. But if his crime is committed in the name of Islam, then religion serves to motivate. In that case, the suspect's Muslim identity absolutely matters. Words, gestures and images should be analyzed – fully, openly and honestly.

Not just in America. Three years ago, police arrested young Muslim Canadians for reportedly plotting to blow up Parliament and behead the PM. The Toronto 17, soon to number 18, dubbed their campaign Operation Badr. This refers to the Battle of Badr, the first decisive military victory achieved by the Prophet Mohammed and his ragtag followers, who were outmanned and outarmed by the other side.

The seventh-century story of triumph against all odds is the stuff of legend in Islam – proof, we Muslims are often reminded, that God intended the Prophet to be a warrior and not merely a statesman. As Iranians could attest during their war with Saddam Hussein's Iraq, Badr provides potent religious inspiration to generations of Muslim soldiers the world over.

Admittedly, this is uncomfortable for millions of Canadians to hear. So uncomfortable that, on arresting the Toronto 17, police didn't once refer to “Islam” or “Muslims” during a press briefing. At a second presser, police boasted about avoiding the words “Islam” and “Muslims.” They characterized their omission as an exercise in sensitivity. I considered it an exercise in denial about the role of religion in the alleged plot.


http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/lets-analyze-fort-hood-not-sanitize-it/article1357062/

[rockymountaindem]

1. I remember the time I saw her speak at the University of Toronto

Man did people yell...

[snagglepuss]

2. Who was doing the yelling? Were they yelling at her or were groups yelling at each?

[rockymountaindem]

3. Pretty much it was male Muslim students, interspersed with a few head-scarved women, yelling at her

I think some of the Jewish attendees were defending her, although she didn't have a problem speaking for herself.

[paulsby]

4. so so true

"Admittedly, this is uncomfortable for millions of Canadians to hear. So uncomfortable that, on arresting the Toronto 17, police didn't once refer to “Islam” or “Muslims” during a press briefing. At a second presser, police boasted about avoiding the words “Islam” and “Muslims.” They characterized their omission as an exercise in sensitivity. I considered it an exercise in denial about the role of religion in the alleged plot."

an exercise in denial. perfect

[barb162]

5. A very astute woman, MS Manji. n/t