Major Nidal Malik Hasan: Unlikely Terrorist?

Problem For Society

Educated psychiatrist. Articulate and vocal defender of his religion. Protester of the United States participation in the war in Iraq as a war on his religion and not on the people. Disgruntled soldier who wanted out. Internet author of radical views. Finally a murderer of his fellow American soldiers.

But for the last two descriptors, this profile could describe millions of Americans. Educated. Passionate. Anti-war. Staunch believers in their faith. The difference may be the radical direction that some such as Hasan are being led (unconfirmed reports are that Hasan attended the same mosque as two of the 9/11 terrorists, which at the time was led by radical Imam Anwar al-Awlaki) , and what it is that in their minds represents an acceptable resolution for differences. Tolerance of ideas different than ones own, or total intolerance. Vocal protest or the murder of those with beliefs different than your own.

In hindsight, those now looking into the past of Hasan see the clues and the warning signs, but will anyone put those clues together proactively next time first in order to prevent a tragedy? As I said before, these traits are not that different from anyone else with an opinion that is willing to articulate them. And will putting these facts together be decried as racial profiling and therefore not to be allowed to be pursued?

There is little question that intolerance of one kind or another is being incubated in portions of various religions and groups around the country and the world. Religious, ethnic and other types as well. Look at some examples. India versus Pakistan. The ethnic cleansing in the old Yugoslavia. The genocide in Africa. Uigurs versus Han in China. Not one in particular, but many.

Some are focused on peaceful demonstration to promote ideas and ideological differences, while others take it to the next level, and some to the ultimate level.

Here is an open question. How do we as a society deal with the unpredictable nature of this problem that has the potential to bubble over into deadly violence at any time? In a politically correct world, what is the solution? If we know that a certain Imam is preaching hatred and supporting the idea of Jihad, do we use surveillance techniques or would that be an ACLU violation?

If you have an idea to deal with this problem, pass it along. Sphere: Related Content