Sudden jihad syndrome?
By DANIEL PIPES

Individual Islamists may appear law-abiding and reasonable, but they are part of a totalitarian movement, and as such, all must be considered potential killers.

I wrote those words days after 9/11 and have been criticized for them ever since. But an incident on March 3 at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill suggests I did not go far enough.

That was when a just-graduated student named Mohammed Reza Taheri-azar, 22, and an Iranian immigrant, drove a sport utility vehicle into a crowded pedestrian zone. He struck nine people but, fortunately, none were severely injured.

Until his would-be murderous rampage, Taheri-azar, a philosophy and psychology major, had an apparently normal existence and promising future. In high school, he had been student council president and a member of the National Honor Society. A number of UNC students told the Los Angeles Times that he "was a serious student, shy but friendly." One fellow student, Brian Copeland, "was impressed with his knowledge of classical Western thought, adding "He was kind and gentle, rather than aggressive and violent." The university chancellor, James Moeser, called him a good student, if "totally a loner, introverted and into himself."

In fact, no one who knew him said a bad word about him, which is important, for it signals that he is not some low-life, not homicidal, not psychotic, but a conscientious student and amiable person. Which raises the obvious question: why would a regular person try to kill a random assortment of students? Taheri-azar's post-arrest remarks offer some clues.

• He told the 911 dispatcher that he wanted to "punish the government of the United States for their actions around the world."

• He explained to a detective that "people all over the world are being killed in war and now it is the people in the United States['] turn to be killed."

• He said he acted to "avenge the deaths of Muslims around the world."

• He portrayed his actions as "an eye for an eye."

• A police affidavit notes that "Taheri-azar repeatedly said that the United States government had been killing his people across the sea and that he decided to attack."


THIS IS what I have dubbed the "Sudden Jihad Syndrome," whereby normal-appearing Muslims abruptly become violent. It has the awful but legitimate consequence of casting suspicion on all Muslims. Who knows whence the next jihadi? How can one be confident a law-abiding Muslim will not suddenly erupt in a homicidal rage? Yes, of course, their numbers are very small, but they are disproportionately much higher than among non-Muslims.

This syndrome helps explain the fear of Islam and mistrust of Muslims that polls have shown on the rise since 9/11.

The Muslim response of denouncing these views as bias, as the "new anti-Semitism, or "Islamophobia" is as baseless as accusing anti-Nazis of "Germanophobia" or anti-communists of "Russophobia." Instead of presenting themselves as victims, Muslims should address this fear by developing a moderate, modern, and good-neighborly version of Islam that rejects radical Islam, jihad, and the subordination of "infidels."

The writer, based in Philadelphia, is director of the Middle East Forum. www.DanielPipes.org

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503544490

Many people who are mentally ill can display outwardly normal behavior. The BTK killer comes to mind among others. He was very active in his church, as I recall. I don't think mental illness is exclusive to any religion in particular.

Funny title. If it was meant to be comedic it may almost have something. As it is its just a racist peice of trash.

Individual Islamists may appear law-abiding and reasonable, but they are part of a totalitarian movement, and as such, all must be considered potential killers.

This is clearly a wacko statement.

You can't put a whole portion of the earths population into the crucible because of the highly publicised actions of a few of them, especially when the action in this case is the action of somebody who is clearly mentally ill first and a muslim second.

No doubt the vast majority of muslims are law abiding, caring, honest & decent people.

This just sounds like McCarthyism to me and Daniel Pipes is no question about it a moron.

My good buddy Shaheed was taking the garbage out one day, when, out of the blue, he yelled out, "Allah Ackbar!!" and proceeded to murder three white people with a rusty fork found on the ground. Now all he does is sit in jail, furiously writing letters addressed to the "White Devil." What's really weird is how all of a sudden he's fluent in Arabic, maybe it's the Islamic version of tongues...

Originally posted by 500lbguerilla
Funny title. If it was meant to be comedic it may almost have something. As it is its just a racist peice of trash.

Yep, case closed.

"I never had any trouble with the Muslims, but I'll never let another CHRISTIAN on any ship I command again!"--William Bligh, demanding that the mutineers be brought back by...



...Bounty hunters...






www. okay, okay, mebbee, jest mebbee, I made that quote up... .edu

At this particular point in time, being somewhat wary of anyone you don't really know is simply a survival technique. Any amount of wariness beyond that is satisfied only by the amount of security one demands, and that demand is satisfied only by an unending supply of that most elusive of commodoties: cash.

You live in Atlanta and you can't make money?

How can you read my previous post and respond with that question?

Originally posted by DrewM
This is clearly a wacko statement.

You can't put a whole portion of the earths population into the crucible because of the highly publicised actions of a few of them, especially when the action in this case is the action of somebody who is clearly mentally ill first and a muslim second.

No doubt the vast majority of muslims are law abiding, caring, honest & decent people.

This just sounds like McCarthyism to me and Daniel Pipes is no question about it a moron.

DrewM actually said it well.

The majority of Muslims don't fit this guys profile at all. The majority live in Africa, not the Middle East. The majority are probably pro American or indifferent. Several of the largest Muslim nations are allied to the USA, and some have strong ties to it.

Just more nonsense some crackpot was rewarded for writing.

He needed no motivation except from Allah, (the terrorist).
For a little Muslim double talk, he acted not out of hatred but out of (love for Allah).

So, reading the Koran can make you become a terrorist?





3/10/2006

Mohammad Reza Taheri-Azar
T328156
1300 Western Blvd.
Raleigh, NC 27606

In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate

Dear Ms. Velliquette;

To get right to the point, I will answer each of your questions:

1. The Koran, the truth from Allah, the creator of all things, dictates in numerous places, e.g. Chapter "Muhammad," that Allah's followers have permission to attack these who have waged war against them, with eternal paradise as an expected reward so long as Allah's followers abide by all commandments listed throughout the Koran. The fact that the Koran is a scientific and mathematic miracle proves that it is from a supernatural source.
2. Judging by the U.S. government's continuing invasions and killing of my fellow followers of Allah in Islamic territories in the Middle East, even after the deaths of more than 1,000 U.S. soldiers, I concluded that I didn't want to attack in the Middle East since there would likely be no significant change in the U.S. government's military presence in Islamic territories.
3. I therefore decided to attack within the U.S. borders, hoping that the U.S. government would understand that my fellow followers of Allah will do everything necessary to defeat our enemies, even giving up a college degree from UNC Chapel Hill, as I did myself.
4. I have no hatred for anyone. I only act out of love for Allah and I never hesitate to do as Allah has commanded in the Koran, which I have read all 114 chapters of approximately 15 times now, beginning in June 2003.
5. In response to the 9/11/2001 attacks, I have always believed that the U.S. government should have immediately seeked peace instead of war.
6. I discussed my plans with no one but Allah when I prayed to him in the days prior to March 3rd.
7. I turned myself in to assure the world that I wasn't some insane person who went on a killing rampage suddenly.
8. With Allah's help, I am prepared and will be prepared for a life sentence. I only fear and only respect Allah.
9. Please see to it that this letter is broadcast throughout the world in its entirety.

Sincerely yours,
Mohammad Taheri-Azar

i know that a lot of people read the bible and suddenly go into rages of wanting to kill, burn, and destroy. they may not do it, but their rhetoric says they are thinking it.

How can you read my previous post and respond with that question?

Like this:

most elusive of commodoties: cash.

He needed no motivation except from Allah, (the terrorist).
For a little Muslim double talk, he acted not out of hatred but out of (love for Allah).

So, reading the Koran can make you become a terrorist?

Some people who say they are acting in the name of religion may misunderstand their religion or practice it wrongly. For this reason, it is a mistake to form any idea of that religion from the activities of these people. The best way to understand Islam is through its holy source. The holy source of Islam is the Qur'an; and the model of morality in the Qur’an is completely different from the image of it formed in the minds of some Westerners. The Qur'an is based on the concepts of morality, love, compassion, mercy, modesty, self-sacrifice, tolerance and peace, and a Muslim who truly lives according to these moral precepts is highly refined, thoughtful, tolerant, trustworthy and accommodating. To those around him he gives love, respect, peace of mind and a sense of the joy of life.

In verse 208 of Surat Al-Baqarah, this command is given: (You who believe! Enter absolutely into peace (Islam). Do not follow in the footsteps of Satan.
He is an outright enemy to you.)

Allah has commanded humanity to avoid evil; He has forbidden immorality, rebellion, cruelty, aggressiveness, murder and bloodshed. Those who do not obey this command of Allah are walking in the steps of Satan, as the Qur’an says in the verse above, and have adopted an attitude that Allah has clearly declared unlawful. Of the many verses that bear on this subject, here are only two:
(But as for those who break Allah's contract after it has been agreed and sever what Allah has commanded to be joined, and cause corruption in the earth, the curse will be upon them. They will have the Evil Abode.) (Ar-Ra'd 13: 25)

He Almighty also says: (Seek the abode of the hereafter with what Allah has given you, without forgetting your portion of the world. And do good as Allah has been good to you. And do not seek to cause mischief on earth. Allah does not love mischief makers.) (Al-Qasas 28: 77)

Islam is a religion, which fosters freedom of life, ideas and thought. It has forbidden tension and conflict among people, calumny, suspicion and even having negative thoughts about another individual.

To force anyone to believe in a religion or to practice it is against the spirit and essence of Islam. Because it is necessary that faith be accepted with free will and conscience. Of course, Muslims may urge one another to keep the moral precepts taught in the Qur'an, but they never use compulsion. In any case, an individual cannot be induced to the practice of religion by either threat or offering him a worldly privilege.

Lets face it Islam is just another brainwashing scheme like all the other religions. Same bullshit - different story.

i know that a lot of people read the bible and suddenly go into rages of wanting to kill, burn, and destroy. they may not do it, but their rhetoric says they are thinking it.

I have read the bible many times and never felt like killing anybody, however, The Jews own writing of their history is horrific. I think the 4,000 something year old text was ment to strike fear in the hearts of any who would oppose the Jews but history shows that with fear comes hatred and that is part of the problem with people hating Jews today---- History words that were written over 4000 years ago.

The Islamic text are not just a recording of history they are commands on waging war on unbelievers. It even calls for death to anybody who wants to leave Islam.

Some people who say they are acting in the name of religion may misunderstand their religion or practice it wrongly. For this reason, it is a mistake to form any idea of that religion from the activities of these people. The best way to understand Islam is through its holy source. The holy source of Islam is the Qur'an; and the model of morality in the Qur’an is completely different from the image of it formed in the minds of some Westerners. The Qur'an is based on the concepts of morality, love, compassion, mercy, modesty, self-sacrifice, tolerance and peace, and a Muslim who truly lives according to these moral precepts is highly refined, thoughtful, tolerant, trustworthy and accommodating. To those around him he gives love, respect, peace of mind and a sense of the joy of life.

In verse 208 of Surat Al-Baqarah, this command is given: (You who believe! Enter absolutely into peace (Islam). Do not follow in the footsteps of Satan.
He is an outright enemy to you.)

Allah has commanded humanity to avoid evil; He has forbidden immorality, rebellion, cruelty, aggressiveness, murder and bloodshed. Those who do not obey this command of Allah are walking in the steps of Satan, as the Qur’an says in the verse above, and have adopted an attitude that Allah has clearly declared unlawful. Of the many verses that bear on this subject, here are only two:
(But as for those who break Allah's contract after it has been agreed and sever what Allah has commanded to be joined, and cause corruption in the earth, the curse will be upon them. They will have the Evil Abode.) (Ar-Ra'd 13: 25)

He Almighty also says: (Seek the abode of the hereafter with what Allah has given you, without forgetting your portion of the world. And do good as Allah has been good to you. And do not seek to cause mischief on earth. Allah does not love mischief makers.) (Al-Qasas 28: 77)

Islam is a religion, which fosters freedom of life, ideas and thought. It has forbidden tension and conflict among people, calumny, suspicion and even having negative thoughts about another individual.

To force anyone to believe in a religion or to practice it is against the spirit and essence of Islam. Because it is necessary that faith be accepted with free will and conscience. Of course, Muslims may urge one another to keep the moral precepts taught in the Qur'an, but they never use compulsion. In any case, an individual cannot be induced to the practice of religion by either threat or offering him a worldly privilege.


You present us with information that is opposite the truth of what we see from Muslim actions.

See how googs post follows the standard Muslim answer.


Tactical denial: Rather than admitting that a proposition concerning a state of affairs can be partly true, an Islamic spokesman will deny a claim or proposition in absolute terms. For example, “It is impossible to be a Muslim and a terrorist’ , which is false and ‘Islam forbids suicide’, which is true, but irrelevant as suicide or martyrdom attacks are not forbidden in the Koran.

Exploiting cognitive dissonance: Islamic spokesman tend to be baffle television interviewers and puzzle viewers as they resort to double talk ‘clichés and platitudes’ concerning Islam. A state of cognitive dissonance-holding two contradictory beliefs and attempting to resolve them- is induced in viewers as they attempt to process the claim that Islam is a peaceful religion with the dissonant facts of Islamic terrorist acts and operations.

The Islamic text are not just a recording of history they are commands on waging war on unbelievers. It even calls for death to anybody who wants to leave Islam.
Where exactly does it say that in the Quran?

There is a lot of confusion about this issue of apostasy. The Noble Qur'an does not prescribe death penalty for deserters of Islam, but rather states that they would be in Hell in the hereafter (2:217).

*{But those who reject faith after they accepted it, and then go on adding to their defiance of faith never will their repentance be accepted; for they are those who have [of set purpose] gone astray.}* (Aal-`Imran 3:90)

*{Again and again will those who disbelieve, wish that they had bowed [to God's will] in Islam. Leave them alone to enjoy [the good things of this life] and to please themselves: let [false] hope amuse them: soon will knowledge [undeceive them].}* (Al-Hijr 15:2-3)

This verse clearly indicates that the disbelievers should be left alone. Moreover, the killing of apostates would undermine the freedom of will Allah has bestowed on each human, as is made clear in the verses that say what means:

*{If it had been thy Lord's will, they would all have believed, all who are on earth! Wilt thou then compel mankind, against their will, to believe! No soul can believe, except by the will of God, and He will place doubt (or obscurity) on those who will not understand.}* (Yunus 10:99-100)

*{Say, "The truth is from your Lord": Let him who will believe, and let him who will, reject [it]: for the wrong doers We have prepared a Fire whose (smoke and flames), like the walls and roof of a tent, will hem them in: if they implore relief they will be granted water like melted brass, that will scald their faces, how dreadful the drink! How uncomfortable a dwelling (resting place)!"}* (Al-Kahf 18:29)

*{Let there be no compulsion in religion: truth stands out clear from error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.}* (Al-Baqarah 2:256)
Thus we see that the general teaching of the Qur'an is one of freedom of choice and mercy. And if we are to adopt the death penalty for apostates today, the first problem is the absence of a true Islamic system (even in the so-called Islamic countries) to judge apostasy and to enforce the punishment where it is due.

You present us with information that is opposite the truth of what we see from Muslim actions.

See how googs post follows the standard Muslim answer.
I gathered evidence from the Quran. You claim that the Quran preaches these things but you have no evidence. If you want to make a strong arugement, then gather evidence.

The Koran may not preach it, yet, the terrorists claim it. The barbaric behavior is straight out of Satan's handbook.

The Koran may not preach it, yet, the terrorists claim it. The barbaric behavior is straight out of Satan's handbook.

that sums it up.

The Qu'ran is silent about the punishment for apostasy, but all schools of Islamic jurisprudence agree that male apostates should be put to death. Female apostates can either be put to death or imprisoned until she reverts.

Even if there is no direct evidence in the Qu'ran about a certain question, isn't it great that we can turn to the muslim "scholars" who certainly know the holy text well!
With a little interpretation, apparently the Quran can mean many things besides love, compassion and so on. How about justifying wife beating, killing of the infidels, forbidding dance and music etc.
AND! It it's not in the Quran, well, good thing we've got the Hadiths to turn to, which appently can be used or denied whenever it's suitable for a specific question. Googs, you said the Hadith are inaccurate, yet they are frequently being used by "scholars" to justify all sorts of inhuman behavior.