Middle East studies in the News

One Problem Is the Taliban Men Don't Wear Uniforms [incl. Muqtedar Khan]

by Jacqueline Shaw
Delaware Online
February 24, 2010

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100224/OPINION10/100223035/

http://www.campus-watch.org/article/id/9200

The commentary by G. Fred Schueler, professor of philosophy at the University of Delaware is, indeed, an appeal to lofty ideals for our world. I acknowledge that soldiers in an organized army following orders in a declared war, no matter the horrible acts they commit, are not held personally responsible, only their leaders.

Where my views depart diametrically from Professor Schueler's are:

• The U.S. is in a war declared by radical Islamists who want to kill all "infidels" in the world and force them to embrace Islam, a view held also by the Taliban and by Osama bin Laden's followers.

• These persons do not wear uniforms to identify them as soldiers of this or that army. Does that mean they are no less dangerous and intent on killing? I believe not. Witness the suicide bombers – sans uniforms. A soldier, identified, declared or not, who threatens innocent life is an enemy combatant, not entitled to rights afforded an ordinary criminal.

• Lastly, I refer to UD's director of Islamic studies, Muqtedar Khan, whose Dec. 31, 2009, column pointed out that Muhammad pledged all rights and protections to Christians "till the Last Day." It seems the Koran and its disembodied offshoots have failed to embrace and perpetuate this pledge.

Time to wake up, Americans. Mollycoddle these enemy combatants at our peril.

Note: Articles listed under "Middle East studies in the News" provide information on current developments concerning Middle East studies on North American campuses. These reports do not necessarily reflect the views of Campus Watch and do not necessarily correspond to Campus Watch's critique.

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