In Oslo to pick up his Nobel Peace Prize for Nothing, Obama praises the advances Muslims in America have made since 9/11. And it’s true: since 9/11 Muslims in this country have made great strides. They have suffered no widespread “backlash,” despite constant media handwringing over the prospect, no discrimination. Americans should be proud of that.
At the same time, American Muslim advocacy groups have been extraordinarily successful in portraying any discussion of the texts and teachings that Islamic jihadists use to justify violence and supremacism, and to make recruits among peaceful Muslims, as “bigoted” and “hateful.” This has hamstrung anti-terror efforts, as it has forestalled any thorough examination of the jihad doctrine and ideology by law enforcement officials, and has led them to take many who are not on our side as allies — including some of those same American Muslim advocacy groups.
“Obama mum on Pakistan arrests; Afghan drawdown date firm,” from NECN, December 10 (thanks to James):
(NECN: Oslo, Norway) – Appearing in Oslo after meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, President Barack Obama declined comment on the arrests of five Americans in Pakistan over possible terrorism links.
What he did offer, though, was praise for the contributions of the U.S. Muslim community.
“What has been remarkable over the course of the last eight, nine years since 9/11 is the degree to which America has reaffirmed the extraordinary contributions of the Muslim-American community and how they’ve been woven into the fabric of our nation in a seamless fashion,” the president said.
The five Americans were arrested Wednesday at a house in Sargodha city linked to banned militant organization Jaish-e-Mohammed, Pakistani officers said. On Thursday, Pakistani police said the Americans told investigators they came to the country to take part in “jihad,” or holy war.
President Obama cautioned it is important to keep in one’s mind the availability of “some of these twisted ideologies” on the internet….