Kamran Bokhari
Reader comment on item: The U.S. Institute of Peace Stumbles

Submitted by James Quandt (United States), Apr 5, 2004 at 01:01

Actually, Mr. Bokhari briefly joined Al Muhajiroun as a young man while the group was in its formative period. He left once he gained his senses and once the group's leadership showed their true, radical colors. I think he was their "spokesperson" because he was the only one who spoke normal English. He is now an academic highly critical of Islamists and is a recipient of their enmity.

Mr. Bokhari runs an internet discussion list in which Islamists, like members of Al Muhajiroun and Hizb-ut-Tahrir, constantly deride him and refer to him as an infidel (or kaffir) because of his moderate views. I find it ironic that some refer to him as an Islamist when just the other day on his discussion list, an Islamist, when asked why he refused to greet Mr. Bokhari with the traditional "salaam", stated that Mr. Bokhari ceased to be a Muslim because he is opposed to radical Islamism.

There are some radicals who refer to themselves as moderates or democrats. They must certainly be exposed. But Mr. Bokhari is not one of them, and it is important that this be recognized.

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