We Don't Kill Muslims
Reader comment on article: [Khobar Rampage:] "Don't Be Afraid, We Won't Kill Muslims"

Submitted by Jonathan F. Keiler (United States), Jun 10, 2004 at 12:48

While this might be wise advice for members of the diplomatic corps, or for non-Muslim workers who must go to Islamic countries, I think that disseminating it generally is a form of appeasement, which is certainly contrary to your usual position. The problem is that pointing this out as a "survival tip" in effect gives radical Islam more influence over our lives than is deserved. Whether in the particular instance it means forsaking one's religion may be important to some, but as you point out it would only be because the individual is not Muslim, not that he is a Christian or Jew, etc.

The reality, even leaving aside matters of national or religious pride, is that it's not worth the few minutes of my time to remember the lines, because the chance of my being hostage to a Muslim terrorist is so small. But by making it seem otherwise, you provide encouragement to them.

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