Dr.Pipes calling for caution regarding I.D. cards for Muslims unprecedented?
Reader comment on item: What Security Measures vis-à-vis Western Muslims?

Submitted by Ben van de Polder (United States), Aug 16, 2006 at 11:36

Given that Dr.Pipes is a proponent of closer scrutiny of Muslims, his call for caution against issuing I.D.cards to them is surprising and appears to be unprecedented.

In his 2003 article entitled "The Enemy Within," he wrote that "Preventing Islamists from inflicting further damage implies the regrettable step of focusing on Muslims. Not to do so is an invitation to further terrorism." In 2006, his rejection of issuing of special I.D. cards to Muslims (when such measures are getting substantial public support), seems to be a first, and, as such, worth noting.

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Daniel Pipes replies:

Yes, I was aware on writing this weblog entry that it marks the first time that I am urging caution rather than resolve.

This shift is due, I believe, to a change in the environment, not in my views. Look back to an article I published three days after 9/11, "Protecting Muslims while Rooting out Islamists," to see how consistent I have been in focusing on Islamists, not Muslims.