Well, the story is still developing, but based on reports so far we can glean some insights. Like the 9/11 plot, there was plenty of evidence that Hasan was a danger and might engage in some form of terrorism. Yet, the prevailing institutions in the government hindered the use of this information to prevent the attack.
Based on reports, we now know that Hasan attempted to contact Al Qaeda and the government was aware of these efforts. We also know that his colleagues recognized he was a risk, but hesitated to report him for fear of being viewed as anti-Muslum.
So what is the response of Obama and his Administration? Let's not jump to conclusions, they say. We wouldn't want any anti-Muslim bias.
It's as if George Bush had responded to the 9/11 attacks by announcing that it was imperative that the Clinton Administration's wall between national security and law enforcement must be retained.
No, no, no. Obviously this was PTSD. Oh wait, make that pre-TSD. Ooops. He hadn't actually experienced any trauma yet so make that pre-imaginary tsd. I'm certain this disorder will appear very soon in the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders post-haste. After all, I saw a CNN anchorwoman describing something like this just yesterday so it must be an honest to goodness illness. It certainly couldn't be at all linked to fanatical religious beliefs. Nuh uh. No way. Not possible.
Posted by: john knox | November 09, 2009 at 12:12 PM
"his colleagues recognized he was a risk, but hesitated to report him for fear of....": what use are cowardly soldiers?
Posted by: dearieme | November 09, 2009 at 02:16 PM