Cal Thomas - When is a terrorist not a terrorist?

MARY REICHARD, HOST: Today is Thursday, January 20th. Good morning! This is The World and Everything in It from listener-supported WORLD Radio. I’m Mary Reichard.

MYRNA BROWN, HOST: And I’m Myrna Brown. Here’s commentator Cal Thomas on the overall spirit of unease gripping the world.

CAL THOMAS, COMMENTATOR: When is a terrorist not a terrorist?

Last Saturday, Malik Faisal Akram entered a Texas synagogue and took four hostages, including the rabbi. He demanded the release of Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist sentenced to 86 years in prison for attempting to murder members of the U.S. military in Afghanistan.

Initially, an FBI spokesman claimed Akram’s motive was “not specifically related to the Jewish community.” Really? Then why didn’t he visit a Baptist church?

After an outcry from Jewish and non-Jewish sources, the FBI admitted the obvious: it was an act of terrorism. Fortunately Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker and three other hostages escaped unharmed.

Kenneth Marcus is founder and chairman of the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law. He said the incident goes far deeper than what happened in Texas. Marcus said it was “obviously a matter of antisemitism” and “a failure of the FBI to understand this is something of a pattern with law enforcement in the United States and frankly in Europe.” Marcus does not believe the initial comment by FBI Special Agent Matt DeSarno denying a connection between the incident and the Jewish community was “a mere slip-up.” Instead, he said, “It is symptomatic of a widespread failure with law enforcement to understand the problems of antisemitism and anti-Zionism.”

Sarah Stern is president of The Endowment for Middle East Truth. She told me that in many pockets of the Muslim population, the old prejudices and conspiracy theories of the past still linger. That’s despite the fact that Israel has forged new alliances with several major Sunni Arab nations. And those prejudices extend to Muslim groups in the United States. Stern told me groups like the Council on American-Islamic Relations have also called for Aafia Siddiqui’s release.

The Texas synagogue attacker was a British citizen. He entered the United States late last month and allegedly bought a gun off the street. Why didn’t immigration officials flag him? Britain apparently knows something because authorities there quickly arrested two teenagers they believe are connected to Akram.

This incident should not be seen as separate from the general lawlessness sweeping the country. Increasing numbers of the public are fearful about their safety. Many churches now feel the need to post security guards during service.

All of this is a reflection of the decadence that grips our society. If people can’t feel safe in their houses of worship, or while walking down a street, then we have a problem that is deeper than terrorism and lawlessness. It’s a problem of the spirit that even government can’t reach or control.

I’m Cal Thomas.

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