It's Too Subtle For Inspector Clouseau

Submitted by Dave (United States), Dec 24, 2015 at 13:15

Distinguishing a jihad attack from a run-of-the-mill crime can sometimes involve subtlety. For example, if the assailant is a Muslim, and the victim is a non-Muslim, say a Coptic Christian, and the victim is dismembered, then alarm bells may go off among those familiar with the traditional animosity by some Muslims towards the Copts; plus, dismemberment is a form of punishment prescribed by Sharia.

Yet, the true motivation for the crime remains circumstantial, unless the perpetrators makes their intentions clear, as in the San Bernadino case, where messages were posted on social media and Islamic war cries were heard. Until law enforcement breaks the taboos against learning about Islam and its cultural and ideological characteristics, we will continue to miss important clues to a growing domestic threat.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".