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How to Tell I'm Not a Terrorist
So it turns out that the 12 Muslims arrested two weeks ago - you know, the ones who, according to Gordon Brown, were planning a "very big terrorist plot" - were doing nothing of the sort. The arrests and subsequent release highlight how, in a time of heightened concern, anyone who is male and Muslim - and, even worse, happens to have Pakistani heritage - can get mistaken for a potential terrorist. It isn't just the police who have a problem telling the difference. The trouble is that it isn't obvious who is a benign, peace-loving Briton who happens to be Muslim, and who is a rage-filled Islamist intent on causing mayhem.
It used to be simple to spot the fundamentalist: they would have tell-tale signs such as metal hooks and carry a charred copy of The Satanic Verses or a "Death to Israel" placard. It isn't so easy now. What does a moderate Muslim look like? How to tell if a bearded neighbour is a pious believer or plotting to blow up the local shopping centre? How to distinguish between the student who is taking photographs to send to relatives and the jihadist on reconnaissance?
If only these were theoretical dilemmas. Last week I was detained at JFK airport in New York. At the end of a lengthy grilling the officer turned to his colleague and said: "We have a 37-year-old male who has been to Pakistan in the past three years - shall I deport him?" The fact that the Pakistan trip was for a Radio 4 documentary, or that I had written a book which devoted a chapter to my fascination with the US was irrelevant. I was Pakistan-born and had a funny name so I was suspicious. It isn't that I don't understand the concern, or that some of it isn't legitimate; I wish I knew what I should say next time to prove I don't want to blow anyone up, and just want to spend a few days visiting galleries.
British Muslims are constantly called upon to denounce the extremists, to distance themselves from their ideas and actions. This leaves them forever on the defensive, having to react to the actions of the militant minority. So perhaps it's time to get proactive. That in itself is controversial: the standard response from British Muslims is to say that they shouldn't have to apologise for the actions of the extremists, that those Islamists are as Muslim as the KKK are Christian. But that theory doesn't help much in practice.
So here are a few suggestions for how to help the police, airport immigration and anyone else who finds it hard to differentiate between liberal and extremist Muslims. All Muslims who consider themselves liberal and tolerant could apply for a special card which when presented would show the holder was a "pre-approved Muslim", thus saving time at airports. Sure, some may say that such a card would represent a gross violation of human rights but I think it could be marketed like a credit card: membership has its privileges - in this case not being indiscriminately arrested or held up when travelling. Those who feel uncomfortable carrying a card could be offered an alternative - a white girlfriend perhaps, someone to vouch for the fact that they have successfully integrated into society and have no immediate plans for a holy war.
Perhaps I could carry a sandwichboard with the slogan "I ❤ John Stuart Mill". That may prove too subtle, maybe something more permanent is needed to convince the sceptics. How about all moderate Muslims having "Don't panic - I'm Islamic" inked on their forearms by a government-approved tattoo artist. That way, the next time extremists march in Luton against returning British soldiers, the moderate Muslims would only have to walk around in a T-shirt and everyone could breathe easy knowing they were not the bad guys.
There is one other possibility: that Muslims are presumed innocent, unless there is evidence to the contrary.
56 Comments so far
Show AllWell let us say you are a muslim.
In other words you follow some of the dictums of the Koran.
Well I dont know which ones you follow.
Can you call yourself a Sufi? And not limit yourself to being a muslim?
Not sure what I am getting at here.
My problem is that some of you believe that over the course of centuries, one way or another, you wish to control the whole world under Sharia law. Your religion demands that you deceieve the heathen and refuse to co exist with him.
Over generations. Educated or otherwise. Just like right wing Christians.
Sorry, but anybody who associates themselves with this dogma can not be taken seriously, or should be taken deadly seriously. I understand that everyday interaction can pass without an inkling of reference to such ills, but deep inside there will always be doutbt.
My apologies.
Love
Zero
Obviously, you are not sure about what you are trying to "get at" here, but that little disclaimer doesn't sufficiently cover the overhaul gist of your post. It seems you have accepted the "dogma" put out by both U.S. and British propagandistss, as well as by certain rightwing elements within the "Christian" and "Zionist" body politik. You totally ignore the point of the author in favor of the propaganda of "fanatacist" coloration of Muslims in general. You should be sorry.
I am writing the above peice with full understanding of what the author is trying to get at.
I dont expect everyone to get that.
I socialize with Muslims a lot.
And I make clear my underlying doubt with them.
Excuse me for being honest.
Love
Zero
We all love it so that you are honest. Now work on your intelligence.
Kudos to you, GM! Laughed my ass off.
Rainborowe
Experience accounts for something as well. I have not read a single comment here that counters my stand.
Insulting others with one liners does not solve any problems or make a counterpoint. I have taken into accounts all kinds of mulsims with my writing. Perhaps someone can respond in kind.
Love
Zero
Zero:
I before E except after C.
Rainborowe
In your mind, why would you link Muslims to "right wing Christians" and not all Christians in that they "associate themselves" with a religion that teaches bizarre and dangerous dogma? Clearly, not all Christians are contagious, foaming at the mouth fanatics with whom you can have no civilized interaction, in fact, quite the opposite. But, festering in the bowels of their accepted belief system are many irrational buttons that can and do trigger every self-righteous evil that plagues humanity.
This whole religious arena is like a Wrestling Federation Tag Team Match. The flag-waving Christian Weirdo was supposed to be the crowd pleaser, but overdid it and got beat up for awhile by Reason, so he slinked out of the ring to make way for the Great Turbaned Beardo whose funny accent and mysterious prayer rug will stir the crowd. Meanwhile we have the educated types high in the bleachers, away from the thunder, trying to explain how these stereotypical buffoons have in some way both betrayed the soundness of their underlying faiths.
Unfair, Zero! Study Islam, and the life of Muhammed. And yes, some, but certainly not all, who follow Sharia law are truly unpleasant folks. And then there are the Sunnis who are a different sect, and you will find wonderful, hospitable, kind and friendly people, and you will find the nasties too. And then there are the vast majority of moderate Muslims who are delightful people.
And as someone else already made the point, fundamentalist Christians can be downright frightening with their corseted minds and self-righteousness. Again, however, some not all. And then there's the Talmud-following Jew. The Talmud contains some of the most disgusting stuff I have ever read. But again, I believe the majority of Jews take seriously the teachings and themes of their religion which is to be humane and just.
Just a little while ago, Barack Obama could not have made it all the way to the Presidency. I don't have to tell you how black people have been perceived, and still are in some circles ... and it was and is quite negative.
All this searching and checking watch lists at airports came about with 9-11 and that behemoth of an ineffective, monster bureaucracy called The Department of Homeland Security. Problem is instead of looking outside for the perpetrators of 9-11, we needed to look inside our hallowed halls of government and its various branches and agencies.
Now, however, because of pure-D ASSHOLE mentalities we have a situation where little old ladies can't even carry a toe-nail clipper or tiny cuticle scissors in their pocketbooks without being subject to strip searches.
WE ARE CRAZY, and I think what you said is a little bit crazy too, Zero, or perhaps, more kindly, ignorant.
Sorry, but that's my take.
++++++++
Where are we goin' with all of this nonsense, folks? And how do we restore sanity to a world gone mad?
/cm
Thank you, cm, for being honest.
I pity people who have to fly. Airlines are horrible and treat people horribly. I go out of my way to avoid them. If the United States had seen fit to develop mass transit, instead of caving in to the oil interests, we would probably have intercontinental bullet trains by now, not to mention transatlantic subways.
We are all paying for the American government's inability to protect us, at least under Bush and Cheney. Remember who was in power when 9/11 happened. After 8 years of idiocy and insanity (sometimes known as neo-conservatism), we are all a bit whacko.
Great post, CM.
Cee Miracles said: "Unfair, Zero! Study Islam, and the life of Muhammed. And yes, some, but certainly not all, who follow Sharia law are truly unpleasant folks. And then there are the Sunnis who are a different sect, and you will find wonderful, hospitable, kind and friendly people, and you will find the nasties too. And then there are the vast majority of moderate Muslims who are delightful people."
Where on Earth do I begin?
1. Sharia'a law applies to all Muslims--at least in theory. Although many different Muslim countries base their national criminal law on other (mostly European) models, Shari'a almost always governs family law. Shari'a law has many "schools" of interpretation--five at least if I remember rightly. Some are more rigorous than others.
2. The Sunnis are a different sect from what? Sunnis are by far the majority sect in Islam. If you mean they are different from those who follow Shari'a, your're wrong. The basis of Islamic religious law is Shari'a whether one is a Sunni or Shi'i or any other sect. The interpretaions may be different (see above) but all come from Shari'a.
3. "Moderate Muslims . . . are delightful people." Actually, and in my experience of decades living in the Islamic world, there are as many assholes among "moderate" (whatever the hell that means) Muslims as in any other religion. And the most wonderful person I ever was blessed to know was a very devout Muslim woman (wa Allah yerhamha).
Rainborowe
Tough s#it buddy; you don't get to arrest people for thinking bad thoughts. If that were the case you'd have to arrest all of the men and most of the women on this planet.
People can believe whatever damn fool thing they want to believe. Lot's of people believe that dead prophets get up and wander off. Virgins have babies and a burning bush told some goat herders that they own all the land in Palestine.
It's when peoples beliefs turn into actions that you can push back with laws. Since we can't read the minds of individual Muslims we'll just have to wait for actions.
Zero point field:
You're not sure what you're getting at? And I sure as hell don't have a clue. So why post such blather at all?
Rainborowe
Wear a crucifix around your neck and stuff a Bible into your luggage.
That'll fuck 'em up.
Sioux Rose
COMMENTER: Good one!
I'm assuming that the author's comment about Muslim men possibly avoiding the profiling by having a "white girlfriend" is also tongue-in-cheek. Surely Manzoor is aware of the government propaganda being put out the last couple of years that Al Queda is recruiting in the U.S. and Britain to organize a pool of "White Al Queda". That would probably make a Muslim-appearing man accompanied by a caucasion woman doubly suspicious.
Why don't Muslim men (at least of Arabian descent) try to look like Mexicans. Then they would only have to suffer bigotry, not discrimination.
What??
You think bigotry and discrimination are discrete?
Rainborowe
"How to distinguish between the student who is taking photographs to send to relatives and the jihadist on reconnaissance?"
At no time has there ever been any evidence that terrorists photograph or video their intended target. With Google Maps, millions of photos available, satellite coverage of everything etc. there really is no need for the aspiring terrorist to make themselves conspicuous.
To the best of my knowledge the only ones who did video were the Chicago wannabe amateurs and they were already infiltrated by the FBI, were given a video camera and directed by the FBI infiltrator to use it. Perhaps then the FBI and border agencies etc. could receive training to negate the poisoning influence of Hollywood movie drivel?
For a start at this remedial training here is some important information -not all people with backpacks are terrorists and not all bombs have a red flashing light and LED countdown with loud beep. I'll send a bill for expert consulting fees shortly.
http://lightchasersphotography.com/blog/how-to-shoot-photographs-like-a-terrorist/
First of all, this is sarcasm:
Well, as far as trying to make your self NOT to appear to be a terrorist, first change your name to billy bob freeloader, contact michael jackson about how to change the color of your skin and buzz cut your hair and bleach it, knock out a couple of teeth and for good measure learn to talk with a cowboy accent. That will fool the 'authorities' everytime. Shoot, they may even make you one of the 'authorities'.
Great try. Unfortunately sarcasm doesn't have quite the "je ne sais crois" when it's flagged ahead!
Rainborowe
All of this suspicion, discrimination, and disenfranchisement only strengthens radical Islam by alienating ordinary Muslims from mainstream society and making them resent it. A more inclusive, tolerant, accepting, and fair Western societies would probably diminish terrorism more than any war ever could.
As far as "looking" like a terrorist or a ne'er do well, I am white. In high school, I was profiled by my high school's vice-principal because I had long hair and wore denim and heavy metal t-shirts. I was considered either a Satanist or drug user/peddler.
A few weeks ago, I tried to attend a G20 rally but left after I sensed trouble with the police. I was being glared at by hostile-looking cops. I had on jeans, an army jacket, and was wearing this t-shirt...
http://www.anarchtee.com/HistoryShows.htm
There's a tank on it. I'm also bald, and again, white. I even got some stares from black civilians. After all, I MUST be a neo-nazi, right?
How can you prevent crime but making citizens fear and resent law enforcement? Law-abiding citizens should feel relieved and safe when police are nearby, not uneasy. I had no weapons or bombs on me.
Truer words were never spoken, thegreatrockyhill.
I wear a T-shirt [I picked up three in different colors]: I HAVE MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES AND NONE OF THEM LIKE YOU.
That's about the way I've been feeling lately with the Global Insanity that seems to escalate in particular quarters by the day.
What's it gonna' take?
/cm
Don't be surprised if people assume the worst of you. Why would you want to proclaim yourself a disliker of people whom you have never yet met?
You seem to have a serious problem.
Rainborowe
John Adams, quotes about Fear:
Fear is the foundation of most governments; but it is so sordid and brutal a passion, and renders men in whose breasts it predominates so stupid and miserable, that Americans will not be likely to approve of any political institution which is founded on it.
Hmmmmmmm.... Homeland Security?
Sir Francis Bacon, quotes about Fear:
A just fear of an imminent danger, though there be no blow given, is a lawful cause of war.
Sounds like the Bush doctrine.
Walter Bagehot, quotes about Fear:
So long as there are earnest believers in the world, they will always wish to punish opinions, even if their judgment tells them it is unwise and their conscience tells them it is wrong.
and not just opinions, but those who spout them or look similar to those who spout them.
The solution is to become a rational society once again. We need to stop making decisions based on fear and start thinking, except those who hold the power also fear those who actually do think. Sadly, I think the cause was lost a long time ago... :(
Conservatives live in a universe they fear. That's why they want to impose order and discipline and punishment on everyone. Liberals don't fear. That's why their solutions to bad behavior don't involve the above.
Rainborowe
One thing Mr. Manzoor didn't suggest among his tongue-in -cheek remarks is simply organizing a complete travel/tourism boycott of the United States until they change their behavior.
And ZeroPointField,
There is NO Muslim plot to take over the world and impose Sharia law on everyone.
Why is it that when even a tiny or remote country adopts an, admittedly sometimes extreme, ideology or religion as a means of declaring themselves free of US economic and military hegamony, that the USAn leadership declares: "Danger! They are trying to take over the world!". It really gets comical sometimes - remember Regan's comments about poor little Nicaragua being just a day's drive from Brownsville?
Sharia law is pretty savage - but it only applies to Muslims, in the few Muslim majority states (Iran, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Mauritania) that have adopted it. And they certainly are not going to adopt more moderate policies at the barrel of a western gun.
All correct, Leftist. Although having lived in Texas as well as in the Middle East and North Africa, I'd say that even the worst version of Shari'a (and there are several versions) doesn't hold a candle to the viciousness of the State of Texas' criminal law.
Rainborowe
Sioux Rose
I like the congenial tone of sarcasm used by Mr. Manzoor. It's not easy to summon such good-natured humor when your ethnic group is on the receiving end of not just criticism and suspicion, but REAL violence (as in the U.S. foreign policy of late).
since 9/11 the u.s. has been crazy. the government did certainly make every effort to exploit and magnify the fear many u.s. citizens felt. They sold a brutal, criminal assault on Afghanistan to a gullible and fearful people. But then another level of madness set in: terrorists terrorists everywhere! please be scared! your president lives on your fear! Mr. Manzoor dodged a bullet this time, but he is lucky. Way too many Muslims have been stopped at airports and disappeared. Those few who survived and escaped have chilling horror stories to tell. The others are still secretly doing their hard time in one of our many secret prisons.
it is an unconscionably ugly chapter in our history- the racist bookend to our imperial bombings
MisterChips writes:
"That would probably make a Muslim-appearing man accompanied by a caucasion woman doubly suspicious."
What is "Muslim-appearing"? Hollywood images of swarthy radicals hijacking Air Force One? Arab tribalists in flowing robes in Lawrence of Arabia? Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves? Is a large hooked nose that of an Arab or a Jew? Are you afraid it might mean his penis is bigger than yours?
Finally, like the author of the article, you misuse the term, "suspicious."
I am suspicious; your thought process is suspect. Walk like a Perp.
-30-
You're going off on your own tangent, Old Man River. You'll have to consult the TSA for whatever might be "Muslim-appearing" to them. Don't try to twist what I said with your next paragraph trying to paint me as a racial profiler.
"What is "Muslim-appearing"? Hollywood images of swarthy radicals hijacking Air Force One? Arab tribalists in flowing robes in Lawrence of Arabia? Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves? Is a large hooked nose that of an Arab or a Jew? Are you afraid it might mean his penis is bigger than yours?"---I think this says more about YOUR thought processes than mine. You totally misinterpreted my comments, intentionally or unintentionally, I don't know. Maybe you've been standing outdoors under too many chemtrails. Your comments are totally idiotic. Walk like a polyp.
Isn't there a law somewhere that prohibits willfully being a foreigner? -Or looking like one?
The CIA in America is working on "intelligent agent" type of computer program that can detect a Muslim terrorist from a muslim non-terrorist. Soon it is coming to a precinct near you. As usual the US will help out their junior partner and the confusion surrounding Muslim peoples in Briton will be thing of the past.
Back in the late 60s, I had long hair, wore sandals and bell bottoms and beads, and faced down several shotguns when I visited my folks in Arizona. We belong to a species that doesn't tolerate difference too well.
I worked in an office where the Muslim guys washed their feet several times a day in the men's room sink. It was most disconcerting.
oooh, how scary. Their feet? Which are just so different than hands...
They were washing thier feet before prayers. Traditional Muslims wash 5 times a day their hands, feet, and faces before the 5 daily prayers.
Perry Logan: "I worked in an office where the Muslim guys washed their feet several times a day in the men's room sink. It was most disconcerting"
It must have been dreadfully distressing to your delicate sensibilities but I am unclear on how this relates to identifying a terrorist from a non-terrorist.
Please enlighten us all.
If the majority of Pakistani Muslims denounced the Taliban, LeT, LeJ and other terrorist groups that would be a good sign.
Actually most Pakistani Muslims support the Pakistani Taliban, the LeT and the LeJ (at least according to polls).
Terrorist training camps still operate openly in Pakistan with active support from the military and the ISI and tacit approval from the public (according to polls).
In this case, it is hardly surprising that all Pakistanis are suspect.
InjunTrouble, there are a lot of weasel words and non-sequiturs in your post and your moniker could be taken as insulting.
By what mechanism might "the majority of Pakistani Muslims" convey their denunciation of these various groups to you? Fox news polls?
Are you aware of the history of the Durand line and that NW Pakistan is essentially a country of its own with little if any control from the rest of Pakistan? Did you know that this 1600 mile artificial line is not recognised by many?
Please define the polls you refer to and the questions asked in the polls and the demographics, since, as I am sure you are well aware, polls, by means of loaded or shaped questions can derive pretty much any answer you care to create.
It's all a bit like a musical chair of fears. First Syria, then N.Korea, then Iran and now this week it's "let's all be afraid of Pakistan". When do you think it will be back to Syria's turn?
By the way, what are the Pakistani Muslims having for breakfast tomorrow?
Very simple for Pakistanis to express their sympathies - They can investigate the Mumbai terrorist incidence vigorously and prosecute those involved. The incident in Mumbai was actually celebrated in Pakistan which is why the government is afraid to act against the LeT which was responsible.
This situation is the fault of public opinion in Pakistan (which supports terrorism against its 'enemies') as well as the goevrment which afraid of both the army as well as public opinion.
InjunTrouble, more weasel words and non-sequiturs from you, and banal diversion too.
Answer the question.
"Actually most Pakistani Muslims support the Pakistani Taliban, the LeT and the LeJ (at least according to polls). "
And what polls are you referring to ? Where did you pull those polls out of ? If anything the last elections in Pakistan made amply clear the secular, regional parties like the erstwhile Awami League were making a comeback, till the drone-attacks neutralized them. Im of Indian origin and currently live in India and am apalled by right-wing Hindu fanatics whose moral equivalent are the Taliban in Pakistan.
While India's concerns regarding Pakistan's ambiguity with groups like LeT and LeJ are legitimate, the Indian chorus against Pakistanis in general is based on false premises. There is not enough people-to-people contact to establish good neighborly relations and both countries fall back on inanities. Also Pakistani people dont have a say in anything. Their democracy is a farce and the Military and ISI have made sure they are in control. Despite all these pressures Pakistanis have managed to show their opposition by massing in protest for the Lawyers in the recent past and thats truly admirable.
"Terrorist training camps still operate openly in Pakistan with active support from the military and the ISI and tacit approval from the public (according to polls)."
Yes ... terrorist training camps exist and are supported by the Military and ISI and have been used successfully by a host of Pakistani Genreals to wage a proxy war against India but the average Pakistani does not support it and your polls once again are deeply suspect. Your attempt to demonize the Pakistani people is highly distasteful.
Zero, say Hello to Beetle for me, would you?
I've known a number of Muslims. I even fell for one some time ago. None of them ever made me feel uneasy or wronged me in any way. I never felt as if any of them wanted to kill me. On the other hand, I've known a good number of fellow Catholics and Christians (I'm currently non-practicing but grew up under the faith) who have made my life difficult and likely would have killed me or ruined me if they thought they could get away with it.
I'm not proud of this, but if there's one group of religious folks I honestly have trouble trusting, it's born-again Christians. Every one of them I've known had a checkered past, weren't exactly honest, and were compulsively judgemental.
Which brings me to another thing. I've never had a Muslim tell me that I was going to roast in hell because of the music I listened to or the life I've led. There's nothing being a person who has led a clean, ethical, lawful live and having an ex-con on again/off again junkie Christian fundie tell you that God hates your guts because you aren't "saved" and hold leftist views.
That's not to say that radical Islam isn't a problem on par with Zionism and Christian fundamentalism. But we also have to look at what creates those phenomenons and at the same time bear in mind that every religion has its underbelly.
Zionism is a secular nationalist ideology, not a religious one.
"Zionism is a secular nationalist ideology, not a religious one."
Thats right ... and all zionists are peace-loving hippies.