OPINION:
I found Jeffrey T. Kuhner’s recent article frustrating because what could have been a brilliant criticism of counterterrorism policy was unfortunately weakened by biting sarcasm undergirding a rather poorly supported argument (“Obama’s Psychosis,” Opinion, Friday).
Mr. Kuhner’s statement that “The sword and the crescent were too alluring for [Shahzad]” to remain loyal to the American dream seems like it makes an America-centric assumption that the only thing powerful enough to mislead an otherwise successful American is Islam. Additionally, Mr. Kuhner seems to bring little knowledge of the Muslim world or its various subcultures to the table, much less a sound understanding of terrorist groups and their various motivations. He may be correct that some cultures are more pervasively wicked than others, but this generalization is not sufficient to imply that the entire Muslim world is hellbent on America’s destruction.
The next time Mr. Kuhner comments on counterterrorism policy, he might do well to focus more on strategy and tactics, and avoid emotional reactions.
KRISLYN P. REUTER
Arlington, Va.
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