The truth about terrorism we refuse to see: Siddiqui http://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2015/02/21/the-truth-about-terrorism-we-refuse-to-see-siddiqui.html TERRORISM is as old as organized society; and practiced by tribes and sects of all beliefs and hues; including Christians; but to say today’s terrorism is not related to Islam is taking political correctness too far. If we go back to the eleventh and twelfth centuries; we can find another “terrorist” organization, originated by Hassan-i Sabbah (1050s–1124). A passionate devotee of Isma'ili beliefs, Hassan-i Sabbah was well-liked throughout Cairo, Syria and most of the Middle East by other Isma'ili, which led to a number of people becoming his followers. Using his fame and popularity, Sabbah founded the Order of the Assassins. While his motives for founding this order are ultimately unknown, it was said to be all for his own political and personal gain and to also exact vengeance on his enemies. Because of the unrest in the Holy Land caused by the Crusades, Hassan-i Sabbah found himself not only fighting for power with other Muslims, but also with the invading Christian forces.(From Wikipedia). Perhaps ISIS has read history and they are now his proselytizing disciples. It should also be said that even today; most Muslim terrorist acts have been towards and between other Muslims: Shia versus Sunni, in the main. The meddling in Arab/Muslim society is legion: from the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire after WWl to the bumbling interference of the righteous West and their “crude” compatriots in the oil rich Middle East. Bob Wong has an excellent letter to the editor in today’s Star. Couldn’t have said it better myself. http://www.thestar.com/opinion/letters_to_the_editors/2015/02/23/wests-intervention-makes-things-worse.html I agree with U.S. President Barrack Obama; and I am not surprised that his comments would be attacked by the Right and twisted out of all proportions. I also agree –mostly –with your Haroon Siddiqui; writing in his column today. Muslims might have been late reacting and acting against Muslim terrorists; but I can also understand the reluctance of going against the grain; being contrarians in closely knit Muslim Diasporas. There is also substantial disagreement and dislike between Sunnis and Shias; even here in Canada. Religion, as other social constructs; tend to support the herd instinct. As well; I don’t see “Christians” marching in protest when some Southern Baptist Minister burns the Koran in public. I have several Muslim friends; and once when a Muslim friend and I were discussing religion and religions in general; he made an interesting comment: “if my Muslim (extended) family knew how we were talking; I would be banished from their circle; including the Mosque.” This man is an educated professional from Lebanon. If he feared retribution; I can understand how a majority would feel. Immigrants; now as before times; depend on each other and common beliefs and social traditions when facing a new and unfamiliar society. It always was thus. My second and third generation Norwegians relatives here still cleave to some of the old habits and practices of their forefathers; and they, at least, came to a country with the same religion and many other similarities that today’s Middle-Eastern; East and South Asians do not have. Discrimination; religious, cultural and racial; was openly practiced towards newcomers; and accepted until fairly recently. For example; the Irish were greatly resented and discriminated against at one time. Now we celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. Tribalism, in all its varieties, is not going to disappear overnight; but that is no reason for sensible people to retreat into xenophobia. In two or three generations it will all be forgotten. Sigmund Roseth