9/23/02, Letter to the Editor, printed in the Los Angeles Times

(in response to “The Shoes That Didn’t Drop,” by James Taylor)

Dear Editor:

Among the many points in his thoughtful commentary (“The Shoes That Didn’t Drop,” Sept. 15), Jay Taylor carefully charts the path we, as Americans, must take between restraint and retaliation in the wake of the 9/11 tragedy.  In particular, his even-tempered evaluation that there is, as yet, little concrete evidence supporting Iraqi involvement in the tragedy, underscores the need for caution when considering a military option against Saddam Hussein during these tense times.  When even our strongest allies have suggested that 9/11 may have occurred partly, if not largely, as a result of a dysfunctional US foreign policy towards the Arab world, then how will such a policy be improved by engaging in “preemptive” war with Iraq without just cause? 

While there may be credible threats of terrorism in the world today, it would be irresponsible to exploit 9/11 to do further harm than good.  Indeed it would be unconscionable, when we consider that more innocent lives could be lost, both American and Iraqi.  We cannot afford to be hasty with our response to terrorist threats.  As a Muslim, I try to remind myself of this by reflecting upon the beautiful verse from the Old Testament: “Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.” (Proverbs 20:18).

Sincerely,

Dr. Arshad M. Khan