THERE was an attack in San Bernadino, California in which two terrorists shot and killed 14 people. It seemed that what was highly improbable had happened. The US Administration thinks that the outrage was inspired by the Islamic state (IS). The terrorist youth legally purchased semi-automatic rifles. How they did it is a mystery. President Barack Obama has advised caution against spewing venom and an outcry for a war between America and Islam. The US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has taken an aggressive stand saying that the US will be tough, mean and nasty and should impose a total ban on Muslims entering the country.
His rhetoric should not be lightly dismissed. He has likened the situation to the policy of President Roosevelt during World War II. France has already indicated that the terrorist attack in Paris may trigger a backlash against Muslims. The mounting apprehension about Islam was seen in the US after the 9/11 strategy. The success of the IS has caused its recurrence. American Muslims are in the line of fire because of their religion even if they are harmless US citizens. President Obama has rightly said that the Muslim communities can be the strongest allies in combating IS and Al Qaida terrorism. He had allowed some Syrian refugees to come to the US. The US people would decide whether to listen to Obama’s sane counsel or his republican critic who are indulging in rhetoric and venting hatred. So far the terrorist menace in the US has not assumed Syria’s proportion but the US Presidential election is drawing near and the Republicans will no doubt try to cash in on the communal feelings of the average American.