Friday, July 22nd - Like most people around the world, after hearing the heart-rending news of the atrocious terrorist attack in Oslo, Norway, VPR commentator, Gund Institute for Ecological Economics Fellow and UVM Professor, Dr. Saleem Ali has been reflecting on the assumptions we make about terrorist acts as they happen.

"As news of the horrific terrorist attacks in Oslo unfolded, I must admit that my first inclination was to suspect Islamic jihadist forces at work. Several threats had been made against Norway by Muslim fanatics as well as by Libyan leader Qaddafi regarding Norway's military involvement with NATO. Thus, to assume a possible connection of such an attack to Muslim extremism was understandable. However, the Western media should have waited before jumping the gun and suggesting Muslim connections to the attack. In particular, The New York Times article right after the attacks was particularly irresponsible by quoting some internet site rumors about an Islamist connection.

Yet there was also an unfortunate reaction in places such as Pakistan - a disturbing smugness that we Muslims are now beyond criticism and are victims of a Western media "smear campaign." Such a narrative is also regrettable, for it can perpetuate denial about a very clear and present danger of extremism within Muslim societies."

To read, or listen to, Dr. Ali's entire commentary on this heinous event, go to the Vermont Public Radio web site.