Anwar al-Awlaki Deserves No Civility

Cal Thomas | Syndicated Commentary | Published: May 24, 2010

Anwar al-Awlaki Deserves No Civility


May 25, 2010

The American-born Muslim cleric now living in Yemen, one Anwar al-Awlaki, whose Internet sermons are suspected of inspiring attacks on the United States, has now advocated the killing of American civilians.

It's all in a new al-Qaeda video in which Anwar says the killing of American civilians is justified because of the Muslim civilians who have died at the hands of American soldiers.

This guy needs to be taken out, but the problem isn't him. It is the virulent and violent strain that runs through much of Islam. If he were killed, another would take his place. If he could no longer "inspire," someone else would. But take him out we must anyway.

If the Yemini government continues to give this guy safe harbor, well, isn't that what well-trained Navy SEALs and other specialists in targeting those who would kill us are all about?

The Obama administration seems more reactive than proactive, treating these thugs and killers like bandits. They are terrorists and no rules of civility or law should apply to them. If we don't get them first, be assured they are coming to get us. How much more evidence do we need?


Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.

Anwar al-Awlaki Deserves No Civility