The brutal murder of Russian schoolchildren, many shot in the back as they fled their Islamist captors, has provoked a perhaps historic reflection by at least one influential Arab commentator, questioning the wisdom of such visibly insane tactics used in the service of his religion.

Abdel Rahman al—Rashed is general manager of Al— Arabiya news channel. Yesterday, his article appeared in the pan—Arabic newspaper Al—Sharq Al—Awsat.

It is a certain fact that not all Muslims are terrorists, but it is equally certain, and exceptionally painful, that almost all terrorists are Muslims.

The hostage—takers of children in Beslan, North Ossetia, were Muslims. The other hostage—takers and subsequent murderers of the Nepalese chefs and workers in Iraq were also Muslims. Those involved in rape and murder in Darfur, Sudan, are Muslims, with other Muslims chosen to be their victims.

Posted by Ed