Elie Dvorin is correct in stating that the obvious link between terrorism and Islam should not be ignored. However, I believe that before anyone, he himself has been ignoring this link for the past two weeks. So far, it seems that the result of this ignorance has been nothing but frustration for many people (including non-Muslims) around campus and Mr. Dvorin, for deeming anyone who disagrees with his view as being in “dishonest denial.”

But he is correct. There is a link between Islam and terrorism. The link comes from the constant abuse of Muslims by groups of terrorists. In order to gain support, terrorists try to legitimize their terrorist acts by claiming Islam gives them the right to act the way they do. By basing their acts in the context of a battle of religions, they achieve what they want not only by gaining Muslim supporters but also by deluding non-Muslims to think that the issue is a conflict of religions. Unfortunately, Mr. Dvorin seems to be subject to the second group.

In my opinion, what must be investigated is the economic and political reasons behind terrorism nesting among Muslims. In order to come to a conclusion on these investigations, thorough research and analysis must be made on the roots of terrorism. Thus, Mr. Dvorin’s approach to this subject remains much too simplistic.

Cem Erkul

freshman in engineering