Written by Don Byrd
The Washington Post reports the Department of Defense has cancelled an officer training program for its use of “inflammatory” content regarding Islam, including its reiteration of a harmful misconception about America’s post September 2001 foreign policy.
Defense Department spokesman Capt. John Kirby said Wednesday that among problems with the course taught at Norfolk, Va., was a presentation that asserted the United States is at war with Islam. Kirby noted that officials across two American administrations have stressed that the U.S. is at war with terrorists who have a distorted view of the religion.
It’s been tough enough combating the common belief that America has been at war with Islam without military trainers undermining the message. I’m glad they fixed the problem, but how can this mistake still be happening in official military training? The myth that we are at war with Islam has jeopardized America’s relations around the world, as well as interfaith peace here at home. It’s tough to correct this mistaken idea when it continues to be asserted.
