In the aftermath of a foiled plot by four prison converts to radical Islam to blow up two Bronx synagogues, roving reporter Daniel Wakin filed a politically correct story on whether or not Islam radicalizes inmates. Wakintread very lightly over the issue in Sunday's "Imams Reject Talk That Islam [1]Radicalizes Inmates [1]." There's another denial of the obvious:
The authorities have made no overt claim that the four suspects - James Cromitie, Onta Williams, David Williams IV and Laguerre Payen - hatched a plot in jail or that their experiences behind bars led to their alleged acts. In fact, it is uncertain just how much of a role their faith played in their motivation.
What is clear is that the men were all initially described by the authorities and some family members as Muslim, and all had served time in prison. In the case of Mr. Cromitie, he even served time at the Fishkill Correctional Facility in Beacon, N.Y. - the very prison where Mr. Muhammad works. He also was said to have occasionally attended the mosque in Newburgh, where Mr. Muhammad serves as imam.
That weasel-wording sounds a lot like what Metro reporter Alan [2]Feuer [2]said about the plot against Fort Dix, New Jersey in May 2007 by a group of six radical Muslims:
"It is unclear what role, if any, religion played in the attack Mr. Shnewer and the five other men are charged with planning."
The Times also denied [3]a [3] religious connection in its Friday front-page story on the Bronx synagogue plot:
"Law enforcement officials initially said the four men were Muslims, but their religious backgrounds remained uncertain Thursday."