Some time in the days after 9/11, then US president George W. Bush plaintively asked the asked, “Why do they hate us?” The query was meant only as a rhetorical one since it was quickly settled that Muslims — the “they” in the question — hated the US for its freedom. This exceptionally glib answer, one that seemed to be based on nothing but smug self-satisfaction and a distinct lack of curiosity, does not take away from the fact that the question is one that needs exploring. Continue reading
