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Gunman Hasan a Lifelong Muslim, Devout Soldier

He counseled returning soldiers with PTSD

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 5, 2009 11:20 PM CST
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(Newser) – The details emerging about Nidal Hasan, who authorities say is responsible for the worst mass killing on a US Army base, paint a picture of a man torn by contradictory loyalties. Hasan was a lifelong Muslim, an imam at his mosque said, but not an extremist. He had served 8 years in the military, and told his parents that it was “his life”—but also fought hard to avoid deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan, even offering to repay his medical training.

Hasan once said that “Muslims should stand up and fight against the aggressor,” a former colleague tells the Washington Post, adding that Hasan would frequently argue with soldiers who supported the Iraq war. As a psychiatrist, Hasan had returning soldiers at Walter Reed and Fort Hood describe “on a daily basis the horrors they saw over there,” a cousin said. “He was mortified by the idea of having to deploy.”

This screen shot made from the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress Web Site shows Nidal Malik Hasan.
This screen shot made from the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress Web Site shows Nidal Malik Hasan.   (AP Photo/The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 23 comments
RockyPneumonia
Nov 6, 2009 11:46 AM CST
"i read koran and it is full of violence against the non believers." ...And the Bible's not? More importantly, many followers of the Bible -- which purports to be the word of a G-d of love -- repeatedly preach nothing but hatred.
RockyPneumonia
Nov 6, 2009 11:44 AM CST
The Army paid for his medical training, in return for which he had a time commitment.
RockyPneumonia
Nov 6, 2009 11:43 AM CST
He was not in uniform because soldiers don't wear their uniforms when off duty.

 
US Army • American Muslims • shooting rampage • psychiatrist • shooting • Iraq war • Afghanistan war • post-traumatic stress disorder • American soldiers • Fort Hood • Nidal Malik Hasan

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