Is "Death to All Christians" Picking Up Momentum in America?

Nurse turned terrorist? Child turned Jihadist? (Copyright AP Photos on Behalf of Christine Mott)

This week has seen some interesting developments in what is usually referred to as “homegrown terrorism”.  While not necessarily a new concept, the recent connection of some Americans to radical Islamic ideas have definitely caught the attention of this country.

Rick Nelson, Director of the Counterterrorism program at Center for Strategic and International Studies reported to the New York Times:

“It’s a troubling trend, fed by an ideological claim found all over the Web that says the U.S. is at war with Islam…”

Why does it seem that a trend is actually developing?  Well, maybe it correlates with the increased military presence overseas of America in predominantly Muslim countries.  In fact this is just what the report Nelson co-authored concludes:

“…the perception that the United States is singling out Muslims, fueled by years of military action in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen and other Muslim countries, plays a greater role than ‘poverty or social marginalization’ in turning a small number of Americans toward extremism”.

It certainly seems like it could be true.  I mean the Fort Hood Shooting, the Underwear Bomber, Sharif Mobley, New York Subway Bombing plot, JihadJane,  and Jamie Pauline-Ramirez have all been over a span of 6 or so months, and after investigations have revealed some connections to radicalization.

Especially unfathomable is how the radicalization trickles down to children no more than six years old.

All of these individuals have very diverse backgrounds, yet have begun ascribing to very similar messages, and making ever more harrowing connections.

Is this a new phenom?  Or is it the case where America has just become more aware of homegrown terrorism, making cases easier to find and identify?  You know, like buying a new Chevy Camaro, and after you start driving one, it seems as if everyone else on the road is driving one as well.

Or -

Is it really an “alarming trend”? Maybe it is occurring, but much less frequently when compared to other nations?

Thoughts?

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