Sheema Khan's Weasel Words

In a panel discussion in the Globe and Mail about "faith's place" in the famine in Somalia, Sheema Khan, who had previously averred that "the actions by [the Taliban of Somalia] al-Shabab are so antithetical to both the spirit and the laws of Islam," is put on the spot by co-panelist Lorna Dueck:

Lorna Dueck: So Sheema, with all respect I ask, why is there not a global unified condemning cry from Islam against the Al-Shabab who have created the political climate of this famine? Could that kind of pressure not force their hand into opening the transportation routes dropping their restrictions so food can flow freely?

Sheema Khan: That is a great point, Lorna. I think up to now, al-Shabab has been off the radar screen for many. This famine – combined with the heartless tactics of this group – should give Muslims pause. However, as many have written (see Thomas Keneally's Saturday Globe article and statements from the World Bank), this famine is the result of widespread corruption and criminality. It is not just al-Shabab (although they have exacerbated the matter). Yes, let us condemn the actions of al-Shabab. But, there is widespread condemnation to go around. 

If, as Sheema claims, their actions are antithetical to Islam, they should do more than "give Muslims pause". They should elicit a tremendous hue and cry. Notice how Sheema fails to account for why that hasn't happened even as she deftly deflects criticism away from the jihadis and onto generic "corruption and criminality."

Nice try, Sheema, but we're on to you.