Harry Smith on Ft. Hood Shooting Suspect Nidal Malik Hasan

By: Harry Smith
Topics: Daily Blotter

(AP)

Photo: Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan.

NEW YORK (CBS) Was Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan a terrorist?

The psychiatrist who is alleged to have shot dozens of fellow soldiers last week at the Fort Hood army post was a devout Muslim. He was opposed to both the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. He apparently attended the same Virginia mosque where a militant imam preached.

A mosque that was also attended by a couple of the nine-eleven hijackers.

There's plenty of circumstantial evidence that viewed in pieces make Hasan look suspicious.

But, before an attack, would a terrorist publicly speak about the idea that suicide bombers are justified in their actions? Especially in front of people to whom that idea is ridiculous?

Some have suggested Hassan was handled with politically correct kid gloves; that the military bent over backwards to give him room to exercise his first amendment rights.

What seems most likely is that in a military confronting a rash of cases of post traumatic stress, a psychiatrist like Hasan was perhaps seen as too valuable to let go.

More Coverage of the Tragedy at Fort Hood:

Neighbor: Ft. Hood Suspect Packed Up Home
Under Attack, Soldiers' Instincts Kick In
Female Cop Hailed as Ft. Hood Hero
"Allahu Akbar": Hasan's Words as He Fired?
Military Spouse's Reaction
Forensic Psychiatrist on Possible Mindset of Ft. Hood Suspect
Suspect's Past Marked by "Difficulties"
Radical Ties Not Ruled Out at Ft. Hood
Store's Video May Show Ft. Hood Suspect
Anti-Muslim Backlash Immediate
Fort Hood Rampage Suspect Sill Alive
What Was Shooter's Motive?
Soldier Opens Fire at Ft. Hood; 13 Dead
U.S. Army Base Violence Has Bloody History
Obama: Fort Hood Shooting "Horrific"
Fast Facts: Fort Hood
Tragedy at Fort Hood

(CBS)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Harry Smith has been an anchor of The Early Show since October 2002. He also hosts a daily radio news and analysis feature, "Just a Minute," on the CBS News Radio Network. He serves as substitute anchor and occasional correspondent for CBS News Sunday Morning and anchored and contributed to CBS News documentaries, as well as to 48 Hours.