Obama cites just, loving God

Obama cites just, loving God

Barack Obama did on Tuesday what all Presidents have to do at some point during their time in office - he became U.S. mourner-in-chief.

Mr Obama and his wife Michelle attended a memorial service at Fort Hood in Texas for the 13 victims who were shot dead last Thursday.

Speaking on a platform before 13 pairs of boots, rifles and helmets that represented the 13 victims, President Obama didn't refer to the alleged killer or his religion (he's a Muslim) by name, but he did use powerful words to help console the bereaved.

"It may be hard to comprehend the twisted logic that led to this tragedy but this much we do know. No faith justifies these murderous and craven acts. No just and loving God looks upon them with favour. For what he has done we know that the killer will be met with justice in this world and the next."

Earlier, in the United States Senate in Washington, DC, a one minute silence was observed for the victims.

It came as more information linking the alleged, killer Major Nidal Hasan, to radical Islamic clerics emerged.

According to the Washington Post newspaper, Major Hasan warned the US army of possible threats within its ranks two years ago.

In a presentation given in 2007 the paper says Hasan had told senior colleagues that to avoid what he called "adverse events", the military "should allow Muslim soldiers to be released as conscientious objectors instead of fighting in wars against other Muslims."

According to the Post he also said:

"It's getting harder for Muslims in the service to morally justify being in a military that seems constantly engaged against fellow Muslims."

US intelligence agencies investigated Major Hasan in December of last year in an unrelated probe.

They reviewed what's believed to be email communications between him and a Muslim cleric in Yemen who is known for his anti-American teachings.

Anwar al-Awlaki served as an Imam at a mosque near Washington DC where Hasan worshipped.

In a blog posting on his website this week Awlaki wrote:

"Nidal Hasan is a hero. He is a man of conscience who could not bear living the contradiction of being a Muslim and serving in an army that is fighting against his own people."

Federal officials say they ended the investigation after concluding that Hasan's communications were related to research he needed to do as a psychiatrist at the Walter Reed Medical Canter in Washington.

Now investigators - and the family members of victims - want to know why Major Hasan allegedly killed 13 people and injured another 38 - nearly all of them - his fellow soldiers.

- John Terrett, Washington. November 11th 2009