<p>I have now read the full NYT article. Personally, I come to the same conclusion; but I now have some empathy for this young man AND I think less critically of Yale for admitting him. There are very strong reasons both for and against doing that.</p>
<p>If Sayed is supposed to be treated as an enemy always then that is exactly what he will become. It would be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Instead, Yale is reaching out to a pretty smart, multilingual guy who has great potential to change things for the better. His life experience is really unparalleled by anyone else in the class of 09'.</p>
<p>This guy has a legit claim to self-improvement and has the potential to be a true bridge between the "West" and the Islamic World. He basically "turned himself in" to US authorities to clean his name because he has nothing to hide. I have a good friend who takes a small seminar class with him and he really respects him. He often goes to the Jewish kosher dining hall and I've seen him there a couple times.</p>
<p>What could he possibly get from taking challenging Yale courses that would be so dangerous? I just can't help but think that anyone who doubts his good will is a terrible cynic. If you're not going to him a chance then you are dooming him and his kind to become what you want them to be and you also have a pretty bleak outlook on humanity and our capacity to change. Personally, I can only look forward to the great things that will come out of him.</p>
<p>In contrast, would Yale find a spot for Olympic Gold Medalist Joey Cheek
who was turned down by Harvard SCEA in December.</p>
<br>
<p>USA Today also reports that -</p>
<br>
<p>"...he has been turned down by Harvard, but he has applications pending at Yale, Stanford, North Carolina, Georgetown and Duke.</p>
<p>"I don't know who will let me in," Cheek said. "I hope somebody will."</p>
<p>LOL..........poor guy</p>
<p>I certainly hope that the fact that he's an Olympic medalist will only count in his favor. However, the fact remains that Yale is a rigorous academic institution and great athletes are turned down/ not even put on coaches' lists because they're too "athlete" and not enough "student". If he is judged to have the intellectual preparation to both become an asset and take advantage of the university's resources then I sure hope he gets in.</p>
<p>Also: Sayed was admitted under the special Eli Whitney program (for those who did not go to college immediately after high school). There's no way he's taking the spot of any Ivy-hopeful kid, except, maybe, your (ambiguous) dad. =)</p>
<p>I hope this guy doesnt join Muslim politics, cause he wont survive for long.</p>
<p>I take it there's an implied criticism in your statement that now he has gone "too Western"? That would mean that he's now being criticized, at least in this forum, from both sides of the spectrum.</p>
<p>That's not necessarily a bad situation to be in. After all, it's pure speculation to say that he can't make it in politics or as a moderating voice. It's also speculation on Yale's part to think that he will come out of here with greater credibility - from both sides, but then again everyone who's admitted here is judged according to a "speculated potential". This guy's potential is quite clear.</p>
<p>I think that admitting this student is a great idea - he offers a different perspective on issues about which many Americans have gross misconceptions. He is clearly intelligent and not radical in his views. Understanding Middle Eastern societies and culture is essential for us, especially during a time like this. I actually had the opportunity to have dinner with Hashemi in the beginning of the year. I don't see the problem, especially since he himself took the initiative to study in the United States, which shows he is committed to change and understanding.</p>
<p>haha conwoman, he wants you to be wrapped up in a scarf. just look what he says on F 9/11... but, w/e. this is a reason NOT to attend yale.</p>
<p>
[quote]
this is a reason NOT to attend yale.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Maybe you won't even need to make that decision.</p>
<p>^^^<em>appreciative applause</em></p>
<p>
[quote]
I take it there's an implied criticism in your statement that now he has gone "too Western"? That would mean that he's now being criticized, at least in this forum, from both sides of the spectrum.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Yes, you are right. I dont think Yale should have admitted him not because he associated with the Talibans, but because his exposure to Western Culture. America is supossedly an enemy to the Muslim world and nobody would give a crap about forming a "peace" with Western powers, after all the resentment and hatred breeding in Afghanistan and the Middle East. An ex-Taliban with a degree from America's most prestigious university is the last thing needed tp settle a cultural conflict.</p>
<p>Okay =)</p>
<p>So let's just say you're right... We should just make a caricature of the 1.3 billion+ Muslims and declare them all hopeless anti-Western warmongers who could never possibly take advantage of a Yale education.</p>
<p>Then what?</p>
<p>Sorry, the only thing the Muslim countries want are radical Muslim leader bent on getting back at westerners for betraying them.</p>
<p>Anyone remember John Walker Lindh? Misguided, idealistic kid from California (two years younger than Rahmatullah), goes to Pakistan to study, through some misjudgments and other circumstances ends up in Afghanistan with the Taliban, and is captured by U.S. forces after 9/11. Brought home to stand trial, pilloried in the press as the American Taliban, coerced into a plea bargain after being threatened with three consecutive life sentences, ends up with a 20-year prison term with no parole. Meanwhile, the real Taliban gets to go to Yale and is featured in a New York Times Magazine cover story. Someone is going to have to explain to me where is the justice in that.</p>
<p>Could look at it like this:</p>
<p>By remaining a U.S. citizen, Walker basically entered into a social contract with the US (abstractly and with all other US citizens) and what he did basically constituted a break from that contract and treason.
Ramatullah I guess we're calling him now, is in large part a product of the society in which he grew up. To go up the ranks for him meant working within a system that may have done things which he wasn't sure he supported. When given a choice, he has demonstrated a great open-mindedness and initiative. It was his choice to come here and I don't think he has a problem going to the Jewish dining hall, for example.</p>
<p>Altogether, it's important to take into account where he comes from and what he's choosing to do with that (now that he's had options). Yale sees potential in him, not just because of his experience, but also his intellect. He's already been "okayed" by many people who would know much better. He doesn't have to explain himself to each and every one of us. He's here now, whether you like it or not.</p>
<p>Also read the original article first before making swooping assumptions about who he is -everyone.</p>
<p>And go to comedycentral.com and watch "The Daily Show" Videos!</p>
<p>Yeah, I've definitely seen some of the worst, close-minded, "Amurican" opinions on this thread. He denounces the Taliban; they used him because he was multilingual. He doesn't believe in any of the things the Taliban taught. Read the original article.
Furthermore, if you parents expect your kids to go to Yale, you better get used to the idea of people around your kids that you personally would not agree with. We're a very liberal campus and no one that I've met so far thinks this is such a big deal. The "what has the world come to" was expecially infuriating. God forbid someone that has left a system that has been proven wrong would want to start his life over. Deal with it.</p>
<p>Couldn't have said it better, edmYale09 :)</p>
<p>Thank you edm :)</p>