The following letter appeared in The New York Times on September 16, 2016.
Letters to the Editor:
The New York Times
Re “Rid the World of Wahabbism” (Op-Ed, Sept. 14):
Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran’s foreign minister, raises a number of concerns about Wahabbism and the role it has played, particularly as an ideology that some in the Muslim world blame for inspiring terrorism.
Unfortunately, in making these important points, Mr. Zarif ignores the Iranian regime’s own role in generating, supporting and inspiring international terrorism.
Whether it is the destruction of the Jewish community building in Argentina in 1994, or the creation of the international terrorist group Hezbollah, or the execution of uncounted innocent Iranian citizens, Iran has well earned the sobriquet as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.
Yes, the Saudis need to listen to those who raise concerns about the effect of Wahabbism on Islamic extremism. Still, it is laughable for Mr. Zarif to lay all the blame on the Saudis when it is the Iranian regime that long ago set in motion the nihilist culture of international terrorism that plagues the world today.
Kenneth Jacobson
Deputy National Director
Anti-Defamation League