Two clear-headed takes on the Gitmo hunger strike, one simple message: Stop capitulating. Now.

Andrew Stuttaford, on NRO’s “The Corner,” writes:

While we are on the subject of dealing with Islamic extremism, what exactly is going on at Guantanamo Bay? The news that, after a protest, inmates will be allowed to wear turbans despite the potential security risk is a signal of American irresolution in the face of a fanaticism that this country is still, apparently, unwilling to understand. Even worse, this surrender delivers a message to the Muslim world that the U.S. recognizes that the Guantanamo prisoners enjoy some sort of elevated spiritual status. Explaining his capitulation, the general in charge of Camp X-Ray apparently told inmates that “their religion would be respected.” What religion?

Jonah has made this point before, but it is worth repeating. If, as we are always being told, Islam is a peaceful creed, then these reportedly still unrepentant men of violence continue to disgrace their faith. They deserve none of its privileges. Take away the turbans.

And Stephen Hayes, in The Weekly Standard, writes:

The prisoners at X-ray are the hardest of the hard-core al Qaeda and Taliban fighters. They have conspired to kill Americans, and in some cases succeeded. More important, participating in a hunger strike is a choice. Detainees who die because they refuse food, do so by choice.

True, human rights groups and squishy allies in Europe will complain. Who cares? They’re complaining now–as the detainees sit comfortably on prayer mats, reading their Korans and eating baklava.

And, yes, conspiracy theories will no doubt fly throughout the Muslim world. Again, who cares? Despite overwhelming evidence that bin Laden and his associates were behind the September 11 attacks, 8 out of 10 Muslims don’t believe it.

It’s been nearly six months since the attacks on September 11. Let’s not forget those hours of gray.

Citing a story by The Miami Herald’s Carol Rosenberg, Hayes notes how prisoners were surprised in their cells Saturday by a “special feast,” prepared by the U.S. military in honor of the Muslim holiday, Eid al-Adha. On the Islamofascist menu for the day? Lamb stew (made with cardomom and cloves flown in specially by the Pentagon), white beans, boiled cabbage, seasoned rice, and baklava —baklava! — which had I bought (say, at a nice Greek restaurant) would’ve cost me about 5 bucks per sliver.

No offense, guys, but I’d prefer my tax money go toward a few more thermobaric bombs and not toward authentically-spiced holiday feasts for suicidal maniacs; after all, if I wanted to treat an Islamo-thug to a nice Middle Eastern meal, I’d ask him out of a friggin’ date.

And (may I be candid, here?) I’d expect a little something in return, too, if you know what I mean…

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