After Rahmanullah Lakanwal shot two National Guard troops, killing one the press and others are on the usual trail of looking for a motive. Many are asking why he was allowed into the country without being vetted, others say he was vetted and worked for the CIA. How could a person who was supposedly an ally and who worked closely with Americans in Afghanistan have suddenly become a cold-blooded killer?

There has been much speculation on this with law enforcement saying they are still looking into a motive. So let me throw in my two cents worth.

America is a very open and welcoming country, but it does have its own culture similar to many western countries but distinct. While it is similar enough to many other cultures it is also different from others. The difference is enough to cause culture shock to those who have not been prepared.

We should concentrate on preparing new immigrants beforehand. Smauel Huntington in The Clash of Civilizations spoke of this with the story of the country boy who went to the city and found the only thing familiar was the Mosque. Without any contact with his old life, he was easily radicalized. This or something similar is likely what happened to Lakanwal.

 There is nothing racist or nationalistic about observing the difference in culture, but it is necessary to ensure safety for all concerned. There was an article out today about an honor killing in the Netherlands in 2022, were a father and brothers killed an 18 year old for becoming too western. A final sentence will be issued in January 2026.

It was not until 2021 that female genital mutilation was made a federal crime and to date only 41 states have outlawed the practice. Supporters of the practice claimed it to be a religious/cultural practice.

There is nothing wrong with protecting you culture and insisting that new comers assimilate into your society. In the past refugees coming into the U.S. were given support and there was a process that allowed them ease of entry into our society.

We need to ensure that those who have been allowed entry are assimilated. You do not have to give up ethnic or cultural identity but we must return to the days when immigrants became American.