The reputation that "The Greater Good" has is absolutely bewildering. Leonard Dick's script creates a fair, realistic view of Muslims and possible motivation for terrorism (I should know, I lived in the Middle East for many years) while staying faithful to Sayid's character and provides some of the most interesting events we had seen up to this point on the island.
Scriptwriter Leonard Dick had the tough task of dealing with the aftermath of Boone's death in the previous episode and handles it very well. The real danger here is keeping the relentlessly unpleasant tone of "Do No Harm", which Dick avoids by injecting some memorable humor into the script featuring Charlie, baby Aaron, Sawyer, and Hurley (who does a rendition of "I Feel Good" which is vaguely embarrassing even for the detached viewer). Some of the dramatic scenes here featuring Locke are quite memorable and very good.
The flashbacks are the aspect most people attack, and apart from a hint of 'dumb spy show' sneaking in, it's actually a very realistic and honest depiction of the mindset of frustrated Muslim youth, and raises some interesting questions in addition to providing some key character development for Sayid.
A tastefully directed and very well-written episode, "The Greater Good" is far better than its reputation among fans of "Lost" suggests and features an excellent guest turn by actor Donnie Keshawarz.
9/10