I just got off yahoo chat with my friend in Iraq, Intellectual Diva, and she was very excited that some of you folks read her blog:
intellectualdiva.blogspot.com
She has just added a new article today so please go and read it. This time its about suicide bombers, and what makes them tick, pardon the pun, and I really mean that, but it’s a true word to use so I used it.
Here is a little excerpt of her article:
“”””Kids! Who Wants to Go to Heaven Tonight?!?!
From much of what my American friends say I realize that they are not well informed not only about how things are going in Iraq as far as politics is concerned but also they lack the necessary insights that are sure to produce sound analyses of current issues. Some remarks might be even as simply-put as “how could these groups, Islamic or not, endanger the lives of innocent children just thinking that suicide bombers are going straight to heaven???!!!”
The belief that suicide bombing is a sacred practice, namely “Jihad” springs from the belief that God will soon take care of suicide bombers and reward their honorable deeds, which is fighting foreign invasive forces on their homeland. This promise keeps even the bombers’ parents and loved ones with a deep and overwhelming sense of joy and pride that funerals are more of a celebration that a mourning ceremony; a celebration where loud music is played and fine food is served and the word “congratulations!” is heard echoing in the air.
One recent explosion was later confirmed to have been carried out by a Jordanian “Mujahid”, i.e., one who practices Jihad. His family, friends and fellow-countrymen back in Jordan received the news of their son’s death with cheers and dances and loud music. There was a joyous party instead of a gloomy funeral! They appeared on national televisions worldwide blessing their hero and confirm that God will send him straight to heaven as if they have received a confirm – your – subscription e-mail from God that made them so sure about what they’re saying!”””
Today I told her about this site (Booman)and she has book marked it to check later and I told her we wanted her to join, and she said she may when she goes to Kuwait, next week; she is leaving on Thurs, and I hope you will all join me in prayers for her safe trip.
When I told her that we even discuss books at times, she was really excited about that, so I hope you will add your invitation here for her to join and post on this site. Thanks.
Hi Diane.
This whole tradition of suicide bombing in the Middle East started around the time of the crusades with the Assassins. Of course they didn’t have explosives, but the similarities are rather striking.
I don’t think that there are too many people on this site though, that would pose such a question without also asking “How can we carpet bomb villages, with innocent children etc…” Their craziness is perhaps more easily defined than ours, in that we’re supposed to be civilized and educated, and are not fighting for our homeland.
Yes I agree with your comments above. So many of the issues and reasons for fighting or dying, goes back centuries, and beyond in many, many countries.
A point of fact is we (not really ‘we’ but Bush and Co.)certainly should have taken these things into consideration before embarking on our own “holy war.”
Our soldiers are facing daily, these fundamentalists in Iraq, who think there is glory in their actions, while out soldiers labor under the idea that there is glory in what they are doing.
Of course without a doubt we (Bush and Co.) are doing far worse to them they are to us.
Yes, If we are civilized, educated and aware, how can we allow these methods be used on our behalf and how to stop; it those are the big questions? What can we do????
I don’t think Bush ever took anything into consideration. Of course my answer to your question is what I always say. Education. If we want change we need to educate our own people and make sure they are all employed well.
I’d love to see Diva come by and say hello! I will most definitely pray for a safe trip to Kuwait for her. Thanks for keeping us updated on her, Diane.
thanks for your comments and prayers, BTW would you mind throwing a rec. on this diary, so it stays up longer.
Of course not – I’ll do that right now.
Hi diane! Just visited ID’s blog, which was wonderful and so moving. I tried to leave a comment, but the site said no. If you could pass it onto her, I’d appreciate it. Thanks!
Diva–
I really enjoyed your blog and learned so much from both of your essays. Looking forward to more. Thank you for reaching out to us from across this terrible divide! I hope you come visit at Booman Tribune. We’d love to talk with you directly. Bless you and keep safe.