Action: "Read a book on politics, history, or anything that interests you. What did you learn? How can you put that knowledge to work?" Peter F. Drucker
"Could you forgive a radical islamic suicide bomber who was the cause of one of your childrens' death?" This was the question to us at a morning discussion group two years ago. I had no answer. I was spiritually and intellectually without an informed opinion. Since then I have read approximately 40 books and countless articles and blogs on Islam and its radical extensions, suicide bombing and others, in order to inform my viewpoint. I also have the privilege of having my niece marry into an Moslem family (although they are quite secular) from Jerusalem. My nephew, Tawfik has been instrumental in helping me to a balanced reading list, and discussions.
Amongst the most interesting writers and books I have read, so far are: Western Muslims and the Future of Islam by Tariq Ramadan , Islamic Awakening Between Rejection and Extremism by Yusuf Al-Qaradawi , Dying to Win: The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism by Robert Anthony Pape. There are many, many more, but these three have been instrumental in helping me to understand today's reality with respect to extremist and reformist activities and thinking.
So, back to the question. No, although I tried to think it through, I came to the conclusion that I could not. I guess I'm just not 'perfect'.
I did learn, that there is a very high likelihood that such a suicide bomber would not be motivated by misguided any religious fervor, but rather by nationalistic reasons. I also learned that there is a high likelihood that the suicide bomber would not even be carrying out the fowl dead for misguided 'islamic' reasons, and would not be a true Moslem, certainly not one 'justified' by Islam in any way.
Do you have an opinion?
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