Sad news indeed.
In no way singular, though. We notice them more now, of course, after a year of sensitization to terrorist violence, but such mindless attacks have happened numerous times in the past. Attacks on synagogues, NeoNazis burning down an apartment building full of Muslims in Germany, etc.
I hope you understand that I am not trying to excuse this vicious attack by pointing fingers at other, equally vicious killings. I am only pointing out that there are misguided people everywhere and that this is not the exclusive domain of the religion Islam.
My advice, as someone who has lived long time in the Middle East and who perhaps has a better understanding of the situation than most westerners, is that the best way to fight in the current situation is to separate the problems and address them individually. If the US imposes a peace program in the Isr/Pal dilemma and takes the stance that Chechens are fighting for their country, the rest of the Muslim world will not be able to assume that they are the "Great Devil" whom the Muslims have to fight.
I would also be interested to hear your view of how else the west should address the issue. |
