The whole spectre of suicide bombings, religious fanaticism and violence has taken on a greater and greater significance.
the extremists seem to be pushing for an all-out war with the West. It is a clash of ideologies. They want to impose their religious beliefs on the world. They see it as a battle between Islam and Christianity.
I do not see it that way at all. For centuries Muslims and Christians and Jews have lived together in harmony. Every now and then a fanatical element, or politically inspired prejudice, or seeker of power, uses the religious card to further their ends.
We have to put the present situation in context with the past.
There is a battle going on. It is between the people who wish to live in a world of diversity and harmony, where all people’s views are respected and we learn to accept our differences, or a world of fundamental intolerance.
I know which I would fight for.
This poem was written from the perspective of a bomber who woke up to the fact that he was being used and was merely a pawn in a power struggle.
Bullshit
They told me I’d go to heaven
When I strapped on that bomb
That paradise would be mine
And everything would be fine
In the bus on the way to market
Fidgeting with my change
Cherishing each second and trying to mark it
As the end comes into range
They said there was no other way
It was hidden in the genes
To draw attention to the day
The end justifies the means
But I’ve thought about it
And I’ve weighed up the blend
There is only ever just the means
And there never is an end.
Opher 11.3.96
