The battle cry of the easily offended jihadist might as well be “look what you made me do!” There is no acknowledgement of free will not to react violently to a perceived provocation, and the society is on many levels demonstrably poorer for it — especially when everything goes up in flames the moment someone gets insulted.
The Qur’an burning is the excuse du jour for inclinations, attitudes, and practices that were already accepted within Afghan society. “For some Afghans, suicide bombs best answer to Koran burnings,” by Michael Georgy for the Associated Press, March 4 (thanks to Ima Freeman):
KABUL (Reuters) – Matihullah, 24, had always dreamed of becoming a lawyer. Then news spread that Western soldiers had burned many copies of the Muslim holy book at a NATO base in Afghanistan.
He gave up his studies and embarked on a new mission in life — to become a suicide bomber.
“Since the desecration and burnings of holy books of the Koran, I have been burning with the desire of revenge. It is running in my blood,” said Matihullah, wearing the traditional white skull cap worn by many Afghans.
“I have two other brothers to take care of our family and I feel very proud to get my revenge.”
The desecration of the Korans, which the United described as unintentional, triggered widespread protests in which 30 people were killed. Afghan security forces turned their weapons on American soldiers.
Two senior U.S. officers were shot dead at their desks in the heart of the Interior Ministry by what Afghan security officials said was a police intelligence officer, stunning NATO and the Kabul government.
The incident also raised the possibility that Afghanistan could see more suicide bombings — one of the Taliban’s most effective weapons — by those who have concluded that is the only way justice can be served.
“I couldn’t do any harm to the Americans by protesting and throwing stones,” said Matihullah. “I want to put on the suicide vest and blow them apart.”
Suicide bombings have become more widespread across the country in recent months, with assailants taking to innovative tactics such as concealing bombs in turbans and using children.
U.S. President Barack Obama apologized for the burnings of the Koran at Bagram air base. But the anger has not subsided….