Terrorism in the name of God
Reader comment on item: But he was good to his mother: Murdering for militant Islam

Submitted by Kumar (United States), Dec 25, 2003 at 18:42

Dear Prof. Pipes-

You are perhaps one of the few who really understand the root cause of terrorism. I often hear that the cause of terrorism in the middle east is due to frustration or lack of opportunities, etc, yet I fail to understand why Mohammed Atta resorted to murdering thousands of innocent people, when he could have lived a happy and productive life as he was a well-educated fellow, with degrees from Germany, and came from a well-to-do family.

So is the case also with the others.

It is the same with Palestinians. For years, they refused to talk with Israelis, and resorted instead to violence. What other alternative Israel has, but to deal with these people with a firm hand? How long can one turn the other cheek?

It is the same in Kashmir. Pakistani-sponsored terrorists have killed 60,000 people so far, with no end in sight for the end of violence. None of the Islamic terrorists are willing to listen. This is because they have an agenda of spreading Islam all over the world, and in the process reach martyrdom. All this is encouraged by the Muslim Mullas, who base their arguement on the Quron. Those of us who came to USA from India, know that life is full of opportunities, if one is willing to work hard. I myself came from an extremely poor family, and made it in USA. I do not believe that lack of economic opportunities are driving these young Muslim men to violence. It is time that people realize that what we are really against is militant Islam, which is becoming more militant with every passing day. We must avoid euphemisms, and call a spade a spade.

You are only one of the few who really call a spade a spade.

Best regards- M. Kumar

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