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Reader comment on item: The California Suicide Bomber[: Ra'ed Mansour al-Banna]

Submitted by John (United States), Apr 5, 2005 at 15:43

I have many disagreements with Mr. Pipes in this article, but I know that he just wants Islamists to stop killing innocent people. He is frustrated by the Islamic world's acceptance of suicide-based terrorism, even against other muslims.

In my opinion it is much more unacceptable to be undisturbed by this culture of violence or to deny it exists. Terrorism's main goal is to commit atrocities and have the victim of that terrorism blamed for the results. It is very successful among the Islamic population and liberal/leftwing westerners.

One response to this article stated, "Is there any evidence that this Banna guy was ever an Islamist or in association with them before 2003 when he went to Jordan?"

I would have to say that is the problem, there was no evidence. I am glad that he was caught lying on his Visa application and was denied entry into my country. Someone doesnt just blow themself up because they didnt get want they want. It takes a childhood of anti-semitic brainwashing, years of frustration and the slow unnoticed buildup of a serious mental disorder to reach that point.

Before coming to America Mr. Banna obtained a law degree and attempted to practice law in Jordan. He law practice failed and he came to the US where he worked in a factory and other menial jobs. This man had alot of built up anger and Islamists have given him an easy path to vent. His friends and family said that Mr. Banna seemed happy and well adjusted. He was keeping it all inside and was a ticking timebomb.

In the Arab and western media, the blame for Mr. Banna's actions inevitably falls on the US. Without questioning such tactics as suicide bombings and civilian massacres, that could be a logical answer. But perhaps Mr. Banna and al Qaeda are responsible for their own actions. It is possible that there is no justifable pretext for these actions and that the problem lies elsewhere.

Now is the time to ask some hard questions. What are the effects of generations of Islamic teachings that preach hatred against Infidels? How can this culture of violence be stopped? How can terrorism be stopped in the future? Will the success of terrorism lead to peace? Why do well educated westerners support Iraqi, Palestinian and al Qaeda terrorism against civilians under the guise of "resistance"? Why do I even have to ask these questions, isnt the answer obvious?

Is it time to stop the spread of hatred in the textbooks of the Islamic world? In mosques? In the newspapers? On TV? Why is it sometimes considered bigoted to speak out against such hatred? These are important questions that are not being asked enough in our society.

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