Monday, May 2, 2011

Do Not Rejoice in Violence; you mirrors of Bin Laden!

Now pictures of Bin Laden, dead and alive are the front pages of social and press media! Bravo, Obama, you got Osama! This is good for your plunging ratings; and truly we do not want Donald Tramp run the show; you are still the eye candy and the gospel to the ear!

However, the "standard" speech you gave, out of the "God Bless America" handbook, failed to impress me. You talked about killing a man who had committed acts of crime against innocent men and women. Well, Frankly, so have you! The Wikileaks videos of your soldiers shooting at the van of reporters and innocent civilians haunts us for ever; the killings and mutilations in Afghanistan do too; let's not count the good-will god-willing American collateral crimes. You were fighting for your ideology, which is "democracy" and Bin Laden for his, which is "theocracy". In action, you both have killed innocent civilians, you both have violated the sovereignty of another nation to carry out your god-willing acts of violence.

What troubles me in the kill and capture of Bin Laden is that it followed from an act of terrorism: blowing off a mansion (then termed complex) in the heart of Pakistan! Haalelluja! And now parading his dead face on the media, and exchanging champagne and congratulations?! Someone, explain to me, how is this act different from when a couple of Palestinian kids celebrated the collapse of the twin towers?

And does Al Quaeda stop being a fanatic jihadist organization because Bin Laden is dead? Say, did America stop being a war-mongering nation, did they stop "accidentally" killing innocent people in Afghanistan and Libya just because Bushcorp was replaced with Obamacrats?

But what is worse is that America broke its tradition by engaging in assassination; which according to President Ford's Executive Order 11905 (later 12333), bans any employee of the United States Government to engage in, or conspire to engage in, political assassination. So what is next? American commandos going around killing people who threaten their interest and the interest of their allies? Is America jumping on the terror band wagon?

I loath EVERY act of celebration; every act of revenge. I loath JUSTICE that is brought in the form of "shooting the criminal in the head, because he resisted arrest"; and the phony stories don't stop there: the helicopter that had technical problems and was destroyed? the body buried in the sea to prevent a shrine?

In all this, despite all my anti-religious beliefs and sentiments, the only entity that I am going to respect is the vatican, that announced Christians do not rejoice in the killing of anyone!

Postscript: a commentator has criticized my usage of term "theocracy". While I agree that the primary cause of Bin Laden's followers is not restoring "god", but destroying the "infidel"; and while I agree that theological formation of the Al Quaeda is non-existent, it is undeniable that Jihadists kill and get killed in the name of god; it is god who commands their 'resistance' against the unholy invaders of their holy lands. To "wipe the world from evil" is a cause shared by them and by Americans; and they mutually consider each other evil.

Perhaps I should transcribe some of Mr Obama's address from Bin Laden's ghost, had he killed, say, Dick Cheney, in an "operation", to make my argumentation less passionate and more evenhanded. (only italic words replace Obama's words)

THE OSAMA: In The Name of God. Tonight, I can report to the fanatic muslims and to the Afghanis, Libyians, Iraqis, Sudanese, Serbs that Al Quaeda has conducted an operation that killed Dick Cheney, the leader Halliburton, and a terrorist who's responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.

[...]

We were united in our faith to protect our holy lands and to bring those who committed these vicious attacks to hell. We quickly learned that the invasion of Iraq were pushed by dick Cheney and Rumsfeld -- an organizations, which had openly declared war on Islam and was committed to killing innocents in our country and around the globe to access our wealth and oil. And so we went to war against America to protect our citizens, our religion, and our culture.

Over the last 10 years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our Jihadists and our counterintelligence professionals, we've made great strides in that effort. We've disrupted military attacks and strengthened our homeland defense. In Afghanistan, we killed the NATO forces, which had given Karzai and his corrupt lords safe haven and support. And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allah to capture or kill scores of infidels, including several who were a part of the middle-east colonization plot.

Yet the infidel avoided defeat and spread across the Afghan border into Pakistan. Meanwhile, al Qaeda continued to operate from along that border and operate through its affiliates across the world.

And so shortly after moving to Pakistan Bunker, I directed AlAbuAlKabu, the Imam of the alittelaat, to make the killing or capture of Cheney the top priority of our war against infidels, even as we continued our broader efforts to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat their countries.

Then, after years of painstaking work by our martyrs, I was briefed on a possible lead to Cheney. It was far from certain, and it took many months to run this thread to ground. I met repeatedly with my brothers as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located cheney hiding within a compound deep inside of Washington. And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action, and authorized an operation to get Cheney and bring him to justice.

Today, at my direction, the al Quaeda fighters launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbytabby, Washington. A small team of Saudis carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No arabs were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Cheney and took custody of his body.

For over two decades, Cheney has been Halliburton's leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies. The death of Cheney marks the most significant achievement to date in our Ommat's effort to defeat Infidels.

Yet his death does not mark the end of our Jihad. There's no doubt that America will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must –- and we will -- remain vigilant at home and abroad.

As we do, we must also reaffirm that Al Quaeda is not –- and never will be -– at war with Christians. I've made clear, just as Al Zawahiri did shortly after 9/11, that our war is not against civilization. Cheney was not a Civilized leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, America has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.

Over the years, I've repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Washington if we knew where Cheney was. That is what we've done. But it's important to note that our counterterintelligence cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to Cheney and the compound where he was hiding. Indeed, Cheney had declared war against Pakistan as well, and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people.

Tonight, I called President Zardari, and my brothers have also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts. They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations. And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against America and its affiliates.

The Arab people did not choose this fight. It came to our shores, and started with the senseless slaughter of our citizens. After nearly 10 years of Jihad, struggle, and sacrifice, we know well the costs of war. These efforts weigh on me every time I, as Commander-in-Chief, have to pay every family that has lost a martyr, or look into the eyes of a Mujahed who's been gravely wounded.

So Al Quaeda understand the costs of war. Yet as a movement, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed. We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our lands and religion. We will be true to the values of Allah. And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones: Justice has been done.

Tonight, we give thanks to the countless Jihadists who've worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome. The Arab people do not see their work, nor know their names. But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice.

We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the faith and unparalleled courage of those who serve allah. And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day.

Finally, let me say to the families who lost loved ones in Baghdad that we have never forgotten your loss, nor wavered in our commitment to see that we do whatever it takes to prevent another attack on our sands.

And tonight, let us think back to the sense of faith that prevailed on 9/11. I know that it has, at times, frayed. Yet today's achievement is a testament to the greatness of our religion and the determination of the Islamist people.

The cause of securing our holy lands is not complete. But tonight, we are once again reminded that Allah can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history, whether it's the pursuit of prosperity for our people's faith, or the struggle for equality for all muslims; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a Islamic place.

Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or fanaticism, but because of who we are: one Ommah, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you. May God bless you. And may God bless the Muslims.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautifully and passionately written but not evenhandedly and dispassionately argued. Granted that rejoicing over someone's death is not what civilized people should do. And, I did not see any trace of that in Obama's serious speech either. While you are right to criticize America's past and present hypocrisy and use of double-standards, it may not be wise to put 'ideology' of democracy on the same footing with what you have chosen here to name theocracy. Killing Muslims and non-Muslims randomly can hardly be called theocracy. Let's instead of debating the marginal issues (such as the pictures, the helicopter and the sea burial) focus on the real question. Could the ending of an attempt to arrest Bin Laden under any and all realistic circumstances result in anything but his death? Please do not enter into polemics because that would be the end of this particular dialog.

Naj said...

anonymous; points well noted; and agree especially on your criticism of "theocracy".

Anonymous said...

Thanks

Naj said...

anonymous, I went out of my way and updated the whole post for you ;) read the addendum!

Anonymous said...

Your imaginary deconstructive experiment is still short of an evenhanded and dispassionate argument. It would however make good raw material for Jay Leno's, David Letterman;s and Conan o'Brian's late night shows -- but then again, for such purpose it is too long ;)

Outstanding issue: Obama did not rejoice nor did he encourage others to do so. In fact he advised others not to associate Bin Laden with Islam -- something Terry Jones and millions of other less noisy and less flashy xenophobe Americans are too ready to do.

Outstanding question: Could the ending of an attempt to arrest Bin Laden under any and all realistic circumstances result in anything but his death?

Naj said...

Your outstanding question: answer is NO; it won't result in anything. The violence will continue just as before. His death will only result in Obama becoming president again.

Anonymous said...

Dear 'Naj' - Thank you for your blog and for your thoughts. Many of us miss you when you're 'gone.'

A thought: Did you consider the sincerity of Obama's remarks on the death of Bin Laden? His sudden pitch for 'patriotism' and 'unity' seems to stand out here. Also, previously, he mostly has omitted references to God in his remarks.

Again, thanks always for your commentary.

Anonymous said...

I am bewildered. by 'NO' do you mean there would've been a way to arrest Bin Laden without leading to his death? Because if you mean this, then I have not heard from you what that alternative would've been. And, if this is not what you meant, then you have not answered my question; instead you have chosen to simply wipe it off the board.

I understand that non-violence is better than violence. I also understand that Gandhi and MLK went out of their way to change the paradigm of conflict-resolution.

The lesson I have learned from both in international relations, is that one can at least stay away from aggression and engaging in 'unjust wars'. But, for some time to come defensive surgical violence is the only means to reduce harm.

The war on Al-Qaida was a just defensive war. (Just as the war on Germany was in 1940's). If the allies had concentrated on the defensive war, Afghanistan, Pakistan, ME and the world would've been a better place. But Bush didn't agree with most of the world and attacked Iraq. The war on Iraq wasn't a just war. It was unnecessary.

You say violence begets violence and what is in perspective is only a vicious cycle. I beg to differ with you. Obama did not start the war but has had to find a way to end it since he came to office.

Regardless of all this history, even before Bin Laden's death Al-Qaida and Islamism has been slowly but surely fading away in the region. And on its ruins, a post-Islamic era is being built as we speak. One which is not a panacea but is much better that Bush's New ME as well as Al-Qaida's utopia.

You say death of Bin Laden would only get Obama in office. I would not be unhappy if that would even be the only good that comes out of this. Would you be unhappy? Because if you are, then your best are not Gandhi or MLK but people like Palin and McCain.

Getting back to non-violence. The end result of going to war with Nazis was a better world. Those exceptional leaders like Hitler or Bin Laden will not change their ways as a result of the discourse of non-violence. The world though has come along way after Kant visualized, theorized and professed universal peace.

With utmost respect

Naj said...

Anonymous: I don't give a damn that Bin Ladan is dead; I am not unhappy about it either. And as you said, I am happy it helps Obama's ratings. What I oppose is America turning to assassination practices for restoring "world order". I oppose terrorism and assassination; and the only form of violence I can justify is self-defense!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the reply. I agree with you on self-defense. And, I would argue that neutralization of exceptional leaders such as Bin Ladenis self-defense.

Since such individuals very rarely -- and I mean VERY rarely -- turn themselves in, attempts to arrest them and bring them to justice is very complicated and many times lead to their deaths.

You will win my heart -- and mind -- if rather than stopping at the point of criticism provide me with practical solutions -- solutions consistent with your moral principles that simultaneously neutralize exceptional leaders such as Bin Laden and Hilter.

Naj said...

Sorry anonymous, I am not in race for anyone's heart or mind! and the readers of my blog know that I do not take too well to pushy readers ;)

Anonymous said...

I am not a mind-reader. But to be quite honest, based on the pattern of your answers (i.e. side-stepping the main question), I was almost sure that would be your answer. I even wrote 'please do not answer by saying I don't need to win your heart and mind' and then wiped it out : ) Enjoyed the exchange. Thanks for the opportunity.

Naj said...

your question was not relevant to me/my post; and i answered to the extent i deemed necessary--and had time for.

Pedestrian said...

Wow! We really are blogging sisters. These were all the things I was thinking yesterday morning when I was reading all the news. Obama, if nothing else, is a master rhetorician, but I didn't like his speech at all.

Naj said...

See Ped, I am very picky in detecting my lineage! ;) I don't call just anyone my blogging sister :))

To be honest, I started changing the words of his speech as a little joke, and by the end of it I thought it was hilarious!

Anyways, right now I have blue stuff on my mind to worry about! You?

Naj said...

Anonymous,

there is a high chance that I have misunderstood your question, and that you may have been asking what is my "solution" about a criminal resisting arrest and continuing his shooting spree; in which case I would classify that killing self-defense and well shit happens!

HOWEVER, given how prepared the American forces were for locating and capturing in laden, I think they could have provisioned some "elephant tranquilizer" to break his resistance and capture him alive to prosecute.

:)

Pedestrian said...

As it turns out, OBL may not have even shot back, so anon's argument may be problematic from the getgo.

Oh, definitely blue. I always am after a visit to Iran ... and all this talk of Mashaie's "jen-gir"s and spiritual advisers and Dr. Octopus (khamenei) isn't make it any better.

goatman said...

Could not have said it better myself; although less wordy.

Anonymous said...

dear Ms. Naj,
Obama ? I'm familiar with the affliction, even if I never understand the causes : When my own baby sister was surrounded by the gauntlet of family conservatives, she jumped to her feet ,and yelled out ," I LOVE Obama !" We knew the Pox had taken her.
The comedic insight, and execution are just wonderful.
Balance ? Well, we do have our differences.Maybe I was just exposed to too many cowboy movies as a child.
bushtheliberator

Anonymous said...

dear ms. Naj,
Might you add a visual component to your Obama/OBL/Dick Cheny, speech ? Cartoonizing, and going to YouTube may not bring fame&fortune, but might bring a bigger audience.Since you seem to reject the use of firearms, you'll need all the other tools you can find to liberate Iran.
btl