The Definition of Infidel
Biloxi at The Republic of Biloxi on Jun 06 2006 at 2:11 pm | Filed under: Feature Article, The War on Terror
Appears to be a fluid thing. In a story published today, 21 Shiite Muslims were killed in an ambush 75 miles north of Baghdad. Forgive me but how is killing other Muslims ” In the name of Islam” a good thing for Islam in general? How does it square with the “religion of peace” mantra we have heard? Lastly how does this play into the theory that the violence in the Middle East is largely caused by American imperialism?
The answer(s) is it doesn’t, in any way shape or form. 2 of the victims were teenagers and 9 more were in their early twenties. All were students and guilty only of being of a different religious sect than their killers. For an insight on the difference between Sunnis and Shiites please look here.
I’ve seen as significant a philosophical gulf between varying Christian denominations and even some pretty rigorous debate, but rarely killing in the name of who is right. I know some would cite Northern Ireland as an example, but that is one that is largely a political issue far more than the religious aspect of the conflict. In the end it seems like Sunni and Shiite alike may all be the “legitimate heirs” of Mohammed as both sects appear to be as bloody and ruthless as he when trying to impose their religious and political worldview on others.
