A Somber Beginning for Tropical Perceptions
I start Tropical Perceptions on the day that many of my US compatriots are rejoicing over the news of the death of Osama bin Laden.
I have to confess to conflicted feelings over this event. On the one hand, I am satisfied that someone as intransigent as bin Laden is no longer able to inflict pain upon anyone, ever again.
On the other hand, the part of me that believes in a loving, compassionate world in which we all co-exist in relative peace still sees a long, difficult road ahead. Since September 11, 2001 the US has become engaged in several wars, all with the expressed purpose of bringing Osama bin Laden to justice. And now that the most extreme brand of retribution has befallen “Americas #1 Enemy,” will Muslims, Christians, and Jews be able to sit at the table to negotiate a lasting peace?
An honest, open, sincere dialogue between people of all nationalities and creeds is the only means through which we can achieve the end of armed conflicts. But as long as the citizens of one nation gloat and celebrate the loss of life—even of a person as bitter and misguided as Osama bin Laden—this cherished dream is unlikely to become reality.
The images being shown throughout the world of the joyous celebrations of Americans—which, I must admit, is an impulse I also feel in my heart—will only distance us further from millions of Muslims who unfortunately will now see us, as we see them.
posted by Silvio Sirias @ 2:49 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
The breaking news on Osama Bin Laden's death struck me in a very similar manner than the 9/11 images in CNN did 10 years ago: disbelief and uncertainty. Leaving the 'justice's been done' argument aside for a minute, I couldn't help but feel worried about the consequences that his killing may bring.
If only we were certain that his death will break the violence circle and revenge our world's been immersed into. If only we knew that now the world is in fact a safer place...
Thanks for posting your reflections. I'm sure there'll be lots of things to chat about on how events are perceived in the tropics.
Silvio, I enjoyed your post, but have many mixed feelings regarding your comments. OBL clearly needed to be brought to justice. I'm not celebrating, but I do feel as though justice has been served and I hope it delivers a message to other terrorists/ organizations that the free world will NOT sit back and allow these cowardly acts of murder and terror to continue.
Sure, a great majority of the world wants peace, but at what cost? How do you think the US should have responded to 9/11? Should we have called Al Qaeda, Hamas, Hezbollah to the peace table? Do you really think that this would produced a viable long-lasting solution? Maybe we went in too strong (maybe not), but I'm not sure what would have been the appropriate response.
War sucks, no question. I'm just not confident that at this point we can all live happily together. But, it's a goal each of us should at least have in our minds and find ways to get there. Great blog!!
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