ISIS (The terrorist Islamic state) finally got our government’s attention. Their blatant, vicious beheading of journalist James Foley was so in our face that no one could ignore for one more second what is happening in northern Iraq and Syria, and in fact all over the Middle East.
Just like President Obama, most of us are reasonable people and feel that everyone should be treated fairly and their beliefs respected. That idea of fairness is flawed when one is dealing with Islamic terrorists. Nothing they say or do can or should be believed. Their goal is to destroy anyone and everyone who doesn’t conform to their ancient cancerous ideas.
It’s no wonder that we suspect and fear the motives of all believers of Islam. Why did it take so long for the president of Indonesia to say publicly that these terrorists bring shame to all sincere, caring Muslim believers and that Islamic leaders should unite in attacking extremism? Why haven’t these leaders done something?
Why aren’t millions of “good” Muslims speaking out against the twisted “evil” Muslims? Why aren’t the millions of american Muslims marching with american flags in anger and horror at what is going on in the Middle East and supporting freedom and women’s rights? Is their silence affirmation and tacit agreement with the terrorists?
Fear? Reprisal? Insecurity?
Maybe. But at some point, a people must stand up for what they believe in. Just like in the sixties when activists marched for the rights of blacks in this country, why aren’t Muslims marching in support of american values and against Islamic terrorist values?
Finally, our president is doing what needs to be done. Terrorists must be stopped. We are at war for our very existence. Another Hitler has emerged and someone has to stop him.
Why should a psychiatrist have any special insight into the mind of a terrorist? I deal with people who are motivated to look into themselves on a daily basis. Who better to have an opinion regarding people who have no interest in examining themselves and are determined to kill people who don’t agree with them…
Art Smukler is an award-winning psychiatrist and author of Chasing Backwards, a psychological murder mystery, Skin Dance, a mystery, and The Man with a Microphone in his Ear. All are available as paperbacks and eBooks.
Inside The Mind of a Psychiatrist 