Good Terrorists vs. Bad Terrorists

Submitted by Jim Lopey (United States), May 3, 2010 at 15:20

The ongoing hero worship of terrorists, whether tacitly or outwardly,-- supported by the Palestinian Authority or Hamas, or anyone else undermines the "so called" peace process. The venom that these activities spew does nothing but trigger hatred towards Israel and the West in general. It encourages an atmosphere of "us versus them" mentality that will always be a barrier to lasting peace. People are people, but when one culture or regime engages in "hero worship" of suicide bombers and other terrorists, it tells you something about their true motives and feelings.

The last time I visited Israel (with my church), I didn't meet an Israeli that didn't profess the wish to live in peace. Peace is a two-way street. There have also been Muslim leaders who saw benefits to peace but have generally been overshadowed by those who espouse a more radical agenda. Perhaps the next time we are thinking about sending money to the Palestinian Authority, the U.S. should pressure them to end this ill-fated hero worship. I fear this hero worship and "us versus them" attitude will continue because I don't see anyone with enough courage and leadership ability to push the peace agenda. The unwillingness of major Middle Eastern Islamic Terror groups to recognize Israel and accept their exisitence will also continue to plague peace efforts. I see no end in sight.

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