Point of view

Submitted by Susan Daniel (United States), Feb 8, 2005 at 11:22

I found your article interesting. yes, probably most of these attacks are acts of deranged Islamic jihadis. I call them deranged because I believe that most of them are in an "altered state". Islam is one of those religions that has at it's core a "feeling" and that feeling can be misconstrued and used by those who would manipulate others to behave in certain ways.

I am always reminded of the "old man of the mountain" holed up in his fort and commanding squads of suicide murderers to take on the crusaders even into their beds, leaving behind only the knife used in the killing. how did he do this? the same way the modern old men of the mountain do it. by inference, drugs, excitement, repetition of certain phrases.

Islam can be a potent mix of emotion, excitement and deadly focus. It can also inspire ecstacy, good feelings and peace. It's a mixed bag. but the jihadis must be confronted on their own territory, which is the territory of the mind, and pushed back the same way they have thrust themselves forward

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