by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright July 16, 2005
All Rights Reserved.

uicide-bombings by British nationals raise disturbing questions not only about infiltration by al-Qaida but about how religious fanaticism easily morphs into mass murder. Post-mortem profiles of suicide-bombers involved in the London Underground indicate the same suicidal and homicidal fanaticism found in Palestinian refugee camps and radical mosques in the Middle East and now breed violence in Great Britain. Unable to terminate Bin Laden's command, his ubiquitous sleeper cells derive spiritual inspiration from the terrorist mastermind whose radical philosophy pits Islam's survival against the modern world, especially the West. Britain's home-grown suicide bombers didn't originate in Palestine's refugee camps or the caves of Afghanistan but an upwardly mobile Pakistani enclave in Leeds—a working class town some 185 miles north of London.

      Whether the hatred is preached in the Middle East or the suburban town of Lodi, Calif., hateful imans have the same impact on impressionable youths, more vulnerable to influence and brainwashing. Recruited as foot soldiers in the war against the West, gullible youths find meaning to otherwise directionless lives. Religious fanaticism offers instant relief from identity confusion and the daily rut, promising immortality and paradise in the afterlife. It's tempting to blame wayward youth—especially disenfranchised immigrants—on failures of British society to fully incorporate and provide opportunities for foreigners. In reality, society can't be blamed for religious freedom given to subcultures where hate and violence are routinely preached. Religious freedom permits the kind of privacy and autonomy allowing al-Qaida to infiltrate, flourish and threaten Western society.

      Terrorism in the U.K. or elsewhere threatens the status quo, where domestic or foreign policies get blamed for violent actions. Prime Minister Tony Blair made it clear Britain would not alter its foreign policy to capitulate to whims of rogue states or radical groups. When Spain was hit by al-Qaida 2004, it affected national elections, though, truth be told, they were already leaning toward exiting Iraq. Bush's Iraq policy can't be blamed for al-Qaida's long-range mission of destabilizing Western governments and purging foreigners from Islamic lands. Britain knows better than anyone the risks of colonialism, especially in the Middle East. Britain also knows the price paid for ruling Northern Ireland, including the history of terrorist bombings by Sinn Fein and Irish Republican Army. Yet, unlike the situation in Northern Ireland, many British feel Blair got sucked into Bush's Iraq war.

      When two British nationals, Asif Hanif and Omar Sharif, were recruited by Hamas and engaged in a 2003 Tel Aviv suicide bombing killing three, authorities should have seen the warning signs. Profiles of Britain's suicide bombers bear striking similarities to other terrorists, including the band of young extremists who pulled off Sept. 11. Young, educated, disenfranchised youths are vulnerable to recruitment and easily talked into targeted violence as a means of achieving self-identity, life's-purpose and, yes, political objectives, though no one truly comprehends al-Qaida's real motives. Bin Laden talks loosely of defending Islam from Western crusaders, infidels and apostates. Giving confused youths a cause and raison d'etre goes along way in inducing otherwise intelligent souls to commit atrocities. Great Britain still can't believe it was attacked by its own citizens.

      World leaders, especially at the United Nations and foreign governments, must take stock of the current problem of Islamic extremism that threatens all orderly societies. Problems lie not only with foreign and domestic policies but with the tightly controlled system inside mosques where radical hate mongers masquerade as clergy, recruiting vulnerable youths as foot soldiers for mass murder. There's little difference—other than politics—that distinguish Bin Laden's suicidal assassins from Jonestown, where some 900 lost souls followed a maniacal preacher to their deaths. Governments at the U.N. must condemn all violence and commit themselves to taking action against countries and groups—including religious ones—that sponsor, support or practice terrorism. Universal legislation must outlaw and prosecute all forms of hate crimes, including politically motivated mass murder.

      Britain's problem with home grown Islamic suicide bombers must be addressed not only on a political level but how today's religious freedom allows extremism and permits radical hate-mongers to hide in mosques and recruit, brainwash and convert impressionable youths. Foreign governments must create its own versions of the Patriot Act, allowing them to screen, investigate and prosecute dangerous criminals, with or without foreign ties, currently hiding behind organized religion. There's no difference between harboring armed terrorists and dangerous weapons than preaching hatred and violence against host governments or civilian populations. Hitting soft targets, like public transportation or soccer stadiums, is far easier than government or military installations. No religious freedom or protection was designed to shield hate mongers from promoting and committing mass murder.

About the Author

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He's editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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