(Insert apologetic statement about being Muslim here, followed by a sombre pronouncement that this is not a sarcastic post.)
Reading about the twin suicide attacks on the British embassy in Kabul today (early Friday in Kabul) made me scratch my head.
I. Just. Don't. Get. It.
What I don't understand is the message. What exactly are these terrorists trying to communicate?
The attack comes on Afghanistan's independence day - independent from Britain since 1919. Is the rationale that since the Brits are in Afghanistan again, they need to be reminded independence has already been won? To me, it just further defines the power relationship; x terrorist group views "their people" as perpetual victims.
I am just so sick of this narrative of saving the people from the colonizers. This so-called political violence only enables further control. Is there no realization that the actions of a few make calls for collective punishment seem "rational"?
Instead, why not draw strength from the concept of independence to work towards rebuilding once more? Why not draw strength from the spirit of Ramadan? Or why not simply take a minute - think about it?
After studying the subject, pouring over academic papers, listening to political commentators, and generally losing my mind over it, I have come to one conclusion:
Your grievance doesn't count as soon as you become a reason someone else is grieving. It's that simple.
Too bad no terrorists read my blog.
