Children of the Devil
By Shariq Ansari

While attempting to understand the horrific events on September 11, 2001, many 
columnists have made proposals that would provide either an alternative to a 
war, to make the War on Terrorism easier to fight.  But while these ideas seem 
good on paper, they are difficult-no, impossible-to execute.

Carlin Romano argues, "Greater clarification and defense of innocence forms a 
crucial part of fighting terrorism," and that we should provide a moral 
education for the terrorists. Romano suggests that we, as Americans, must 
concretely and solidly define what innocence is, and teach this definition to 
our enemies.  But if we try to go about defining innocence, we will find that 
our definition may be radically different than the definition of a man like 
Osama bin Laden.

Several weeks ago, President Bush addressed the country during the aftermath of 
the disasters in New York City and Washington D.C.  He sought to answer the 
question, "Why do they hate us?"  While his whole speech was very powerful, he 
gave deluded reasons as to why "they" hate us.  He said that the terrorists 
hated democracy, that they hated our freedoms, our liberty, our success, that 
they were opposed to us because we were better.  While some Americans may choose 
to believe the pretty poetry of King George II, I wish to submit some reasons 
that make some more sense.

The terrorists hate us because of our culture and foreign policy.  Growing up as 
a Muslim in the United States, I can understand Osama's rage.  The U.S. is 
filled with images of lust and revelry.  The younger generation grows up 
watching MTV, a channel that promotes ideals of suggestive behavior and 
carousal.  Islam says that there should be a separation between the sexes, that 
men and women should not dress seductively, and that they should act decently 
and modestly.

Our financial system is based on interest, a concept that is a part of one of 
the biggest sins in the religion of Islam, Ribba.  Muslims are strictly 
forbidden from charging interest, because it involves taking advantage of 
another's misfortune.

The United States also has had, in the past, a very Pro-Israel bias.  The 
American media portrayed Israel as suffering nation, plagued by the demonic 
Palestinian suicide bombing tactics.  We, more often than not, support Israel 
and short-change the Muslim nation of Palestine.

It is not difficult to understand that while Americas views themselves as an 
innocent people, Osama bin Laden certainly does not.  We cannot try to teach him 
our morals; our morals conflict with his own moral system.  It is impossible to 
change the morals of a twisted zealot who stops at nothing to get his way.  How 
then, are we supposed to provide a moral education?

There is a book called The People of the Lie, which states that ignorance is 
evil, because by choosing not to know, we excuse every terrible action we make.  
Many Americans choose to delude themselves by believing that America is 
faultless, that America is innocent, but they also seems to ignore the fact that 
it is their very way of life which disturbs these diabolical masterminds.  If 
Americans ignore the real reasons, if we lie to ourselves about our innocence, 
does that make us evil?  Does truly make us the children of the devil?