by 'Ali Al-Andalus

Created on: February 25, 2009

Should the UN outlaw using children for suicide bombing? As a humanitarian, I would have expected them to outlaw the use of children long ago, why have they not already?

This debate, for me, is neither black or white or an easy yes or no. To say no deems I might not be concerned with the welfare of the children involved in this senseless crime I solemnly believe that children are God's greatest gift. On the other hand to say, yes might say I am not looking at the entire picture. Trust - I do not sit on the fence on this issue - terrorist acts need to end on every level, for the good of all humankind, most importantly for their children as well as ours.

Regrettably, however, I do not believe a law written on paper will end the extremist's use of children or the extremist from walking into a crowded place with a bomb strapped to their body. The Congregation of the Inquisition never stopped the Protestants, not that those people, who truly were martyrs are in any way in comparison to a terrorist - do not misconstrue my meaning. It is a simple demonstration that people, throughout time, will remain steadfast in their beliefs, right or wrong, even at the cost of death.

Extremists, radicals, terrorists (call them as you like, however I will not call them Islam) are taught at a very young age that dying for the good of Allaah (God) will make them a martyr, grant them immediate passage into heaven. Narrow-minded watered down teaching of the Qur'an, sadly. Jihad has been to long been misconstrued as a religious war'. Their meaning of Jihad is poles apart from the beliefs of an actual Muslim, Jihad is humankind's inner struggle;
striving to live a moral and virtuous life, Scholar John Esposito said it best: "to struggle to improve one's self and/or society" much as any man strives to stay free from sin.

Where do I stand on this issue: the UN and all humankind needs to find a solution to end all terrorism, be it 9/11 or the bombing of a clinic for the right to life. After all isn't that one of the true black and white issues in this debate, and in the consideration of this law.

In closing, I would like to apologize if I have offended anyone with my words; this is a serious issue and one that demands I stand on serious ground. The intent of the article is to add to the debate, and I believe that debates should make a person think about all sides all angles and all possibilities.

It is my greatest belief that people should educate themselves and educate others. Knowledge is one of our greatest weapons.

Learn more about this author, 'Ali Al-Andalus.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.