Shoe bomb in Baghdad/an Iraqi democracy as ultimate revenge
Terrorist Richard Reid tried to take down an airplane using a pair of explosive shoes. Today in Iraq a terrorist attacked a Shia mosque in Baghdad using the same technique. Ten people were murdered, 25 wounded.
Key excerpt in the BBC report:
The bomber must also have got through a more thorough body check to gain access the main courtyard of the mosque, he says.
He got close to the imam’s position, but before the imam arrived, security staff noticed he was still wearing his shoes, which is not allowed in a mosque.
He was told to take them off, and appeared to be complying, when the bomb went off.
It is believed to be the first time a shoe bomb has been used in Iraq.
The mosque’s imam, Sheikh Jalaluddin al-Saghir, is a member of the new Iraqi parliament. He blamed Al Qaeda and “Baathists” for the attack. Then added these words: “”This will not deter us, this will not affect the political process.” Note he’s not calling for “revenge attacks.” Mr. al-Saghir’s action indicates he knows an Iraqi democracy is the ultimate revenege on Al Qaeada and Saddam’s Baathists.
In the wake of a deadly massacre, Mr. al-Saghir repeats Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s central message: our democratic political process will continue. This is political leadership under fire.
The Iraqis know what their enemies want. Their enemies want (1) capitulation to fear and hopelessness and (2) civil war along sectarian lines (with that war possibly expanding into a regional war with Sunnis fighting Shias). But the Iraqis also know their enemies are failing. The courage and determiniation of people like Mr. al-Saghir are one very important reason.
Shoe bombs. In a mosque. During worship services. Beyond despicable. But the courage of the response is beyond noble.
Comment by Dean Esmay — 6/16/2006 @ 9:11 am
I like the fact that the imam points to Baathists as the culprits (not Sunnis). Perhaps the US and new Iraq can do some data mining to build a database of Baathist names and track the ones who appear extremist. In addition, perhaps the US and new Iraq can promote parties that replace the Baathists - maybe send over some Rove and Christian Right types who can help explain how to build political parties (including faith-based parties), using new technology, blogs, media, mass communications, religious affiliations, etc.
Comment by cfw — 6/16/2006 @ 9:26 am
CFW: There’s a HUGE difference between a bunch of people with similar religious beliefs voting a certain way (Pro Life for Christians, go figure!) and a Baathist-like offical party like Iraq. Get your head out of the sand…..
Comment by Dave D. — 6/16/2006 @ 1:16 pm
Why is it that Sheikh Jalaluddin al-Saghir see this more clearly than so many here in the US? He is clearly a brave and thoughtful man. As Dean said - his response is wonderful.
Comment by Major John — 6/16/2006 @ 3:08 pm