[T27567]

I’m no American, but this calls for an answer. When the United States nuked Japan, it was an attack on a country officially at war with the United States, in alliance with other countries at war with the United States. There was no declaration of war by the United States against Saudi Arabia (bin Laden’s home country), nor against all Muslim countries. Or, more generally still, against the Umma. Many Muslims live in the West, where they enjoy freedom to practice their religion. The supposed ‘war’ between the West, especially the United States, and the Umma (i.e. the community of Muslim believers) is a figment of Islamist imagination.

Furthermore, when the United States bombed Japan, there was an assumption of civilian support to the actions of the Japanese government, especially at Pearl Harbor. Carrying war into the populace to undermine support of militarist regimes was considered a legitimate means of warfare (see Dresden). Thus, from a historical perspective the United States’ actions are coherent. From a modern perspective they are ethically wrong. Also, the United States is not a totalitarian society but a democratic one. Much support to the U.S. government has been created by the Sept. 11 attacks.

Finally, what is the strategic goal behind the World Trade Center attack? Converting the infidels to Islam? We all know that isn’t the case. Besides, the Koran prohibits proselytizing. Wasn’t it instead killing as many as possible? In what way would that benefit the Umma? Has it? I don’t think so. The Sept. 11 attack has only reinforced the polarization of ‘Others vs. Umma,’ which is sad. Islam should embrace all aspects of its tradition, a diverse tradition open to life, learning and community. That calls for some self-criticism on behalf of modern Islamic societies, which fall short of their predecessors’ achievements. Instead, there is much pointing of fingers at the West. The easier way is to blame others instead of shouldering responsibility. The history of Hiroshima does not ‘rehabilitate’ the World Trade Center attack.

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Name : T27567, Gender : F, Religion : Atheist, Age : 33, City : Munich, State : NA, Country : Germany, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, 

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