Suicide bombers feel Īdespair, helplessness'
In Wednesday's opinions section, Aaron Schulman disdained what he saw as "the simple ignorance that still exists in today's society." Ironically, Mr. Schulman did not show much competence when he stated: "Within the Palestinian culture, women are seen as worthless and expendable." I sure would have hoped that the author wrote his article without passing "quick and biased judgment." As I am sure I have made more Palestinian friends than Mr. Schulman, I can say for a fact that Palestinians don't look at their mothers and sisters as "worthless and expendable." The tragic situation that the Middle East has been locked in for the last 50 years is a direct result of hate, intolerance and jingoism. Left to their own wills, the two sides will never reach a solution. Therefore, a third party that can exert pressure and enforce a lasting peace becomes crucial. Unfortunately, the region has not found an honest broker that would lead it to such an agreement. However, the phenomenon of the female suicide bomber deserves attention. I can't tell with certainty what would drive a Palestinian woman to blow herself up just to take a couple of Israeli lives. But my guess would be helplessness, despair, and a lust for revenge ÷ feelings she might not have developed if she lived in Maui. Nevertheless, terrorism against innocent civilians should never be justified. On the other hand, an entire society should not be looked upon as worthless and expendable because of the acts of a few.
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