Psychology of Suicide ’Bombers’

Two American soldiers convert to Islam


Wed, 25 Jul 2007 10:31:16




Bagram airfield, the scene of much fighting in recent years

Two American soldiers have converted to Islam, changed their names and married after serving five years in Afghanistan.




Two American soldiers serving in the US Airbase in Parvan in Bagram province converted to the lofty religion of Islam in the presence of religious authorities, IRNA reported.



The female and male converts changed their names to Maryam and Ebrahim. The couple were then married according to Muslim tradition.



A number of religious and political authorities were attending the ceremony that was organized by a regional council to celebrate the occasion.



The largest US airbase in Afghanistan is located in Bagram.



RZS/BGH

Re: # 434
dear sparkles....thank you for your detailed comments. being a humanist i value and

respect human life belonging to any religion or ethnicity. did you grow up in muslim family

or you converted to islam. i am curious what inspired you to conversion? sincerely sohail

ps....what made you choose ...sparkles...as a pseudonum?

Re: # 332- Swarrior- peace be upon you...I think faith does set you free IFF you actually take it as a whole and don`t disect and adopt parts which reflect your views. In all religions, cultures, ideaologies etceteras people `corrupt` the intention. Man manipulates both God`s laws and those created and adopted by governments. God is NOT a tyrant at all...His mercy exceeds His anger and no-one is denied forgiveness up to a certain point. Will I allow some-one without understanding, empathy and Islam in their heart water down my faith, `control` what I am `allowed` to practice? No way! You accuse Allah of beiung a tyrant because He dictates rules to live by...yet isn`t that exactly what non-muslims are doing and demanding they do...in fact INSISTING they have the RIGHT to do? What makes a bunch of so called `liberal` men and women feel they have a Right to throw away laws that serve the global community and put in place laws which are causing chaos, moral decline and increasing crimes? Bravo to man? Really do you think so? Do I feel inclined to take on the world in a fight to the death? No way! I think talking , education and tolerance as well as patience are much needed.

I think the `west` is great at hyping freedom..of speech, beliefs, how we dress and even address each other. Yet the reality is not truly a reflection of that is it? As a woman who has adopted the Hijab WILLINGLY (even having to overcome my own husbands` aversion to it...because of the `publics` perception) I find myself under attack in many different ways by non-muslims. It is not me who fails to integrate or be tolerant...it is non-muslims! I am white English and muslim. I have given up the so called `freedoms` the west has given me, with a lot of consideration as to what exactly it is I gave up. I am far happier to wear my clothes according to that which God decreed than I was trying to keep up with what the `fashion gurus` decree...and often left me uncomfortably exposed, cold or looking downright silly! I feel comfortable and enjoy being me...not a `sex on a stick` figure. Please, when you talk about freedom remember it is meant for everyone...including women and men who do not wish to wear revealing clothes. No-one attacks Nuns (nor should they) yet they too choose to cover! The fear of Allah is something which is difficult for someone who has no faith to understand. However let me try to explain in `laymans` terms.

Studies have shown that children who are raised in families with little or no bounderies lack security and aren`t sure that they are loved etc. These children struggle to follow the disciplines needed to learn and later to adhere to timetables, work environments etc. Whereas children who are raised with bounderies and discipline (not abuse) thrive and feel secure; additionally they have a self awareness and confidence which is productive and contribute positively in society. Children who are raised in `abusive` environments become depressed, under perform, become agressive with thier peers, unable to socially interact, insecure and may go on to imitate the patterns of controlling and abusive behaviours they are subjected to, or even are so unable to cope that they commit suicide- or are killed by thier own (worst case scenarios)... and have ambivalent feeling both about the abuser and themselves- this impacts greatly on society as a whole with crime, mental health and financial implications.

In Islam it is the MIDDLE road that is enjoined upon us...not weakness of faith (akin to parenting style one) nor to extremism (akin to parenting style three)... It is actually a balanced style requiring not only rules but compassion, choice and allowing every person in society the right to practice thier choice freely (so long as those `choices` do not impact dangerously on those around them or deny others thier freedoms). It is a very fair system if you understood it. But, as I mentioned before man corrupts and manipulates Islam and this generally starts right at the top.

Sadly Islam is no longer governed by a Khalifate...because if it was, then muslims would be able to intervene and remove corrupt heads of state (well one actually) and ensure the `surrounding` government only apply Islamic law not add man made variants (which tend to serve only the most wealthy and often protect the most corrupt and deviant. Courts would be based on Sharia...but be mindful that tolerance and leaving people who do not practice Islam is subject to God`s judgement ON Judgement Day and not to be punitive, there would be taxes..that reflect each individuals status...a mere two and a half percent of income (no rise or fall in `inflation)... NO interest at all, for anything, ever. The 10 Commandements would be observed...which is mainly what happen(ened)s globally and is very much a part of Islam and women would have secured rights which would be honoured. Islam does not deny women the right to drive...the king of Saudi Arabia does, Islam does not deny women the right to an education... but many so called Islamic states do, Islam does not constrain people to poverty...(what do you think the taxes are meant to do?) sadly many countries and states both Islamic and non-Islamic do. Women and children are to be treated with kindness and gently, to dealt with justly and not treated like servants and slaves. Slaves and servants should be set free and employed/married honourably. Servants rights should be honoured and dealt with justly.

Whichever job you are employed in makes you a servant to that `employer`...and the non-muslim employment laws are often disregarded by employers, in fact many companies blatantly ignore workers rights...even in the practice of health & safety. Bullying and sexual harrassment are prevalent and vulnerable groups are not protected with `abuses` often blatantly ignored.

Islam (we know) will eventually become watered down and unrecognisable... but ALL practising muslims pray that it won`t be our generation or our childrens` generation who follow a deviant path. (I use deviant to describe this very much in the way a scientist describes a deviant strain of influenza etceteras.)

Freedom in Islam means a `contract`...if we uphold and honour our vow...which is made to obey Allah when we declare our faith...then strive, God willing we will earn a place in paradise. This does not mean that this life will be easy. Far from it, life itself is a TEST. It is not what happens in the course of your life that matters...it is how you respond to what happens that counts. Many muslims suffer great hardships, trials and even tests with great wealth and beauty and the blessing of children. But, it is important to recognise the rights and choices of others, it is imperative to remember to ask Allah for guidance and not act rashly or with anger. It is really a `utopia` of sorts...only paradise is truly that!

The freedom, what really sets muslims free...is the certain knowledge that this life is NOT all there is, that reward for honourable living comes in the herafter.

Whether you do believe in God or not, it is sound to be reminded (and listen to our `conscience`- right and wrong) that we are accountable for our actions...which then in turn should enable us to restrain and discipline ourselves for a greater GOOD...and not act with malice, hate, jealousy and vindictivenss. Nor be selfish, greedy and gear life up to fulfilling material `betterment`. I truly wish we were there. Sigh!

Is this world, the way it is gradually declining such a great `freedom`... does the 20th century values really make for happiness? I don`t think so.

Salam Alaikom Khalid, I was interested by your thought processes and feel that though there are areas which can fuel both the positions of western and eastern ideaologies, it still remains limited. One facet of people who kill or commit suicide is anger combined with hopelessness. Nowhere ever in Islam is killing or suicide ever associated in this way. `Suicide for the unbelievers...do NOT kill women,children, elderly, vulnerable or men who are in no way against you. Therefore there is a certain resolute intention in people who choose to adopt terror tactics to ignore and disregard the very doctrines of faith they profess to love and possess.

I feel it is rather a sense of belonging to an `imagined` political religeous `heroic` movement rather than Islam itself. Many Muslims (myself included- and I see myself as a muslim first and most of all) completely reject and are repulsed by the wanton slaughter of human life and habitat- even muslim deliberately killing muslim- an UNFORGIVABLE sin. Like you I remember that God created all of us...`kill one man unlawfully and it is equal to the slaying of the whole of mankind (irrespective of whether he(she) is a muslim or not) save one man and it is rewarded as though you had saved the life of all of mankind.

I feel it sadly is a predisposition in some people suicide bombers, domestic violence perpetrators, child batterers, thugs on a `Friday night out getting drunk & inflicting violence`, world leaders, etceteras- a sense of entitlement and a need to control at any cost and more a sense of insecurity, a demand for being valued and right- a demand for others to adopt the same attitudes etc by cajoling, manipulation and terror tactics if all else fails.

We as people have been warned NOT to judge our fellow man, yet we do constantly. Isnt a suicide bombing rather a weak attempt at `demonstrating` faith...hoping to die a `martyr`? True martyrdom is earned honourably in hand to hand combat ona battlefield- and this makes sense because only by engaging in combat in this way can you be assured that you are fighting a legitimate enemy. Suicide `bombers` act cowardly, petulantly and punitively... arrogantly really. We are also warned not to delude ouirselves as to our piety and worthiness. When we know that bloodshed is something we are supposed to use as the very last resort, that making treaty and peace is the right path...then sadly Islam is being rewritten...not the Quran...but the way it is being interpreted- by some (and not the majority) muslims and also by anti-Islamic scholars. I think these people are having doubts that they can resist temptation or may fail in some basic way...and decide to fast track the `dunea` in order to be successful in the `Aqira`. Crazy logic!
I think it is easy to see how anger builds when we witness so much injustice in the world, particularly with the Palestinian issue etc. BUT we should remember that we turn to Allah and ask His guidance, for patience and the removal of anger so that what action we do take is honourable and aims to resolve and end hostilities...not engage for the purpose of prolonging wars or for demonstrating an `Islamic` superiority. Allah created all of mankind, He gave ALL of mankind the choice of who to worship..or not, and He commanded that we obey Him. We have been told to live and deal equitably with each other and non-muslims. And we should look around (as muslims and non-muslims) and recognise that we often are unable to dictate to our loved ones with regard to conduct and values...so we should not hold entire nations or believers of faith accountable for the actions of minorities. It is a ridiculous notion. God Himself does not do that- He will judge us each as an individual. There is much wromg when our ummah does not remind each other of its obligations...when irrespective of the wrongdoing we witness we close ranks and stand silent. We do need to remind ourselves about our values and conduct, perhaps then we really might gain genuine respect from our non-muslim counterparts. Perhaps then we can unite and become powerful and a positive `welcoming` force in world economics. Whilst we have so many corrupt practices ignored in our Ummah, how can we show the world the truth about Islam?

Re: # 432

Inquirer,

I read the article in New Scientist this week. I liked so much. Of course I read NS every week, btw.

I saw your qualifications & felt that you are eminently suitable for writing articles on science.

That`s the essence of my msg. Anyway thanks for giving me the info on Poincare Conjecture.

Rgds,

#431, VRV:
Topology is not my area but here is the gist for your info:

The conjecture made by Henri Poincaré in 1904 essentially says that any shape that does not have any holes and fits within a finite space can be stretched and deformed into a sphere. That is certainly true looking at two-dimensional surfaces in the everyday three-dimensional world, but the conjecture says the same is true for three-dimensional surfaces embedded in four or more dimensions.

Inquirer,

I am sick of this religious stuff. Why dont you write on Poincare Conjecture on Chowk as an article?This was solved by Dr. Perelman and he declined the prize of all kinds for his work.

The one guy who is supposed to write on science writes about Dar Ul Islam and that stuff. Poincare Conjecture would give us the real relief for this monotony.

Thanks and Regards,

#427 by Salim_Chauhan

If Indians want to continue the goodwill of the Afghans, make sure that Indians provide the Afghans with heavy-duty condoms during this era of high Indian activity in Afghanistan.

Well, we`ve made sure of this. The grateful Afghans with Indian heavy-duty condoms are screwing the Pakis harder.

Please do not place additional financial burdens on the poor Indians in the west - As it is, most of them have to buy community lap dances with their pooled dollar bills.

The reason why poor Indians are pooling dollars these days is that the intensifying Baloch rebellion needs more than they`ve been able to provide, so anything of that sort obviously helps :-)

Correct the first paragraph!

****It is curious how all questions are deteriorated by the extremists of Hindus and Muslims into abuse contests and mutual condemnation of Islamists by Hindus and of Hindus by Islamists. This childish behavior should have been outgrown by the dumbest of both groups. ****

It is curious how all questions are deteriorated by the extremists of Hindus and Muslims into abuse contests and mutual condemnation of Islamists by Hindus and of Islamists by Hindus. This childish behavior should have been outgrown by the dumbest of both groups.

When will they learn to think like individual with self-respect willing to concede the same to others? Try to understand the nuances that they have no appreciation of rather than ad nauseam repeat the small intelligence they are hemmed in??

Chowk should provide forum for enhancement of knowledge and understanding rather than hurling of unsubstantiated slurs on each other.

If this can be reached by tighter control on publication, even that is welcome. At least we will save computer memory from unmitigated filth!!

Harish_hyd {``India is very active in Afghanistan and has the goodwill of the Afghans there. If at all Indians in the US/UK/Europe want to contribute towards funding the Baloch rebellion, they can as well do it by routing their funds via India and then Afghanistan.``}

Harry Brother,
If Indians want to continue the goodwill of the Afghans, make sure that Indians provide the Afghans with heavy-duty condoms during this era of high Indian activity in Afghanistan. Please do not place additional financial burdens on the poor Indians in the west - As it is, most of them have to buy community lap dances with their pooled dollar bills.

For decades now, Pakis living abroad, most notably the US and UK have funded proscribed Paki terror groups despite explicit warnings. And now some Pakis are warning Indians in the UK to desist from supporting the BLA. India is very active in Afghanistan and has the goodwill of the Afghans there. If at all Indians in the US/UK/Europe want to contribute towards funding the Baloch rebellion, they can as well do it by routing their funds via India and then Afghanistan. Unlike in the case of Pakistan, money wired to India does not raise the west`s suspicions.

Re: # 424

Harish,

This is what I would like to highlight to our friends on the other side, despite our not-so-glorious (but decent) HR record.

>>>India in contrast continues to provide police protection and even monthly allowances to the stridently anti-Indian Geelani, the Mirwaiz and other prominent Kashmiri separatist leaders. That`s the difference between a democracy and a dictatorship.<<<

India can bump-off these pro-Pak guys but it doesn`t. That`s the diff between them and us.

#423 by VRV

You are dot on Harish. They are supporting all possible secessionist forces in India not just Kashmir but north-east rebels as well.

In the 80s and early 90s, Pakis were heavily into supporting the secessionists in Punjab and Kashmir and thrilled at the prospects of an imminent break up of India. Now the shoe is on the other foot. Paki bravado seems to have evaporated with news that India, through its consulates in Jalalabad and Kandahar was fomenting trouble in Balochistan.

The new crop o f Baloch leasdership are gems. For eg. Sana Baloch, Malek Towghi, Ahmer Mastikhan, Akhter Mengal et al. Busharrf as usual locked up Munir Mengal for starting a new Baloch TV channel and Sana`s brothers for being Sana`s siblings.

By eliminating Akbar Bugti, Musharraf has shot himself in the foot. No matter the rights and wrongs of Bugti`s own actions, he was a man with tremendous influence over the Baloch. Many Pakis in the past had questioned his clout and had claimed that his writ did not extend beyond Dera Bugti and his clan. But the riots that are taking place in Quetta and even far off cities like Karachi even as I`m writing this prove that the man had considerable hold. By unwittingly making him a martyr, Mushy has spurred on the otherwise faltering Baloch movement. From here, things can only get worse for Pakistan.

India in contrast continues to provide police protection and even monthly allowances to the stridently anti-Indian Geelani, the Mirwaiz and other prominent Kashmiri separatist leaders. That`s the difference between a democracy and a dictatorship.

Re: # 421

You are dot on Harish. They are supporting all possible secessionist forces in India not just Kashmir but north-east rebels as well.

The new crop o f Baloch leasdership are gems. For eg. Sana Baloch, Malek Towghi, Ahmer Mastikhan, Akhter Mengal et al. Busharrf as usual locked up Munir Mengal for starting a new Baloch TV channel and Sana`s brothers for being Sana`s siblings. Pak establishment behaves like a mafia gang but not as a modern nation-state apparatus.

In any case Pakistan is an artificial country. Separatist Indian muslims felt like a nation who looked for a state and they got it in 1947. Now they had a state but begging for a nation. Thanks to the god-send Generals.

Dear Dr. Sohail

Thanks for the kindest words & poem, I really adore it, our consideration are alike, but Dear Dr. when will this children Grow up? When will they have common sense? When will they know how to behave in this small planet?

How many more Iqbal, Mandela, Hakeem Saeed, M Luther King, Galib, Mother Teresa, Dalai Lama, , Nehru, Cesar Chavez, Albert Einstein, Franklin, Gandhi (Bapoo) we still need to guide us today`s world political/geographical solutions, the Real peace is not in power, money, or weapons, but in deep inner peace.

I still remember Gandhi quotes ``If you are good, the whole world is good``.

We as the Sons/Daughters of Adam and Eve who came from the heaven; we have the same genetic cell DNA/Blood as Adam and Eve transferring form generations to generations. These cells know that cold is better then fire, Cold water is better then the worm water, Fresh fruits and Flowers are good, a child pay attraction to a beautiful girl not the ugly one why. Who teach him/her? Human body feels good in relaxation with a beautiful weather and scenery why! What kind of past heaven experience we still feel in our blood and body.

The Process of Today`s Desi Life:

0 – 16 or more (Learning /Support/Safety/Love for Family)
16-25 (Respect and Value in Masarah`s (Society) Process)
26-40 (Love and Belong ness with life partner/Children)
40-65 (Self–actualization – Thinking about the family and the Society Welfare at whole)
Self actualization and thinking about welfare for the Society or family should start from 16-65, People need to encourage our youth to think out side the box.

Thanks & Regards!
Ahad