Severance

So, we hear [on the news network] that bombs are going off all over Iraq, in what appears to be a coordinated attack, and a lot of folk have been killed or injured. Children are amongst the innocent, as are the old and infirm. Does the rest of the world turn a blind eye, as we have with Africa, or do we get on and do something...... but better this time?

As the title says. I watch the news and wonder what it must feel like. Can it be likened to the British Army hunting down the more radical religious sects in the UK (few as they are, if at all)?

If you support the Taliban, would you go back and live under their rules?

If you don't support them, do you agree with the way the authorities are dealing with them?

As far as I understand it, those that believe will be taken, and those that don't will be left to face (7?) trials. I, for sure, will be left. Will my skills as someone who can 'prevail' be needed?

Suppose you hear in one of the towns the LORD your God is giving you that some worthless rabble among you have led their fellow citizens astray by encouraging them to worship foreign gods. In such cases, you must examine the facts carefully. If you find it is true and can prove that such a detestable act has occurred among you, you must attack that town and completely destroy all its inhabitants, as well as all the livestock. Then you must pile all the plunder in the middle of the street and burn it. Put the entire town to the torch as a burnt offering to the LORD your God. That town must remain a ruin forever; it may never be rebuilt. Keep none of the plunder that has been set apart for destruction. Then the LORD will turn from his fierce anger and be merciful to you. He will have compassion on you and make you a great nation, just as he solemnly promised your ancestors. "The LORD your God will be merciful only if you obey him and keep all the commands I am giving you today, doing what is pleasing to him." (Deuteronomy 13:13-19 NLT)

Having read through a lot of questions and answers relating to fundamentalism it would seem that many people think that they (I'm referring to terrorists as opposed to more peaceful, yet fundamental, believers) have been forced into their actions. That is to say as a result of oppression, desperation, poverty or a combination of these. If this is the case, surely they are trying to promote the very thing that has caused them anguish?

Let's have a round of applause for the lackwits in the UK who didn't (couldn't) manage to blow themselves up. I note with some satisfaction that one of them managed to burn himself badly and I can only hope he lives to feel the pain, as his intended victims would surely have; you know, there may well be divine justice after all.

It seems to me that we are being dictated to by a small (but growing) group of religious fundamentalists. Should they be allowed to go about their business, or should their activities be curbed, given that everyone should have a right to practise their religion?

The subject of terrorism has to be considered, mainly because it is employed as a quick and (relatively) easy way to further the cause of these zealots, so how are we dealing with it and is it effective?