THE LEADER of a vicious terrorist organization was killed, and the world didn't even stop to say "thank you." Last week's killing of HAMAS founder Sheik Ahmed Yassin represented a important step in the global war on terrorism, but the world-wide reaction has been mixed at best. In exchange for ridding the world of a man who has ordered the killings of many innocent men, women and children, Israel has received a raw deal in the court of world opinion.
HAMAS, founded in 1987, has been recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States. Their purpose, according to the U. S. State Department, is "to pursue the goal of establishing an Islamic Palestinian state in place of Israel." One will note that this goal inherently includes the destruction of the modern state of Israel. These are not rational people who are willing to negotiate peace. The only acceptable "peace" to this terrorist organization is complete and total victory over Israel.
Most rational people can realize that Israel is not planning on keeling over and dying any time soon, but HAMAS is far from rational. Under the direction of Sheik Ahmed Yassin, the organization has conducted terrorist operations throughout the Middle East. Utilizing suicide bombers to maim, injure and kill innocent Palestinians and Israelis alike, HAMAS has made significant strides into the hearts and minds of young Palestinians.
There is no question that this organization exists only to polarize this already heated conflict, ensuring that some Palestinians become so radical that a peace with the modern state of Israel can never be reached. The existence of HAMAS as an organization is a direct threat to the peace process in the Middle East. It is only logical that the assassination of its founder can hinder the organizational capacity of this organization to conduct terrorist strikes.
Unfortunately, the media has not given fair treatment to Israel during this entire ordeal and especially not since this killing. The mainstream media have done many features on the frail Sheik, being careful each time to point out to the world that he was killed on his way back from morning prayers, in his wheelchair. It is easy to paint a sympathetic picture of such a man killed by a modern missile, but this gentle, sympathetic picture is definitively one-sided. Where are the CNN slideshows detailing the young men this terrorist leader has sent to their death? Personally, I have a hard time understanding how this man could be going to morning prayers at all, knowing full well the blood of the innocents on his hands.
To its credit, the White House has publicly gone forth with the best reaction of the major Western powers. While noting that the United States did not give Israel the go-ahead to carry out such an attack, a spokesman for the White House affirmed that Israel had a right to defend itself. Considering the scope of the violence against civilians that the Sheik has ordered over the years, one would hope that Israel had a right to defend herself. If the U.S. government had an opportunity to take out Osama Bin Laden via a missile strike, even on his way to a mosque, I would hope that the opportunity was taken. Both men certainly have caused undue suffering of innocents.
I have argued against the death penalty in the United States, and thus it is a little tough to rationalize the killing of someone, even a terrorist, in such a capacity. However, the one situation in which the death penalty is acceptable is when it is used to prevent further violence. By removing the "spiritual leader" of this terrorist organization, it is clear that Israel has taken a step to prevent further violence in the long term.
There will be an immediate backlash from the Palestinians, and world opinion will waver slightly, especially in light of the biased reporting by the international media outlets. However, it is important to keep in mind the greater picture. While this attack may, in the short term, cause one or two more young men to strap explosives to their chest and blow themselves up in a hopeless attempt to kill innocents, the damage to this particular terrorist organization and all such organizations will be worth the price. For too long the leaders of these groups have feigned legitimacy; somehow, claiming that their methods of terrorism are a legitimate way to bring about change.
Israel has taken the gloves off, and rightly so. We all must make it our goal to show the world that being a terrorist is not a healthy occupation. No longer may the leaders of terrorist organizations feel safe in issuing press releases and sending misinformed suicide bombers to kill innocent women and children.
Daniel Bagley is a Cavalier Daily associate editor. He can be reached at dbagley@cavalierdaily.com.
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