Kim Sun Il was murdered by Islamists today. I pray for his soul, and for the comfort of his family in their loss.
America is grateful for Korea's alliance in the liberation of Iraq. We grieve with you over the senseless savage killing of one of your sons. We will not forget his sacrifice.
Satan's foot soldiers have again demonstrated the endless darkness that fills their hearts. It is past time for right thinking muslims to express as one an intolerance for hatred. The world waits for Islam to prove itself an ally of peace, to demonstrate that Islam has no patience for Islamism. The world is sceptical, and for good reason- Islam has bloody borders. It is past time for peace minded muslims to take back their mosques, their Friday sermons and their faith. It is past time, but is it too late?
Posted by publius at June 22, 2004 10:34 PMDistinction: They didn't kill him because he was a Christian (although he was); they killed him because his government was sending forces into Iraq. Per my email to you, I think the issue is tied up more with the idea of Arab cultural/ racial identity, and therefore not wanting foreigners in Iraq, than it is about the Muslim faith. Certainly Muslim extremism plays a not-insignificant role, but I think the predominant issue in this particular instance is Arab nationalism - it is behind the common sentiment over there that Americans, and all foreign troops, should leave Iraq.
Posted by: Gabrielle at June 23, 2004 04:05 PMThank you for your comments Gabrielle. I understand and agree that Kim Sun Il was murdered because he is a Korean in Iraq. His nationality, and more importantly, his country's participation in the liberation of Iraq are the reasons for his abduction.
Having said as much, his Christian faith is not irrelevant. Islamists have demonstrated that they will consciously avoid Muslim casualties. For example, during recent killing sprees in Saudi Arabia, potential victims were asked to prove themselves Muslims, and if successful in doing so were advised to stay indoors away from the violence. Had he been a Muslim, Kim Sun Il would have been released without harm.
Terrorist activities in Iraq and other countries combine Islamist resources (committed to Muslim ascendancy in world affairs) with nationalist interests. The fact that an al Qaeda operative orchestrated the Il Sun murder indicates that more than just Arab nationalism was at play.
Posted by: Publius at June 23, 2004 05:48 PMI never said his Christian faith was altogether irrelevant. Just as you indicated to me that there is more than just Arab nationalism at play (with which I agree), I am trying to say that there is more than just Islamic extremism at play. It's both. :)
Posted by: Gabrielle at June 23, 2004 05:55 PM