Monday, August 24, 2009

The release of the Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi - my view

Frankly I'm ok with the release of Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi and dont really care what the Libyans do about his return.

The reason we have to win against terrorists isn't because we are Christian and they (usually) arent. Its not because we are white and they (usually) arent. It isnt because its us or them and anything is justified in self defence. In fact its really very simple - we have to win because our way is better, our way is good.

Our way, that of the liberal democratic west, believes in the rule of law, believes in mercy, believes in the individual and their right to be treated as an individual. These are all things our enemies either don't understand or if they do "get" them, cant abide. That's how these people are able to blow up a plane full on innocent people.

But we do 'get' these things. And, in theory, not only do we abide them, we celebrate them, we glory in them. And the recent decision by the Scots to release one of the worst criminals in the history of humanity in accordance with their laws and in the name of compassion is a clarion call to all of those who wonder if the war on terror is worth it.

It is and this is why.

That we can offer some compassion to someone who doesnt deserve it, that we can follow our laws even when its unpalatable, that we can consider this man as a man not as a political pawn to be used solely as a message is a testament to us. Its a celebration of how we can be great.

Its something I welcome with open arms.

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