We’ve a moral imperative to stop ISIS
Sir: I am writing in response to a Jan. 21 letter written by Peter Smith, entitled “Western meddling gave rise to ISIS.”
Mr. Smith suggests that Western intervention “has only made matters worse” in Syria and other areas of the Middle East, saying that, “We just don’t understand the historical and cultural differences behind these conflicts.” He further opines that “…the defeat of ISIS must come from within the Middle-Eastern community,” and, “…we have to reframe it as a civil war…”
I am shocked and appalled by Mr. Smith’s xenophobic isolationism and callous disregard for the victims of atrocities committed by Daesh (another name for ISIS, which I use precisely because they despise it). Every day in Daesh-controlled territory, men, women and children are tortured and killed in the most barbaric and horrifying ways as punishment for various “crimes” against Islam, such as being an educated woman, a homosexual, a non-Muslim, or even the wrong type of Muslim. Every day, the world loses more and more of its cultural heritage, as Daesh bulldozers destroy mosques, shrines, and churches; ancient and medieval sites that have stood for hundreds or even thousands of years, such as the ruins in Palmyra, a World Heritage Site.
Secondly, it would be dangerously delusional to mistake Daesh as merely a player in a regional conflict in some far-flung corner of the world. To understand their motivations and goals, one simply has to listen to what they themselves proclaim over and over again: to establish a global caliphate under Wahabi Islamic rule by force. They have demonstrated they are willing to die to bring death and destruction to those whom they decide are enemies of Islam, anywhere in the world, by any means possible.
I argue that it is the moral imperative of the free nations of the world to stop these murderous fanatics as swiftly and decisively as possible. If not, the human cost could be incalculable: what would restrain Daesh from using weapons of mass destruction, should they gain access to them, if they believe that their own deaths would amount to martyrdom, with the guarantee of eternal salvation?
Sincerely,
Dave Mitchell
Bright’s Grove
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Charity begins at home
Sir: I would like to thank Mr. Fordie Smith his letter: ‘Why didn't churches help homeless shelter?’
His comments are true and right to the point. And while there will be a rebuttal to his comments from others, I do believe there is a large following of Canadians who feel the same way as Mr. Smith.
Remember, charity starts at home. We have too many citizens who were born and raised here that are suffering greatly.
Now, with the onslaught of refugees coming into the country, it puts a burden on communities that are struggling to meet the demands of our very own.
As we hear on the news and read in the papers, jobs are continuing to be lost in large numbers.
Bringing in refugees in large numbers is detrimental to our society when there isn't enough housing for them, which in turn causes a greater strain on our system overall.
When we get our own house in order, then we will be in a better position to welcome refugees.
Norm Dobbing
Sarnia
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Thanks for caring
Sir: Here’s more on Sarnia’s best, thoughtful people.
I would like to thank the two individuals and the security guard who came to my assistance at the Bayside Mall.
Also, the excellent attention by ambulance personnel and Bluewater Health.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Ruth Perrie
Sarnia