The avid reader that I am, I have been reading a book called "A Mighty Heart". For those of you who have been following the events taking place over in the middle east, you may have heard of a journalist by the name of Daniel Pearl.
He was kidnapped in Pakistan shortly after 9/11. His wife Mariane Pearl wrote this book in his memory.
I remember when the news of his kidnapping first hit the news, it was devastating, and as I learn more about his life, it breaks my heart even more. The terrorists that kidnapped him accused him of being a spy of some sort, and demanded things that were impossible to deliver. He was a journalist, a man trying to bridge the gap between worlds so differently lived. Yet he was murdered for the senseless act of terrorism.
I guess the reason why I am writing about this is, I think you should read this book. I have learned so much of a culture that I would never, and still don't understand. A world in which you don't know who to trust, or where to turn. A world in which the people who are supposed to help, only pretend to help, only to later learn knew more about the whereabouts and the kidnapping then they would ever let on.
To me the pain his family endured, and the hardship that they went through is unimaginable. Just think about loosing a person whom you love so much, only to see his face on images that show the torture that he had to endure, imagine the pain you would feel as your husband is beheaded on TV, in front of the world and his body discovered in 10 different pieces buried in a shallow grave.
You can't. Simple as that. Why? Because we live in a country that doesn't understand the lives of the people we are fighting. We only see what is in front of us, not the picture at whole.
I have been following the tragic events that have unfolded since the beginning of the war, this person, Daniel Pearl and his wife Mariane have touched me deeply.
I still do not understand the faceless acts of hatred that are committed in this country and abroad, but this story has enlightened me on a world that is so very different form which I know.
If you have a chance please pick up the book, it is a sad read, but an honesty put forth that makes you see things that maybe you wouldn't normally see. It touches on the events leading up to and following his murder. It shows the love and compassion of his family and the people of Pakistan, but mostly his brave wife.
Remember that we have soldiers over there fighting for our country, but is this a war we can win? This question I can not answer, but pray that we can make peace. Peace between worlds that are so very different.
I support our troops 100%, and pray for their safe return. I hope for the best, yet expect the worst.
We are fighting a war that makes no sense, that involves a hatred on a level that is so deep.
All I ask is that you don't forget, the families, friends, brother and sisters. The people over there trying to make a difference.
