The world is once again in complete shock as Paris tries to come to terms with the worst atrocity wrought on its people since World War II.
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The news is horrifying. More than 130 dead. More than 350 injured, 99 extremely seriously. Coordinated attacks on six separate locations across the city.
And up jumps Islamic State to claim responsibility.
How do you fight an ideology that prides itself on mass murder?
Of course, world leaders are quick to denounce the abhorrent act, offer solidarity with France and speak in strong terms on IS and the threat it poses to freedom.
But along with that stance comes the inevitable call for troops on the ground in Syria, increased air strikes against targets in Iraq, a general feeling more direct action needs to be taken in a “war on terrorism”.
No doubt, something needs to be done, but doesn’t violence beget violence?
The more the West drops bombs into the Middle East, the more those targeted retaliate and so the cycle of violence continues.
And the innocent are the ones who suffer.
(As an aside, other commentators have also pointed out while terrible and ongoing loss of life is occurring in Syria and nearby countries, our horror and media coverage is reserved for attacks on Western countries. The atrocity that claimed many lives in Beirut the day before Paris was attacked received scant coverage.)
Meanwhile, the displaced pour across borders in their thousands trying to escape the atrocities committed in the name of God, or Allah, or democracy, or freedom from oppression, or whatever.
Whatever the “justification” taken, surely a god of any religion wants no part of this disgusting manifestation of all-too-human behaviour.
Thoughts, sympathies – and prayers – are with all those families suffering at the hands of this latest round of violence.
How/where/when will it end?
Seizing the political opportunity, US presidential candidate Donald Trump said the outcome would have been better if France had more relaxed gun control measures and Parisians were allowed to carry guns – and people cheered him!
No answers here sorry, just questions about the human race and our future.