Someone pointed me today to Cryptome, where you can find a video of the depcapitation of Nicholas (Nick) Berg. Here’s the direct link (mirror 1, 2, 3), if you’re interested.
WARNING: YOU MAY FIND THE LINKED VIDEO DISTURBING. IN FACT, IF YOU DON’T, THERE’S PROBABLY SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOU. BE MINDFUL THAT THE VIDEO CONTAINS THE ACTUAL DECAPITATION OF NICHOLAS BERG.
No doubt, many people will use this as an excuse to wage further war against Muslims throughout the world, the Middle East in particular. One thing to keep in mind is that although these killers may justify their actions based on jihad, or some other Islamic principle, it is important to understand that their actions have no Islamic basis whatsover. Their trying to link this murder to Islamic teachings is not only incorrect, but does a disservice to other Muslims worldwide, who are good, tolerant people.
Today, the West’s perception of Islam is shaped primarily by people like this, who perpetuate senseless violence, or by other terrorists. They fail to see the moderate side of Islam because that side is not controversial, and does not make headlines. Yet, the moderate side of Islam is the side that is the most pervasive throughout the world, and the side that is in my opinion, representative of Islamic teachings.
Also remember that this event would have never happened had the United States not taken the unilateral and illegal action of invading Iraq.