Random thoughts on the Amman bombings

As the news reports that Al-Qaidah supposedly "took credit" for the bombings in Amman, even posting that a woman (!!) and three men were behind it I'm starting to think twice.

I made my comments yesterday about brother vs. brother assuming it really is "brothers" doing this whole thing. Yet I think it's not so simple to rule out outside interference. Unfortunately though it seems like there is little attention given to investigating in too much detail who the perpetrators are beyond the fact that they are definitely "Islamic extremists."

I'm not a big fan of conspiracy theories--I don't go for them yet I don't categorically reject them all. Yet it is interesting how Reuters, CNN, and other news outlets have stated as they report on the al-Qaidah claim of responsibility: "The claim's authenticity could not be verified."

Indeed, there are several groups that would stand to benefit by the aftermath of such attacks. And history shows that political parties and governments of all stripes have not been above terrorism and murder to achieve their ends.

I have no answers... just questions. Which is why the behavior of people screaming "Death to Zarqawi" and other such comments in Jordan's streets is a bit off-putting. This behavior doesn't get answers...it's just convenient emotionalism. And I don't think it's a befitting way to mourn the dead. Duaa al-Qunoot, dhikr, duaa... these are ways we mourn with dignity for ourselves and the dead. This modern flag-waving, screaming slogans, and other posturing is all-too-close to the wailing and hair-pulling of days gone by. For when we lose control of our selves, we lose the ability to reflect carefully and take lesson from what has happened.