Muslim Holiday Massacre

Friday marked the start of Eid al-Adha, the most well-known and celebrated holiday within the Muslim religion. However, the day would end in mass causalities. “The attack in the town of Maymana, capital of the northern Faryab province, came as people were gathering at the mosque to celebrate the Eid al-Adha holiday” (Attack Location ). A suicide bomber strapped on an explosive vest then took a position outside the mosque until persons of interested had gathered inside. The suicide bomber carried out his attack once “provincial officials, including the governor and the police chief, had assembled inside the mosque to celebrate” (Targeted Officials ). Tribunal leaders were also among those specifically targeted.  The bomber managed to detonate his vest causing mass causalities. 

Bodies align the street outside a mosque after a suicide bomber attack 

41 people were killed and 56 individuals were injured. However, the death count is expected to rise because many of the wounded individuals are listed as in critical condition. The bomber was never identified and his affiliation is yet to be determined. Investigations are currently underway to determine which group is directly responsibility. “It appeared that the attacks on Friday was in revenge for Taliban losses earlier in the week” (Who is responsible?). Now, the following statement was only mere speculation.  Afghan government officials claim the Taliban carried out the attack, but no members of the Taliban have come forward to claim responsibility. However, the likelihood of this being a Taliban attack does fit the puzzle given the outcome of recent events.

             One important facet we should explore within this given attack is the fact that in addition to losing high-ranking officials, many civilians also lost their lives. Now, the high-ranking officials deaths are to an extent justified, but the lose of civilian lives is a heinous crime. These officials’ deaths can be justified because on a daily basis the policies they invocate are in direct proportion with the war effort. Since the war has already started the Taliban or whomever party is responsible for this bombing is technically justified in their actions to target certain officials. However, the attacks need only be on those directly involved in the war effort. Now, the killing of civilians makes me sick to my stomach. Under no circumstances should noncombatants be targeted and attacked. The suicide bomber had no right in the deaths of those noncombatants. In any case attacks of this magnitude would only be justified if soldiers and officials directly involved in the war were the only ones targeted. The second noncombatants are involved the attacks should be put to a halt. Combatant and noncombatant is certainly an issue surrounding this event, but we also need to focus on the effects this will have on the future.

            The future event, which is of concern, involves NATO’s plan to withdraw troops in 2014. Now, let me pose this question to you. What steps do the government of the U.S. and Afghanistan plan to implement to guarantee Afghanistan’s self-determination after foreign powers leave the country in 2014? This specific question is what both the United States and Afghanistan governments are trying to solve. This attack as well as plenty of other attacks has plagued these governments with questions, without any current definite solutions. As these crimes and violent attacks continue to be executed, these governments are challenged to explore additional options to ensue a peaceful departure of NATO troops. Since more problems and the frequency of attacks have increased their departure in 2014 might not be a realistic goal. The future from my point of view is uncertain if attacks cannot be curtailed.