The May 7th 2011 issue of The Economist featured Osama bin Laden on its cover with the caption “Now, kill his dream.” The al-Qaeda instigator of the 9/ll attacks had been killed by U.S. Navy seals the week before.
Bin Laden is dead, but his influence lives on, directly or indirectly, in numerous bloody attacks since then: in Nigeria, in Boston, in London, in Syria, and a dozen other places.
An article in the magazine outlined bin Laden’s dream. He wished to purge present day Islam of its “corruptions” and “secular influences.” He concluded that taking lives of innocent men, women, and children in that cause was justified. Unfortunately, lives still are being lost in brutal efforts to fulfil bin Laden’s dream.
According to a State Department report on terrorism, released this week, “core” al-Qaeda is much reduced in ability. However, local al-Qaeda groups, such as Boko Haram in Nigeria, have increased in strength. Boko Haram recently was in the news for kidnaping 230 girls from a school.
Kill his dream, but how?
By acting out dreams of our own that prove stronger. Forgiveness instead of hate. Seeking the good of others instead of idle pursuit of pleasure. Integrity instead of corruption.