Remember Salmon Rushdie? He Didn't Die But 22 Others Did

On February 14, 1989, Ayatollah Khomeini, the Islamic revolutionary leader in Iran, issued a fatwa, or legally binding declaration, that Salmon Rushdie, author of a novel entitled "The Satanic Verses" should be killed.

Jonathan Rauch, writing in National Journal, has recently written a fascinating and insightful article which analyzes that incident in the light of recent historical perspective.

Although Rushdie has survived thus far (the fatwa was recently affirmed by the current religious leader in Iran) Rauch points out that at least 22 other people connected with Rushdie (including the Japanese translator of the "Verses") were murdered.

Rauch argues that this particular fatwa unleashed the genie that we now recognize as Global Terrorism of the Islamic Variety.

To that end, Khomeini mobilized the tactics of terrorism: the valorization of suicide ("martyrdom"); the designation of civilians as combatants; the choice of a highly visible and symbolic target; the use of nongovernmental and civilian agents; perhaps above all, the capacity and determination to strike in cities and towns in the very heart of the West. The message to Westerners, not only to Rushdie, was: You are safe nowhere.

Having clear memories of that particular event and its repercussions, I can recall a clear sense of fear. If such an order to kill could be issued for Salmon Rushdie it could be issued for anyone...anywhere. And the person who would carry it out might be living next door.

Sixteen years later we are still trying to stuff the genie back in the bottle.

Read the whole article. If you are old enough to remember that far back you will be struck by its relevance for today. If you are too young to remember it will not only put the current war on terror into a clearer perspective but will also fill you in on why Iran is such a worrisome place still today.

HT: Evangelical Outpost & GetReligion