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Twisted Logic of Mothers Who Abandon Mothering

(New Zealand Herald) Barbara Sumner Burstyn - A year ago, our media were filled with images of Naima el-Abed, a Palestinian mother who sent her son to carry out a suicide terrorist attack. She proudly detailed the support and encouragement she gave her son and described how, as a mother, his act was a source of great pride. As I tried to understand her comments, I was filled with a mother's questions, and now I want to ask them. I know how the will to live is the most powerful force in the universe and I think about the money you have been paid for the life of your son, and I weep for how twisted your mothering has become. We both know children want to please their parents. Was your son forfeiting his life to enrich his family and to please you? A year ago, I watched Naima el-Abed carefully, looking for some sign of grief at the loss of her son. Instead I saw something far more chilling. I saw her pleasure. As if the death of this boy was a victory. I know I will never understand the mother who encourages her child to suicide, who views her son as a legitimate weapon of war.
2003-10-17 00:00:00
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