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FIRST-PERSON: Prepare for the worst


McMINNVILLE, Ore. (BP)–“If we are wise, let us prepare for the worst,” George Washington counseled. Our first president’s words have never been more applicable. If you don’t believe me, then read an account detailing the brutal and barbaric beheading of an innocent American that occurred May 8. If you think you have the stomach as well as the psyche for it, watch the video. It will make your blood run cold.

Nicholas Berg, an American noncombatant doing contract work in Iraq, was captured by al Qaeda-linked operatives some time in March. On May 11, a video began appearing on the Internet showing hooded terrorists beheading the 26-year-old Berg.

The grainy video images of Berg’s death are graphic and gruesome. His head was severed by sawing with a large knife. Berg was screaming until his vocal chords were severed. Once the diabolical deed was done, a terrorist held his head aloft for the camera. As the murder took place, Berg’s hooded executioners shouted with glee, “Allah Akbar!” (God is great).

Berg’s death, its method and the fanatical madness that motivated it, is why we must stay the course in Iraq. It is also why we must lead the fight against terror and do whatever is necessary to prevail.

Those who murdered Berg claimed they were acting in response to the abuse that took place in the military prison at Abu Ghraib. If you believe them, I would like to know if you would be interested in a lease-to-own option on the Golden Gate Bridge.

Nicholas Berg’s murder was not captured on video and put on display for the world to see because of Abu Ghraib. No, he was executed for the very reasons this war is being waged.

Berg was murdered as an act of religion. Al Qaeda has long since declared “jihad” (holy war) on “infidels” (non-Muslims) in general and American infidels in specific. As a result, killing someone like Berg is done in the service of Allah.

On the video that captured Berg’s death, his executioners are heard shouting with delight. They praise Allah as they prance proudly and display their victim’s decapitated head. While most Muslims pursue their religion peacefully, terror groups like al Qaeda do not. It is their interpretation of Islam that motivates them to murder.

Further, Berg was abducted and murdered because he was an American and a Jew. If there is one thing that Islamic terror groups, like al Qaeda, loathe worse than an American infidel, it is a Jewish infidel.

Berg’s father told CBN that he had Jewish religious garments with him. He said that he did not think his son wore the clothing in public, but he added, “There’s a better chance than not that they knew he was Jewish. If there was any doubt that they were going to kill him that probably clinched it.”

Another reason Berg was executed, and his decapitation displayed on the Internet, was as an act of terror. Al Qaeda seeks victory through intimidation. Berg’s brutal murder was carried out and shown in order to frighten America, and the world, out of Iraq and away from the war on terror.

Berg was executed for the same reason the train was bombed in Spain on March 11. It was yet another attempt to scare countries out of support for the war on terror. It the case of Spain, it worked. It remains to be seen what effect Berg’s beheading will have on America and the world.

As America began its first fight for freedom, George Washington dispensed sage words: “If we are wise, let us prepare for the worst.” Berg’s demise could well be only a sample of atrocities yet to come.

The enemies of freedom and democracy, fueled by militant religion, are savage and absolutely committed to their cause. Are we? If you harbor even a hint of a doubt, consider Nicholas Berg’s beheading. It should solidify your resolve on the war against terror.
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Kelly Boggs’ column appears each Friday in Baptist Press. He is pastor of the Portland-area Valley Baptist Church in McMinnville, Ore.

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  • Kelly Boggs