Dehumanization is usually the first step in becoming terrorists and the dehumanized. We must therefore not lose grip of our humanity even when confronted by terrorists and dehumanizers. So far, I think the Al Shabaab and the rest of their kind are so happy that they are getting the upper hand as far as psychological warfare is concerned.

We have been shown 'animal nature' here explicitly enough. Now what we need to see is some humanity, not just being passive and weak, but strong enough to weather the present storm.

Humanity is created. It transcends animal nature through knowledge and understanding, and identity. We must meet the waning religions of our time with a more powerful 'God' and a more powerful religion that can even defeat terror, and hatred.

This thread prompted me to check on how Muslims behaved during the Rwandan genocide. Apparently, they were able to protect even non Muslims at times even with bows and arrows and stones. While on the other hand, priests wore guns and ordered bulldozers to crush unsuspecting seekers of refuge in their churches.

It's a tricky affair really, and temptation is high, just as stakes are high. 'But let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose'.