Korean Hostages and the Taliban

In late July, the Taliban kidnapped 20 Koreans who were in Afghanistan as part of a Christian outreach program -- their goal nothing more or less than helping the unfortunate.

Their strength in spirit, however, is matched by their naivety: Afghanistan, like much of the Middle East today, is full of Islamic zealots who disregard any attempt by outsiders "trying to help out."

Since their kidnapping, the Taliban have executed two of the male hostages. The 18 that remain, mostly women, now find themselves as pawns in the political process which is unstable at best. The international community, of course, typically adheres to a "non negotiating" stance with who they deem terrorists. The Taliban, and Al-Qaeda, don't see themselves as terrorists, but freedom fighters looking to create a Islamic state -- a caliphate based on the strictest interpretation of Islamic teachings.

To date, the Taliban have demanded release of their brothers in arms, a demand the Afghanistan government and western leaders have ignored. So, as the days continue to pass more innocent Korean Christians will most assuredly turn up dead, the victims of a no-win situation.

The news is important since Christians world wide are, more than ever before in modern times, susceptible to the wrath of radical Muslims -- as experienced in the Philippines, the Russian satellite states and Middle East nations. It's important for those in the civilized world to realize that, even with good intentions, the world is a dangerous place. That caution should be taken and a great deal of foresight used before venturing out on good-will trips to help the impoverished. Having a good heart is not, as many hostages have found out, a shield against terrorism.