Dehumanisation never got anyone civilised anywhere.

They have no respect for human life.

They should be brought to justice. The punishment fitting the crime is death.

Vermin is an adequate description.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:38:45)

- Matthew 10:34

Children were injured in the London blasts.

Jesus said that people who injure children should have millstones put around their necks and be cast into the sea.

The main problem I have with such language, though, is that by denying the humanity of the terrorists, you effectively let them off the hook. If you say they are vermin, then it’s difficult to blame them for behaving like vermin.

Recognising their humanity brings home just how evil their actions are — they are capable of understanding what they do, but choose to do it anyway. And worse, we are fundamentally like them. It’s a scary thought.

Homer: on the issue, I’m a “life without parole” man.

Yeah, yeah – it’s a straw man, but probably a pretty accurate assessment regardless.

I don’t think Observa’s comments are helpful. The last thing this RWDB wants is an escalation of conflict between the West and Islam. Therein lies a conflict without foreseeable end, and one that serves only the interests of terror masterminds like al Zarqawi and bin Laden. I remain confident that the majority of Muslims care for neither the doctrine or the methods espoused by these Islamist extremists. Westerners and Muslims have a long demonstrated ability to co-exist peacefully in a range of countries from Turkey to Pakistan to Australia. Let’s treat each other with respect and we can keep it that way.

But the terrorists are fair game. Vermin? Well, according to one definition, that term covers an insect or animal that is destructive, annoying, or harmful to health. Includes cockroaches, flies, mice, and rats. I think the term ‘terrorists’ could be slotted in neatly after rats.

Forget the clever analogies between with Nazis and their ‘untermenschen’ or whatever. Such hollow sophistry highlights only the long stretch made to draw the comparison. The creatures we are dealing with here live in a world devoid of negotiation, compromise, compassion or respect – c.f. humanity. Their hate-filled little minds see innocent children, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters in a school or on a bus as nothing more than a canvas on which to write their depravity.

Paedophiles, I would suggest, have more care and respect for young people than a suicide bomber on a public transport bus. Anyone want to rush in to defend the humanity of kiddy-fiddlers? Dare ya. Strange then, that we can dig so deep for the homicidal maniacs behind the London bombings, no?

Seems to me all this argument about nuance, understanding and humanity boils down to something rather less laudable – the barely concealed notion that an enemy of an enemy of mine shouldn’t be called sub-human filth.

Get a grip, people.

If the Nazis were just thought of as vermin they could have just been killed as soon as they were captured.

Can you give us some examples. I’m genuinely interested, not trying to score points.

We are facing human enemies. Its important to realise that if we want to understand them

A person who deliberately kills a person is killing someone born in the image of god which means…

or to put it another way what are they saying about their neighbour?

I don’t find it amusing Dirk and will not necessarily claim high moral ground, just personal self-interest. I don’t advocate war, but I think it’s now inevitable and outline my reasons for that at John Quiggin’s ‘Class of 05′ With a 21 yr old son and 18 yr old daughter, I’d appreciate any practical suggestions(barring capitulation) as to how a clash of civilisations can be avoided.