By Julianne Huff (Contributor) – Email
You wake up and go about your morning routine before work or school. Your brain is half awake and tries to comprehend the words coming from the newscaster on the TV or the alert on your phone. Just when the world is seemingly safe, tragedy strikes again.
The bombings in Brussels last Tuesday were a surprise to the world. With two attacks on the national airport and one on a metro station, eyes were on Europe and hearts were with Brussels. The single remaining bomber from the Paris attacks was just recently captured as well, after months of hunting and investigations. But now, another strike on the world: according to the BBC, the Islamic State (IS) has taken credit for these bombings in Brussels, just like Paris in November.
However, was it completely unforeseen? Looking at the Paris attacks and the information discovered, it was apparent that the bombers had ties to Belgium. IS has threatened many Western nations with attacks like this, and everyone was already on seemingly high alert. Waking up to this news story in Western Canada even prompted more security on this side of the world — reports emerged that security was heightened on skytrains, sea buses, and at the airport here in Vancouver. We can only wonder how this will affect the platforms of a certain fearful American presidential candidate.
Perhaps, though, we shouldn’t be listening to these close-minded people. Interestingly enough, it seems that maybe we should be listening to some comedians. For me, it was John Oliver, who condemned the Paris attackers and advocated against the racist views that would create policies of exclusion. Instead of generalized mistrust, countries around the world need to unite and stand together and help the refugees. IS has no problem creating chaos and fear around the world — but what would happen instead if the world accepted these refugees, included them, and worked together to fight IS instead of turning against victims and one another? These are the concepts and policies that politicians should be considering.
For now, our hearts are with Belgium and the people of Brussels. We grieve with them, and hope that they can find strength within like Paris to not be overcome with hatred and fear, but to find their strength in uniting together after this tragedy.
