The world has become a dark and scary place. All of our efforts are focused on fighting each other instead of helping each other. We are all so focused on picking sides and condemning the other side about an issue rather than working together to solve it. Today, the world has one enemy: terrorists. This article will not be focusing on the religious affiliation of the terrorist group(s). No matter what religion they associate with their group, they are all terrorists.The definition of a terrorist is a person who uses terror in pursuit of political aims. ISIS and Boko Haram are the two main terrorist groups carrying out terrorist attacks throughout the world. ISIS is the main terrorist group carrying out the major terrorist attacks while Boko Haram focuses in on African countries.
On Nov. 12, 2015, there were two suicide bombings in Beirut. There were meant to be three suicide bombers, but one was stopped and the other two died in the explosions. The third suicide bomber told the investigators he was an ISIS recruit and a native of Lebanon. The suicide bombings killed over 40 people and injured 240 others. At least four buildings in the area were also damaged by the explosions. CNN reports that ISIS circulated a statement on social media taking responsibility for the bombings-although it was not confirmed. The bombs detonated within five minutes of each other. It is suspected that the bombings were focused on killing members of the Hezbollah, which is the Lebanon-based Shiite militia. The attackers were suspected to have arrived from Lebanon from Syria, a country in which Lebanon recently had a bloody civil war with. Beirut has a strong Shiite militia presence, and one of the suicide bombers was attempting to get into a Shiite mosque in the area as well but was stopped.
The next day, on Nov. 13, 2015, there was another major terrorist attack, but this time it was located in Paris, France. According to CNN, as of November 17, there are 129 people dead and 352 injured; 99 out of the 352 were injured seriously. There were three groups of terrorists that staged attacks in six different locations in Paris including a concert hall, the Stade de France, and at least two restaurants which were highly populated.The attackers were found to have planned the attacks in Syria. The attacks involved shootings, bombings, grenade launching, and hostage taking; 23 people are under investigation and weapons and IT equipment has been seized by the French government. The border around France has been closed and a state of emergency has been declared. Most of the world has heard of the Paris attacks; there is still a hunt going on for one of the terrorist attackers and France is now militaristic measures against Syria which includes airstrikes against suspected ISIS targets.
And finally on Nov. 17, 2015, there was another terrorist attack on Nigeria. It is suspected that the Boko Haram bombed two cities in Nigeria-Yola and Kano, killing at least 63 people and injuring over 120 others. The two bombers were both females and fit the description of wearing Boko Haram type outfits -- the same one that was worn in 2012 when another terrorist bombing and shooting killed 185 people. According to CNN, it is still unknown whether the bombs were planted or suicide bombings.
Instead of focusing on putting new filters on our social media profile pictures, giving attention to the false hit lists, and fighting with each other over which religion is to blame, the world needs to focus on getting rid of these terrorist groups. It is clear who the real enemy is; they have made themselves known. Let's stop trying to kill each other over killings, and work together to rid the world of this plague. I am not calling for massive bombings or violent action; I am calling for the world to work together to fight this enemy; we can work together to rid the world of these people who are working to kill and create terror throughout the world. Let's stop with the #prayforparis or #prayfor whatever and start actually praying and working.
