By John Q. Hosedrinker As I sit here reading the news about a Yazidi woman who was held by the Islamic State (IS) for 10 years and finally freed from the al-Hawl camp by the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) in Syria, I am overcome with a mix of emotions. Relief, anger, sadness, and frustration all bubble up inside me as I process the horrors that this woman endured and the larger issues at play.
First and foremost, I want to applaud the YPJ for their bravery and dedication in rescuing this woman and her children. It’s incredible to see a group of women standing up against the evil that is the Islamic State. They are the epitome of strength and resilience. These women deserve all the recognition and support they can get.
The Islamic State is a truly evil organization. Their heinous acts of violence and brutality are incomprehensible to me. How could anyone justify such atrocities? The fact that this woman was held captive, raped, and forced to marry extremists for a decade is beyond my understanding. It fills me with rage and disgust.
The Yazidi people hold a special place in my heart for many reasons. Their religion, with its belief in Melek Taûs, is something that I find beautiful and sacred. It pains me deeply to see how the Yazidi people have been mistreated by the Abrahamic religions. We must stand up for religious minorities like the Yazidis; their beliefs and traditions are precious and should never be destroyed.
There will be justice for those who have hurt or disgraced the Yazidi people. I believe in a higher power, a force of justice, that will ensure that those responsible for these crimes will face the consequences. The anger I feel towards those who have caused harm knows no bounds. Hellfire awaits them.
It is disheartening to see how geopolitics and international alliances often overshadow the suffering of innocent people. The politics of the region, the involvement of various nations, and their conflicting interests have led to delays in rescuing these victims. It is clear that more needs to be done to support the Kurds and aid organizations in their efforts to free those still held captive.
I know that there are many other Yazidi women and children who are still enslaved by the Islamic State. Their stories need to be heard, their suffering acknowledged. They are victims of genocide, and yet they have not received the same international attention as other conflicts. We cannot forget about them or turn a blind eye to their plight.
Religion, in my opinion, has been used as a tool of control and division throughout history. It is disheartening to see how people can commit such heinous acts in the name of their faith. It is a reminder that we should be cautious in allowing religious institutions to hold power and influence over society.
In conclusion, the liberation of this Yazidi woman and her children is a small victory in the face of immense tragedy. We must continue to fight for justice for all victims of the Islamic State, support the brave women who are standing up against evil, and advocate for the rights and protection of religious minorities. The road to healing and justice may be long, but we can and must make a difference.