The Taliban justified the slaying of ten aid workers in Afghanistan, accusing them of teaching Christianity. There is no excuse for such brutality. This crime reminds us of the irrationality of the Taliban and the danger Westerners in Islamic countries are in.

Behind all these killings is a secret religious war. Unfortunately, as in Iraq, Christian evangelical missionaries hide behind humanitarian work to distribute food, medical supplies, and Bibles in Arabic.

Far from pointing fingers at the victims of this horrible crime, the world will not see the Taliban’s reason as valid. For sure these aid workers were doing more good than bad. The Taliban’s explanations do not make any sense. As the Arabs of Algeria say, “Excuses are always mixed with lies.”