Yesterday, a roadside bomb killed Abdul-Sattar Abu Risha, the head of the Anbar Salvation Council.  He was credited with cooperating with the U.S. in organizing effectively to stem the tide of some of the terrorist violence in Iraq.  President Bush met with Abu Risha in Iraq less than two weeks ago to thank him for his efforts. 

Those opposed to Abu Risha already had killed four of his brothers and six other relatives.  Mourners attending Abu Risha’s funeral shouted, “We will get our revenge.”  So, the cycle of violence continues.  Sometimes we shake our head in wonder at the barbarism we see in other cultures. 

It’s a wonder why, though. 

In Miami, a young African-American man opened fire on police during a traffic stop, killing one officer and wounding several others.  Police officers from across the state swarmed to Miami to join in a manhunt for the suspect, and when they found him, the results were predictable. He was shot dead.  There was no arrest or trial. 

A similar case unfolded in Florida a year or two ago.  Again, police from around the state hunted down an African-American man who shot and killed a police officer during a traffic stop.   When they found him, more than 100 rounds from police weapons obliterated him.  I guess they wanted to make sure he was dead.  No sense arresting him and putting him on trial.  Instant justice. 

The cycle of violence continues.  Many factors contribute, whether you consider the culture in the Middle East, or the culture here at home. 

In both cases, solutions are sought through deadly force, and the problems continue.