Opinion: The Assassination of Thought and Pen

Assassinations targeting the elite have escalated since the infiltration of those who want to ignite sectarian war and halt the political process. They are seeking to kill off the democratic atmosphere of freedom, justice and equality. They have targeted professors and scientists in order to stop the wheel of scientific progress turning, and to pressure the elite to flee for their lives. A country’s progress is reckoned by the number of its scientists, who count as a national asset. The criminals have also targeted journalists and other media staff. This is the same scenario as when the Mongols captured Baghdad in 1258 and killed scientists, burnt the most important books, and threw the rest in the river Tigris. Despite these attacks, ideas and the pen will prove decisive weapons in confronting these lovers of death.