My first reaction to the recent tragedy in New York City and Washington DC was shock and sympathy. Upon learning what actually transpired, it changed to disbelief and anger. Like most of us, the thing that came next to my mind was military retaliation.

But will an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth console us? How many innocent lives will have to be ended in order to please us? We cannot undo what has happened. We will never be able to bring back the lives that have been lost, but we can save the lives that will or might be lost.

We should not let our emotions run wild. Unfortunately, the truth is that our emotions seem to be controlling us. Our calmness and rationality are being tested, and we should win this internal war first. Then, let's unite and wage a war against terrorism, by leaving the innocent alone.