Days after the Paris attacks, people in Washington D.C. held a candle light vigil for those who died. Many placed candles next to flowers and a sign that reads "We stand with each other" and "Je Suis Paris #PrayforHumanity"
The terrorist attacks that took the lives of 129 innocent people in Paris can only be described as despicable and tragic. Â
The pain that the nation and those who lost loved ones feel is not unknown to us Americans.
We know the pain of losing so many of our fellow citizens to violent zealots. We understand the anger, and we know the hate. Â
We know because this tragedy reminds us in many ways of 9/11.
Undoubtedly, the United States will support France, in the same way that France supported the United States back in 2001.
But, both countries must be cautious and rational in the actions they take. Just like in 2001, emotions and fear are high. The desire to do something can out shout the voices of reason.
Some will say less than a week after the Paris attacks is the most insensitive time to ask for citizens and world leaders to take a step back and carefully consider how to fairly retaliate against ISIS. But it is the most important time.
Remember that it was our anger and hasty desire to strike back that led us to enter a war in Iraq — a country that did not aid Al-Qaida or Osama Bin Laden in the 9/11 attacks — and a war that has led to more than 6,000 US military deaths and approximately 140,000 Iraq civilian deaths.     Â
It was our fear that allowed Congress to pass and Americans to accept the Patriot Act, a law that weakened our civil liberties and our right to privacy.
It was our hate that led us to do away with due process, indefinitely imprison people at Guantanamo Bay and torture innocent people at CIA black sites.
And while the United States has tried to correct many of those mistakes, the world is still living with the poor decisions made after 9/11.
Every time a Hellfire missile from a drone kills more than its intended target, the people of the Middle East are reminded of the decisions made after 9/11.
So, leaders of the first world and the people who hold them accountable, take a step back and consider your next move.    Â
The United States clearly shares and understands the French people’s anger and sadness after the Paris attacks. But do not let the desire to bring ISIS to justice turn into a war against civil liberties, innocent people and Islam.
