Italian nun shot dead by Somali gunmen By MOHAMED SHEIKH NOR, Associated Press Writer

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Two gunmen killed an Italian nun and her bodyguard at a hospital Sunday, and a security official for an Islamic militia controlling the capital speculated the attack was linked to worldwide Muslim anger over a speech by Pope Benedict XVI.

The nun, whose identify was not released, was shot in the back four times at the entrance to the Austrian-run S.O.S. Hospital in northern Mogadishu, said Dr. Mohamed Yusuf, a physician at the facility, which serves mothers and children.

The rage among Muslims is becoming a mass-madness and public health crisis. How can human beings be so monstrous to each other and claim piety at the same time? Religion is no longer the opiate of the people — it’s the crystal meth of the people.

Sadly, whatever the cure may be, it isn’t the War Without End. Armageddonists aren’t going to lead us to peace. mjh