I lost it a little this morning when I read BO18’s blog entry regarding two more suicide attacks in Casablanca. According to Al Jazeera English, the bombings occurred next to the “American Cultural Centre” and near the Consulate on Blvd. My Youssef. I’m not sure what American Cultural Centre that is, but needless to say, I’m none too excited about going to work in a building with “America” written across the front.

I asked my students last night what they feel about all this. Every single one of them, all Moroccan teenagers (and a couple of female adults) said they were scared and would not be going to Casa anytime soon.

Some students mentioned family that live in Casa and said that everyone is afraid to go outside - Cassaouis are all sitting in their homes, afraid to go anywhere that could be rendered “touristic” or “American.”  McDonald’s is, apparently, quite empty.

And then another student, a young woman named Fatima Zohra, raised her hand and said “We can’t let them win.”  It was a sentiment with which everyone, myself included, agreed, but didn’t do anything to ease anyone’s fears.

They’re cowards, complete and utter pathetic cowards.  I don’t care what your life circumstances are or your beliefs, there’s no excuse for that kind of pathetic violence.  But I’m still nervous.