Wild Thorns

One thing I found very intriguing as I finished up Wild Thorns was the passion and love that several of the characters had for their country. Basil, for instance, illustrates a typical young man who is willing to do anything for his country. He gathers with his friends at the local cafe to discuss the politics and even risks going to prison to stand up for his beliefs. He quickly realizes, though, how much he doesn't understand and how naive he actually is. A lot of parallels can be drawn to many of today's youth, and their response to the 9/11 attacks. Usama is another example of youth and resistance. He returns to his country in order to bring about change, or at least attempt to do so. He criticises his family and friends for succumbing to the ways of the Israelis. What I thought to be interesting was that he sits and criticises, but he was the one who left for several years while the occupation was occurring, instead of staying and helping support his family. What I think is even more baffling is that his solution to the problems in West Bank can be solved by martyring himself and killing several innocent people only trying to provide for their families.