I was led to house and into a room filled with cigarette smoke. I was made to sit. I sensed at least five or six people. For two hours I was grilled. Questions were fired at me from around the room until I began to perspire nervously. As the questioning continued I began to piece it together. The Al Qaeda had snatched me from Afghanistan and brought me to Pakistan. I was a bit surprised. Pakistan seems to be way out of the centre of the action. ''Why are you here?'' I heard the question for what seems like the one millionth time. ''To see the Sheikh'' I replied. ''Why are you here?'' the question came again and I screamed '' I want to talk to someone who can speak English!''

''You are from Nigeria and you say we cannot speak English?'' A voice said. I relaxed, at least this is another question, I was bored with the first one. ''Yes, I am a Nigerian and I have come on my own to see the Sheikh and discuss a very important Issue with him''. ''Why are you here?'' I passed out.

It was the light that woke me up. I squinted to adjust to the ray of light intruding in the dominance of darkness that engulfed the room. I surveyed my surroundings. A window, a door. Bare floor. One mat on which I lay. I sat up and was overtaken by a spell of coughing. Someone opened the door and sat down on a stool just behind the door ( I didn't notice it before) ''I am Adam Gadahn Known in Al Qaeda also called "Azzam the American" or Azzam al-Amereeki, I am a Jew and an American''. The man said in flawless American English.

I looked at him, stunned! What kind of Jew would endorse and even participate in the murder of innocent people? What Kind of American would sell out his own country and want it destroyed, what sort of man would lack honour and still be proud of himself? ''I am a Nigerian, I replied, not a traitor but one who knows the answer to the questions driving the Sheikh and his associates''.

''I Know all about you, and I cannot help but wonder why a resourceful person like you will willingly come here to die. You are young and the future ahead of you is so bright.''

''What future?'' I replied. A future clouded in uncertainty. A future of annihilation and death and rage. What future?

''I understand you. America has led us all into a darkness. America is evil.''

''No, I replied, the choices we make drive us all. A bitter tree can still sow sweet fruits, life can give you a lemon and you may choose to cry or make a lemonade out of it. But, lets not blame others for our choices.''

''Fair Enough! But you have made a choice that can lead only one way. Death!!! Afghanistan and Pakistan have little tolerance for Christians especially Pastors''.

''You Know, In Nigeria some people celebrated the Attacks on the United States of America. They thought you guys are heroes. But I know better, I know you guys are asking for help through your actions and I decided to come to offer you help''.

''Offer us help?''

''Yes. You are angry. You have been hurt and abused in the past. You have been betrayed and insulted. You seek n avenue to lash out, to dispose of your hurt and pain and that has prompted you to hate so much that now you are becoming monsters''

He laughed. ''You just don't get it. I will kill you in a few minutes but I want to know, why did you choose to come here and die?''

''because you are turning the world to something else. Take a typical young boy who has the ambition of becoming a Lawyer, doctor, musician or Pastor whose father, mother or relative you have killed, he will veer off course and be driven by the events you engineered all his life. You will end up producing individuals like yourself and the world will cease to be sane''.

''America made me what I am!'' he screamed.

''No. America merely offered you a choice. You made yourself a puppet in the hand of the devil''

Without warning he slapped me! Hard!! I tasted blood and couldn't resist the tears streaming out of my eyes. ''Spoilt brat'' You will die here, perhaps with a bomb strapped to your midsection you wouldn't be so cheeky''. He said and walked out.

I lied there I recited the Psalms. One after the other. I find it comforting in times like this and after a while I prayed.