Books have been written on this very question.
Other Islamics, like the woman in this instance, have demonstrated great compassion and courage - which has often placed their lives in danger, and often resulted in their being slain.
It is almost a certainty that the murder of this journalist - who deserves the title if anyone ever has - was intended as a vivid demonstration of what will happen to any Iraqi who publicly works for a free and cohesive Iraq.
Your son probably had a much better take on this than I ever could - I am far removed from that place.
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family for the loss of your son. May he, and all the fine men and women who have served there and lost their lives in working for the freedom of others - the highest of callings - never, never be forgotten.
May they remain eternally young in the hearts of us who knew them and of them - and in those of generations to come who learn of them.
You're right. I was just rambling. Freedom comes at a great cost...