Urgent need to define contemporary terrorism

| Last updated less than one minute ago

Submit :

News Photos Just In Debate Topic Latest News Articles Local News Blog Posts Pictures Reviews Recipes

reezu kaushik

21 September, 2009

Contemporary terrorism has moved far from its origins, which were rooted in the struggle against despotism. With the shedding of restraints and deliberate choice of innocent victims, some groups have acquired the persona once attributed to tyranny.

TERRORISM IS one of the most widely discussed issues of our times, yet it remains the least understood. Its recent manifestations have been described in countless books, monographs, articles, plays, novels and films. It includes both horror and fascination; its shocking and unexpected nature has captured headlines for years and it has become the most publicised form of political violence. But a serious study of terrorism is lacking and widely divergent views continue to prevail with regards to its origin, its impact on international politics and the forms it may assume in near future.

Terrorism is essentially a problem emanating from the Middle East, where it is practiced in the name of religion. The terrorist attacks in India as well as abroad have created an impression that Jihad is central to Quranic teachings. However, this isn't so and Jihad’s root meaning is to strive for betterment of society; to spread goodness and contain evil. The verses quoted to justify Jihad are generally taken in a literal sense and ignore the value system of the Quran. It is a well known fact, be it al-Qaeda or any other terrorist organisation, they do not represent a government or any muslim community. Yet, they successfully mobilise angry youth, who get carried away by Islamic rhetoric and take lives of innocent people, going against all Quranic teachings.

The problem has become very dangerous for mankind today and it should figure topmost in our agenda. A wise man once said that terrorism is cancer for the society and has many forms. In the same way, state sponsored terrorism exhibits a new dimension which is a far more dangerous threat. No example can explain this better than the 9/11 attacks carried out by Osama Bin laden, ironically created by the USA to battle the Soviet Union in the 1980s, when they had invaded Afghanistan.

One way of stamping out terrorism is to stamp out crime and atrocities, whether perpetrated by people or even the state. If the government cannot protect all citizens against crime all the time, it cannot protect everyone against a terrorist attack. According to Tich Nhat Hanh, a tireless advocate of non-violence and Noble Peace Prize nominee, terrorists are victims who create more victims. The only antidote for anger and violence is compassion.

Contemporary terrorism has moved far from its origins, which were rooted in the struggle against despotism. By and large, there has been essentially a change in the character of terrorism over the last 100 years. With the shedding of restraints and deliberate choice of innocent victims, some groups have quite clearly acquired the persona once attributed to tyranny. The tyrant wants to impose his will on the society and to keep it at ransom. But if moralists are wrong, does it not follow that one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter.

At this point of time one can only hope that the misguided youth resorting to violent actions will realise the futility of these attacks and renounce such sinful acts. Instead they should concentrate on excelling in learning and acquiring a superior moral character.