WHAT IS TERRORISM:
Terrorism is not new, and even though it has been used since the beginning of
recorded history it can be relatively hard to define. Terrorism has been
described variously as both a tactic and strategy; a crime and a holy duty; a
justified reaction to oppression and an inexcusable abomination. Obviously, a
lot depends on whose point of view is being represented. Terrorism has often
been an effective tactic for the weaker side in a conflict. As an asymmetric
form of conflict, it confers coercive power with many of the advantages of
military force at a fraction of the cost. Due to the secretive nature and small
size of terrorist organizations, they often offer opponents no clear
organization to defend against or to deter.
Terrorism is a criminal act that influences an audience beyond the immediate
victim. The strategy of terrorists is to commit acts of violence that .draws the
attention of the local populace, the government, and the world to their cause.
The terrorists plan their attack to obtain the greatest publicity, choosing
targets that symbolize what they oppose. The effectiveness of the terrorist act
lies not in the act itself, but in the public’s or government’s reaction to the
act.
TACTICS OF TERRORISM:
In contrast, religiously oriented and millenarian groups typically attempt to
inflict as many casualties as possible. Because of the apocalyptic frame of
reference they use, loss of life is irrelevant, and more casualties are better.
Losses among their co-religionists are of little account, because such
casualties will reap the benefits of the afterlife. Likewise, non-believers,
whether they are the intended target or collateral damage, deserve death, and
killing them may be considered a moral duty.
Another common form of symbolism utilized in terrorist targeting is striking on
particular anniversaries or commemorative dates. Nationalist groups may strike
to commemorate battles won or lost during a conventional struggle, whereas
religious groups may strike to mark particularly appropriate observances.
PREVENTION:
Terrorism is the most critical issue facing our world today.
To strengthen and augment our government’s current antiterrorism efforts,
we urgently need a more fundamental approach that neutralizes the very basis of
terrorism,
preventing terrorist attacks before they begin.
Prevent terrorist cells from proliferating in at-risk countries where
tensions run high; prevent terrorist trainees and other
potential antagonists around the world from engaging in suicide missions
and other fanatical acts of terrorism.
Create a peaceful and cooperative environment within hostile nations
serving as home bases to terrorists as well as within neighboring
countries, conducive to the formation of a stable, post-terrorist regime.
Relieve tremendous pressure on our Departments of Defense, Homeland Security,
Justice, and other departments charged with protecting World against
terrorist attacks.
To prevent future terrorist acts, six major principles to guide an effective,
truly international campaign are:
1. Bringing the perpetrators to justice based on lawful procedure and respect
for the rights and safety of innocent civilians. The most prudent course is to
explore every avenue to apprehend suspects legally without responding with
inappropriate force that kills innocent civilians and provokes new terrorist
acts.
2. Unequivocal condemnation of all acts of terrorism. Unless there is
condemnation of all acts, methods, and practices of terrorism, the so-called
'coalition' against terrorism will be an opportunistic, tactical one rather than
a longer-term, broadly supported, strategic one.
3. Preventing the strategic escalation of conflict and a new 'cold war'. Carte
blanche endorsement of an open-ended war on an ill-defined enemy risks the
destabilization of many regions, including those of central, south, and
southwest Asia.
4. Refocusing government resources on prevention and solving social, economic,
and environmental problems. Resources that were gradually reallocated from
defense spending to fund strategic, preventative projects in health, education,
sustainable economic development, and violence prevention could help rebuild
many local communities worldwide and start a process of establishing a new
international security system, tackling the deeply-rooted causes of terrorism.
5. Vigilance against racial vilification, the violation of civil liberties, and
the use of apocalyptic language. There are many legitimate security measures
such as improved protection of ports and airports and better coordination of
emergency services. After September 11, these issues are, understandably, high
on the agenda of many states, and need to be addressed systematically.
6. A comprehensive strategy under the auspices of the United Nations and linked
to non-governmental organizations. To develop a comprehensive, multi-issue,
preventative strategy, there must be a high-level conference under the auspices
of the UN. The world needs a new international security strategy that redefines
security as more than military power: as economic security, sustainable
development, social justice, and human rights.
Finally, for an effective campaign against terrorism to proceed in the
longer-term, a reformed UN needs new models for non-government and citizen
involvement in domains of global governance historically dominated by states.
ISLAM AND TERRORISM:
Islam, the religion of peace:
"But if the enemy incline towards peace, do thou (also) incline towards peace"
(The Quran 8:61)
The Word "Islam"
The "root" of the word "Islam" in Arabic is SALAMA which is the origin of the
words Peace & / or Submission, a submission to God and peace to all humanity. It
is, thus, no wonder why the salutation in Islam is: "Al-Salamu Alaikum or Peace
on You."
Muslim means one who submits. For many non-Muslims, the word Muslim is
synonymous with angry mobs and suicidal bombers. Such stereotyping of Muslims is
patently wrong. Most Muslims are ordinary, peace-loving people with their own
set of dreams and problems and should be treated with the same respect we give
to any other fellow human being.
Misrepresentation of Anti-Islam
Anti-Muslims resort to a deceitful misrepresentation when they misquote the
Quranic verses of the second chapter. They claim that Quran promoted killing the
infidels wherever you find them. Indeed, this is true but only if the infidels
attack Muslims.
Islam denounces Terrorism and shows the path to establishing Justice & Peace
Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret. He likes not the aggressors. And
do not do mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order, And Invoke Him
with fear and hope; Surely, Allah's mercy is (ever) near unto the good-doers.
(The Qurán 7:55)
In recent times, 'violence' & 'terrorism' has unfortunately come to be
associated with Islam and Muslims. For a religion called "Islam", which derives
its meaning from the arabic root word "salama" (meaning: peace/submission), and
whose followers do not get tired of greeting each other with "assalamu'alaikum"
(meaning: peace be on you), association with the term of 'violence' is quite
ironic.
Islam is the religion of peace. Its very name is derived from the word ‘salam’.
Salam is not only the absence of violence and aggression but it also means total
well being and happiness. It means literally ‘to be safe, secure, sound,
wholesome, unharmed, unimpaired and intact’. From these meanings in the physical
sense it has also acquired the metaphysical and moral meanings, namely, ‘to be
blameless, faultless and perfect’.
Islam is the religion of salam. Salam does not mean ‘peace’ in the sense of
being inactive, motionless or quiet. People use the word ‘peaceful night’ when
it does not have the activities and noise of the day. People say ‘peaceful
ocean’ when it has no waves. Similarly they call the cemeteries ‘the gardens of
peace’ because every one is dead there and there is no sign of life. The word
‘salam’ does not mean ‘to be quiet’ or ‘to be motionless’ or ‘to become dead’.
Salam is an active and dynamic involvement to keep and to restore the right
order. Salam is both an individual quest for peace and harmony for one’s self
and it includes the concern for the well being of all people regardless of their
races, colors or genders.
There are three major components in the concept of peace (salam) in Islam. It is
1. Inner peace and harmony in the life of every individual
2. Social cohesion in the community
3. Treatment of tensions and conflicts.
Islam is a Religion of Mercy
Mercy is the companion of peace in the salutation of Muslims.
The Messenger of Islam is a Mercy to the worlds.
And the slogan of Islam, repeated in every utterance and action is
"In The Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful."
The behaviour between the believers is one of patience and mercy:
‘Then he became one of those who believed and recommended one another to
perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to piety and
compassion.’
(Surat-al-Balad (90), ayah 17)
CONCLUSION:
Islam wants to establish a world order where all human beings -Muslims and
non-Muslims - can live with justice in peace, harmony and good will. It gives
its followers full guidelines to find peace in their personal and social lives,
but it also tells them how to extend the good will on the basis of human
relations towards others. Muslims worked under these principles for centuries.
People of many faiths lived with them and among them. Islamic societies were
known for their tolerance, generosity and humanity.
As religious people we should not misrepresent each other. We must wish for
others what we wish for ourselves. We should encourage dialogue and cooperation
rather than prejudices and confrontations. We should learn to live with our
differences and we should also agree to disagree sometimes.
As religious people it is our responsibility to live in peace with others.
Instead of talking about the clash of civilization, let us talk about building
bridges between the civilizations. Let us preserve and develop peace, justice
and tolerance in our families, in our neighborhoods, in the places of work,
among the people we know and we do not know.
It is a sincere advice that
every one keep in mind that Islam is a way of Life defined by God, the creator
of the universe and all that exists. The treatment of sensitive issues by God
are hence those that are most practical and the most humane and best for
mankind. May Allah (swt) give us wisdom, guidance and the strength to follow the
path pleasing to our Creator. Amen.
THE END