The horrible root of terrorism
Terrorism is not a new phenomenon. It has a long history and vast background. Its evolution has resulted in many dangerous forms of terrorism. For a long time, terrorism had remained categorized into two main variations: traditional, which is now identified as state terrorism, and revolutionary, which developed in protest against political and social injustice, and operated as a supplement to insurgency and rebellion in efforts to win freedom and to bring about political and social change or as a response to state terrorism. In current academic discourse, terrorism is widely characterized as the ‘weapon of the weak’, as ‘violence for effect’ or as ‘violence for political purposes’.
The use of violence to terrify and intimidate is an ancient tactic. Terrorism is defined by the nature of the act, not by the identity of the perpetrators or the nature of the cause. Terrorism is violence, or the threat of violence, calculated to create an atmosphere of fear and alarm. These acts are designed to coerce others into actions they would not otherwise undertake, or refrain from actions they desired to take. All terrorist acts are criminal in nature. Many would also be violation of the rules of war if a state of war existed. This violence or threat of violence is generally directed against civilian targets. The motives of all terrorists are political, and terrorist actions are generally carried out in a way that will achieve maximum publicity. Unlike other criminal acts, terrorists often claim credit for their acts. Finally, terrorist acts are intended to produce effects beyond the immediate physical damage of the cause, having long-term psychological repercussions on a particular target audience.
Paul Wilkinson argues that terrorism is a special form of political violence. It is not a philosophy or a political movement. Terrorism is a weapon or method that has been used throughout history by states and by sub-state organizations for a wide variety of political causes or purposes. Some conceptualize terrorism in the framework of symbolic communication theory, viewing ‘terrorism as theatre’ and as a medium of communication. Hence, as a symbolic act, terrorism can be analyzed much like other communication processes as consisting of four basic components: transmitter (the terrorist), intended recipient (target), message (kidnapping, bombing, ambush) and feedback (reaction of target). The terrorist’s message necessitates a victim, but the target or intended recipient of the communication may not be the victim. For thousands of years terrorism has been evolving as a political, economic, religious and criminal tactic. Initially, terrorists’ actions were local and un-networked, and involved only a few people. States were very strong to control and eliminate them. However with the passage of time the capabilities and potency of terrorist organizations have increased drastically and the very acts that they carry out have become extremely violent, destructive and global in nature. Historically, terrorist organizations have carried out acts of terrorism on a very small scale resulting in very low casualties. In short, it can be firmly said that terrorism was present throughout the human history but for last few decades it has been given a new dimension.
Causes of Terrorism:
To understand and explain the problem of terrorism it is essential for all to realize and identify the causes of terrorism. The terrorism is a complex phenomenon which has several reasons such as social, psychological, economic, religious and political etc. All these factors contribute to the ever increasing current of the terrorist activities. This global phenomenon has various causes and some of them are being spelled out briefly for the better understanding of the issue. This is also notable that the causes of terrorism may be different in various societies due to its religious, ethnic, social and political nature.South Asia accounts for one fifth of the world population in seven distinctive states, housing around 43 per cent of the global poverty. The per capita GNP of the region is around $440, which is among the lowest in the world and its share in global income remains less then 2 per cent. South Asia is practicing tremendous transformation politically, social, ethnically, psychologically and economically. The root causes of terrorism, both domestic and international, are varied and complex. Some factors are essentially ideological and include religious and ethno nationalistic extremism. In addition, another set of factors arise from serious socioeconomic deficits, such as poverty and unemployment resulting from a combination of poor governance and the inability to cope with globalization processes.
The rise of extremism in South Asia is primarily the product of three factors. First is the slow economic progress along with a fairly high population growth rate. Second, the phenomenon of poor governance which was unable to address the socio-economic issues confronting the people of regional states. Third and perhaps the most significant is the foreign interference. The operative global environment along with the incumbent international political system is conducive to foreign interference.
South Asian countries have weak social and economic development policies to inhibit a resurgence of terrorism within their jurisdiction. There are many reasons behind these cruel acts which have fuelled radical groups in all South Asian states. With such a low human development, the region remains one of the most explosive regions of the world. Factors motivating these groups are many and varied. Among these factors the projection of certain cause which may include influencing the government to concede to their demands, a response to repression, to create disorder in the society, to redress the injustice, to undermine authority, to free jailed colleagues and friends etc. Sometimes financial gains motivate them to commit acts of terrorism. Although Pakistan is facing the same problems which the other South Asian states have but due to very critical political system following are the main tools which are triggering the causes of terrorism. These are;
(i) Illiteracy, Unemployment & Poverty
Lack of education, unemployment and poverty are equally responsible for the increase in terrorist activities. The illiterate people are wrongly given the hope to go directly in to the heaven if he/she commits terrorist act for God or religion. It is to highlight the significance of peace in Islam, saying that Pakistan, being an Islamic country, badly needed a durable peace. He said illiteracy, poverty, injustice and sense of deprivation were the main causes of terrorism and extremism. Thus, in circumstances where there is a sheer lack of education and basic human facilities, it becomes easier for the master minds of the terrorist groups to launch the offences at the cost of the socio-economic compulsions and ignorance of the poor masses. In the society where there is illiteracy, hunger and economic disparity the terrorism flourishes rapidly. All these factors lead to increase in poverty which itself is the mother of terrorism. Famous philosopher Aristotle had agreed on the assertion stating that “Poverty is mother of Terrorism and Revolution”. In Pakistan there is a colossal issue of poverty and that is why, it becomes easier for the terrorist groups to find the interested persons due to their poor economic conditions.
(ii) Sectarianism
Pakistan has been held captive to terrorist activities carried out by ethnic and religious groups. The religious groups used religion as a tool and expressed that due to suppression of not being free to actively practice religion, a reaction has occurred. The continued critics of the pro-western policies of the regimes have been quite an irritant for these religious groups. In reaction and to dissuade the governments to go all out for those policies they create trouble by plying into terrorist activities. They react by bombing innocent civilian targets and buildings.
(iii) Injustice & Corruption
Where there is no justice for poor and law and order situation is weak then it leads to a general dissatisfaction. Helplessness which guides to hopelessness is the psychological state that enhances terrorism in the society. The society, where the people are ignored and they have to suffer from socio-economic and political injustice, provides an encouraging environment for the promotion of terrorism. When the people and their problems are neglected or kept aloof they ultimately express their resentment in the form of violent behavior to attract the attention of the state and the people. The most powerful impulses are generated from the ground realities; of recurring injustices, indignities, denials and deprivations from intolerant societies where the majority is often even more intolerant, provoking the victims to a response, which gradually transforms into violent resistance. Violence breeds violence, which sets into motion a vicious cycle of terrorist actions and state repression – a militant struggle for freedom and justice against denials and retribution. In most cases, terrorist violence is a reaction against persisting injustices and denials and its growth is a result of refusal to recognize and resolve the problems. Corruption seems very common in every part of social and social structure of Pakistan. Majority of the political leaders, bureaucrats, government & private employees, traders & brokers, lawyers & judges and law enforcement agents etc. are corrupt. According to 2009 report, Pakistan is on 42nd in the list of the most corrupt states of the world.
(iv) Weak Political System & Lack of Leadership
The factor of democracy as an instigator or facilitator for terrorism deserves further exploration. A democratic government is supposed to represent the people and provide political means to voice their grievances, hence essentially providing a sphere where terrorism has no place. One of the biggest problems of Pakistan is the weak political system. Lack of Democracy is the main cause of terrorism. The dictators and autocratic governments frighten opponents. They do it to create the fear among the masses to suppress any opposition against their governments. In undemocratic circumstances the people do not find ways to express their disagreement and as a result some of them turn to the violent means to submit their expression. Political deprivation and alienation are the root cause of terrorism. This leads to hopelessness, then the sense of helplessness, which finally leads to these terrorist acts.
As Napoleon said,” Leader is a dealer in hope.” It is a big dilemma in Pakistan’s case that she has no powerful leader from very long time. Due to lack of good leadership in the country, the political system is very weak. And due to weak political system, terrorists’ activities are growing day by day.
Steps to be taken to overcome the issue of terrorism from Pakistan
Following steps are strongly recommended to overcome the burning issue of terrorism from Pakistan. (i) Justice for All (ii) Self-dependent Policies (iii) Good Governance System (iv) Good Leadership (v) Employment (vi) Better Intelligence System (vii) Responsible Media (viii) Regional & International Cooperation (ix) Political stability (x) Education for all (xi) Easy access of basic facilities. |
