Addressing Terrorism-Way Forward

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The world has entered in the year 2018, with a level of insecurity more than ever—in recent past—in addition to many other problems—in the area of poverty, healthcare, education and social security. One of the major issues, globally, is terrorism. This article addresses this issue with a special focus on the causes of Muslim-led terrorism and suggests a way forward to address the issue. Once causes of a phenomenon understood, then addressing the issue becomes, relatively, easier. There are three sections; including state of affairs in Muslim communities—, which is not very good; perceived injustices—contributing in anxiety and frustrations; and finally way forward to address unrests, discussed in the following paragraphs.

State of Muslim Communities: According to an estimate, there are about 1.8 billion Muslims, by the end of 2015, (PEW, 2017), forming, almost, a quarter of the global population, however, helm of affairs are not much favourable. There are 57 Muslim-majority states (OIC, 2017), however, the rights of people are not ensured in the light of Objectives of Shari’ah. Objectives of Shari’ah [at necessities level—without which the system of a nation will run into chaos], as envisioned by Imam Ghazali includes; Protection of Faith, life, intellect, lineage and wealth [Hifz ul Eman, Hifz ul Nafs, Hifz ul Aqal, Hifz ul Nasal and Hifz ul Mal] (Siddiqui, 2000). Interestingly, modern Western values of democracy, freedom, justice [human rights—including women and minorities—and merit] are in line with Islamic teachings (Rashid, 2016). Muslim majority countries are spanning from Fareast to West Africa and from Central Asia to South Africa. Generally, Muslim youth is under stress and anger (Baroud, 2014), which increases with every passing moment, especially, when mainstream media links an act of terrorism with the religion of Islam—because Muslim youth know that Islam discourages killing of innocents. According to Holy Qur’an, “if anyone killed a person—not in retaliation of murder or (and) to spread mischief in the land—it would be as if he killed all mankind; and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind” (5:32). Even, during declared conflict/war with a nation, Islamic protocols of fight do not allow the killing of innocents—including women, children, old-age people (BBC, 2009). In addition, none of the known and credible Islamic scholar ever supported any act of terrorism, leading to the killing of innocents. Causes of terrorism are more political than religious.

Although much of the reasons for anger and frustration of Muslim-youth is contributed by the circumstances around them—corruption, poverty, lack of education and health facilities—however, Western establishment, too, contributes a certain amount—or at least Muslim-youth perceive in this way. In this article, we have tried to document certain reasons for anger and frustration of Muslim youth, as well as, suggest a line of action to address them. Addressing of anger and frustration of Muslim-youth is need of the time and ignorance might lead to failure in establishing global peace—a prerequisite to developments in the areas of economics, science & technology, and global society. The modern world is interconnected and any attempt to isolate or ignore billions of people (PEW, 2017), would never let others progress.

In the era of information technology, it is no more a secret and private the lifestyles of various communities around the globe. Maybe members of rich societies (people in high-income economies) are not interested to know as what is happening in poor communities, however, rest assured, people of poor and depressed communities are very much interested to know the circumstances of advanced societies. 24/7 news channels, films, documentaries, economic data and multi-million websites—accessible freely or at a very significant low cost—feed information every tick of the clock to billions of people worldwide. It is natural to wish for oneself the best available resources and comforts, whenever uncovered or accessible. Resources including goods and services, as well as, liberty and self-actualization contributes to the comfort of a human being. Maslow (1943) was instrumental in the identification of a hierarchy of needs starting from physiological—food, clothing and shelter—to the highest level of self-actualization— the realization of potential. In between are safety, belongingness and esteem needs (Mcleod, 2017).

In the light of Maslow’s hierarchy, if we look into the Muslim world, communities have attained different levels of needs fulfilment—for example, in GCC public is up in the ladder (higher command over consumption) and some sections of Muslim-communities, elsewhere, could not fulfil physiological needs (SESRIC, 2015). In addition, within geographical boundaries of a country, a disparity exists—for example in Pakistan, certain sections of the society are affluent and a large number is below the poverty line (Ebrahim and Ali, 2015). A large number of Muslims, globally, has not free access to education, healthcare, sufficient food, and security (Ibrahim, 2011). However, with the help of access to information, they know people around them, as well as, elsewhere enjoying the lifestyle of (earlier-days) royals or even better.

Who is responsible for this very bad state of affairs?  My answer is very simple! That is poor governance of these countries. Who governs these countries? Again, they already have independence from colonization, except few communities—including Kashmir and Palestine. The elite of their own countries is governing them. Moreover, that elite is either unfaithful to them or clearly lacs ability to run the modern society. In fact, rulers of these communities are not chosen by the free will of the residents—few exceptions may be—rather rulers are imposed upon them. Here comes the problem of divergence between West and Muslim youths to fore. Western establishment, repeatedly, approve or disapprove ruling elite in the various Muslim communities. Interestingly, often, Western establishment supported the elite/ruler in a country, was not a true representative of the community. Not only this, often, Western-establishment remained hostile or lesser cooperative to rulers of Muslim communities with ground-level support. Few examples cited here.

Perceived Injustices: In Pakistan, Western establishment, all the times supported military dictators and poured in billions of US dollars during those regimes—including Ayub, Zia, and Musharraf. While during civilian regimes—including Bhutto and Sharif—Western establishments ignored Pakistan or at least reduced support including economic [and political] (Ali, 2009). Fact is Bhutto and Sharif had ground-level support, among the masses, and supporting them would have created a soft image of the West in the hearts of Pakistanis. America has helped Pakistan in many areas, including defence and education, but American image is ‘more of an enemy than a friend’ in the eyes of the masses (PEW, 2010). Likewise, Pakistan returned the favours by joining US-led quests—including normalization with China, the defeat of Russia in Afghanistan, and latest move of toppling Taliban regime (resulting in losses of billions in economic and thousands in human-lives)—but Americans perceive Pakistan more of an enemy than a friend (DAWN, 2011). There is a huge trust deficit between the two nations—in spite of a lengthy partnership.

Pakistan was a partner of America in defeating USSR in Afghanistan, but in the post-war era, America and Pakistan could not agree on the choice of rulers in Kabul. Pakistan succeeded in finding a friendly government of Taliban in Afghanistan, but later on, America attacked Taliban—post 9/11 tragedy—and got Pakistani support through arms twisting. America could not succeed, [like earlier wars in Afghanistan] and promoted the role of anti-Pakistan elements in Afghanistan—including Northern Alliance and Indian influence. The increased roles of these anti-Pakistan parties are certainly against the interests of Pakistan; hence, Pakistan could not support America, wholeheartedly—as per USA demands.

With every passing day, relations of America and Pakistan are moving towards hostility. Definitely, in this age of information, Pakistani youth are looking at all these developments. They question American actions because they knew their nation has sacrificed above 62,000 lives and 118 billion of US dollars in economic losses (Sabri, 2017). They knew their streets and schools became red by the blood of their countrymen in a war, which was not their war—in fact, it was a Western war but brought suffering for their community, more than anyone else in the world. No other nation suffered too much in human-losses.

Consider the case of Egypt. A democratically elected president is persecuted and Military dictator took over, and Western establishment approved the whole process. We all know Morsi was the real representative of the people of Egypt—and Muslim youth had expectations with the West for his support because he was an elected president through a transparent process—but Western establishment preferred to support dictator over an elected representative, like Pakistan. Such double standards—opting democracy for themselves and dictatorship for others—of  West contribute to anxiety, stress, and angriness of Muslim youth towards the West.

In Iran, Western establishment supported the king over the elected prime minister in early 50s and continued support till the people’s revolution happened in 1979. After the establishment of people’s government in Iran, the Western establishment became hostile instead of being supportive.  This gives rise to negative sentiments among youth towards the West—as what Westerns like for themselves (democracy) do not willing to see in other communities.

Likewise, the latest episode of the Army coup in Turkey. Erdoğan is a popular leader in Turkey and in the power for more than a decade. He has alleged, that Western establishment supported that army coup (Withnall and Osborne, 2016). Again, irrespective of the truth of his claims, such acts of Western establishment contributes only to the stress and angriness of Muslim youth towards West.

Kashmir and Palestine are two major disputes among Muslims versus India and Israel. Globally, Muslims are unanimous on the resolution of these two issues under the resolutions of the United Nations. Clearly, United Nation resolutions guarantee the right of self-determination to Kashmiris and Palestinians (United Nations, 1948). However, Western establishment never acts overwhelmingly for implementation of such resolutions by pressing Israel and India. In fact, often in case of Palestine and occasionally in case of Kashmir, Western establishment put its weight against the oppressed Muslim communities. In addition, there were two issues of separation relating to Non-Muslims—in Indonesia and Sudan—and got quick resolutions by dividing the countries and ensuring independence in South Sudan (2011) and East Timor (2002).

Muslims are weak in technology, economics, education, governance and politically, as compared to the west. However, every treatment, in violation of merit and justice, creates hatred among them, at least; and powerful nations should not exercise “license to kill” the weaker segment in economics, politics, media and conflicts. Such an insult to a nation with glorious past—leadership in middle ages—as well as, forming one-fourth of the global community, with production of hundreds of thousands professionals in all areas—medical, science, technology, business etc. would definitely have consequences.

Way Forward: Implications of these—perceived—injustices and bullies include disapproval at the initial stage, later converts into anxiety and anger—at every repeat—and finally leads to resentment and revenge. Few of Muslims reach the final stage—however, few of 1.8 billion is hundreds of thousands. How much to kill? And at how many places? Anyone, reached the final stage, can be found and trapped anywhere. The solution is to work for ending the problem at an earlier stage—by addressing the causes of anxiety and angriness. Unfortunately, the prevailing western establishment—led by Mr Trump—have adopted the opposite course of action. For example, banning entry to the United States for members of some Muslim nations—including Libya, Sudan, Yemen, Syria and Iran—shifting USA embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, assignment of the increased role to India in South Asia—are acts of incitement to anger and violence, around the world.

West occupies a prime place—due to leadership in science and technology—in the global community, is expected to help-out less developed communities in the area of education, economics, and governance. However, at present Western role is being suspected as part of the problem—and not the solution of the problem. With this perception about West—part of the problem—among Muslims, the job of terror promotors become much easier to recruit the people willing to sacrifice their lives, especially, when their lives are lacking comfort and fulfilment. If the West is really serious about addressing the problem of terrorism, it needs to rethink its role as a global leader and make necessary improvements, based on agreed-upon values of democracy, justice, human dignity and human rights.

People, in Muslim countries, expect from West to help—them in achieving their goal of progress and prosperity—and not to deal them unjustly at multiple forums, regarding multiple issues. People expect Western support to achieve common values of humanity, in their communities, as practised in Western societies. People expect resolution of conflicts among Muslims and others, based upon merit, with equal treatment of the parties. Empirics suggest; Western support on merit—to the Muslim community in Bosnia—has contributed to increased confidence and soft corner, among Muslims for the Western establishment. However, prevailing Western policy—killing terrorists (by ignoring the collateral damages), isolating people of certain nations, planting puppets (rulers) in Muslim societies, and silence (and/or opposition) on Muslim disputed territories—have clearly failed and terrorism is on the rise, in both—Muslim and Western societies.

We can only hope for the betterment of helm of affairs, although, things are getting worse every minute and leadership style of wealthy states—Modi and Trump—may fuel the fire. We do not consider appropriate that the global community has an option to fail, in addressing terror threats, through a multi-pronged strategy. Failure to address means more terrorism—leading to bloodshed and making the world hell—and ironic is that over time even in western stable and peaceful societies the signs of hate and discrimination for (ordinary and peaceful) Muslims are emerging. Attacks on Majids (Mosques) and Muslims (BBC, 2017), discriminatory laws—targeting Muslims (Independent, 2016)—and Islamophobia is rising  in Europe and North America—consequently making the job easier for terror recruiters.

Written in 2018
***National Park Service https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:National_Park_Service_9-11_Statue_of_Liberty_and_WTC_fire.jpg

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