[i]They're 5 miles high as the crow flies Leaving vapour trails against a blood red sky Moving in from the East towards the West With Balaclava helmets over their heads, yes
But if you think that Jesus Christ is coming Honey you've got another thing coming If he ever finds out who's hi-jacked his name He'll cut out his heart and turn in his grave
Islam is rising The Christians mobilising The world is on its elbows and knees It's forgotten the message and worships the creeds...[/i]-[url=http://display.lyrics.astrawe...:2000/display.cgi?the_the..mind_bomb..armageddon_days_are_here_ again]The The[/url]
If asked what the number one threat to the world is right now, I think most people would reply that terrorism is the greatest danger we face. Terrorism itself is not easily defined. If I can recall correctly (as I probably cannot), a textbook defined terrorism as the unlawful use of violence directed at a group of individuals or an entire society, often for ideological reasons. The definition doesn't really explain the difference between war and terrorism. Both terrorism and war often have the same results and can have differing interpretations. Assassins in Egypt viewed themselves as patriots but the government saw them as terrorists, for example. There are also different types of terrorism: state-sponsored, nationalist, ideological, and religious. I could go into detail on each type, but suffice it to say that, though each form of terrorism is certainly dangerous, religious terrorism is particularly frightening. This is because terrorists inspired by religious motives generally regard violence as morally justified in attaining their goals. They see God as being on their side and feel justified in using violence to further their cause. Also, they are unafraid of the consequences of their actions, even if they should die themselves- martyrdom is desirable. (note: have I ever mentioned that religion is dangerous?)
So how do we combat terrorism? Do the holy wars, the jihads, the terrorist violence in the name of religion equate to Armageddon? Well, probably not- I have my doubts about the world coming to an end any time soon. But it is clear that there is a major battle being fought on the basis of good against evil. The only problem is that both (or all) sides see themselves as good. Terrorists have a certain resolve because they feel that their actions are just. When we wage a war against these terrorists, we clearly feel that we are in the right. Holy wars or wars based on conflicting values and views accomplish little other than violence. Isn't this violence, in terms of the world itself, self-destructive? Those in the East view the West to be based on immoral values, to be irreligious, to be imperialistic, and basically evil. Those in the West find these claims to be absurd and feel that their ways are superior to those in the East. The age old question of "can't we all just get along" comes into play here. Sure, we have different values and different views, but for either side to attempt and impose their values and ideas on the other is immoral and is dangerous. Imperialism breeds resentment, and this results in retribution- often violently. It's a little too late to try and accept our differences now, but we should realize that fighting violence with violence only encourages violence. And how exactly do we fight terrorism? It sounds like a noble cause, to rid the world of terrorism, but how is it feasible?
These holy wars and the terrorist acts of late (as well as throughout history) illustrate the anarchic system of the political world. In a state of anarchy, each nation or group is left to defend against all others. When attacked, there is no security. When there is no security, violence is standard and the battle between supposed good and supposed evil is played out over and over again. The world may change as a result of these holy wars, as often has been the case, but the problem will likely never be resolved.
(This blog brought to you by an easily distracted and wandering mind- this was intended to be about the end of religion...)
posted by: Nivek (reply)
post date: 02.20.04 (6:08 pm)
Oh, yeah! I like your posts so. The number one threat to humanity and the world is collectivism and the abolision of reason.
posted by: Nivek (reply)
post date: 02.20.04 (6:20 pm)
"The only problem is that both (or all) sides see themselves as good". Nice point. So, is it Christian (the US), against Islam (all Islam)? It is indeed a holy war. Why can't anyone see the problems with the insane, subjective doctrines of both? Isn't our latest war against religions a wonderful depiction of what the lack of reason can produce, and in a time of such advancement? When some may wonder why I am an atheist, I tell them why...then I ask them to behold the current war of our time.
"Tragically, a nation that was created by intellectuals and visionaries has now been completely taken over by venal corporate gangsters, delusional Christian fruitcakes and hopelessly shallow Texas shit-kickers." -Tom Robbins
