Terrorism: Why does it happen: When would it end?
Since the 9/11 attack in the United States, the term “terrorism” and “terrorists” are often synonymous to several Muslim groups bent on taking revenge against the most powerful and influential countries today. Most of the attacks of terrorists are often suicidal such as suicide bombings, kidnapping and armed conflict against the military. Most reports and first-hand accounts state that these terrorists are doing this “holy war” against the world because they wish to cleanse the world of its evil and create order. But many disagree with this claim as they are killing innocent people while doing this holy war against those with power. Civilians often question why terrorism happens and when would this reign of terror end? There are many possible reasons on why terrorism came to be but, considering the current status of the international arena; it may take a while for terrorism to fully come to an end.
In an assessment by some critics, terrorism exists because of influential factors that stem from the environment the terrorists have been introduced with. The study noted that terrorists often participate in the activity of terrorism because of the benefits that may be given to them even if they are not finished with their studies and if they have regular jobs. Most of these people who are enticed to join the cause mostly belong to the developing nations who have experienced enough oppression and use by the developed countries as these countries have claimed what is not theirs. This then serves as one of the main reasons why no matter how dangerous the task is, the people who wish to join the cause would do it to give their families a greater life. Terrorist groups provide some support for their recruits and members which is more beneficial than the support they would get from the government. The study also points out that terrorism is a form of retaliation from those who experience racism from other countries and groups. For those who have been oppressed, terrorism is just one way on taking revenge against those who have used them and claim which was rightfully taken away from them. Most terrorists fight because the developed countries have forsaken them to have a comfortable living and quality services as the resources they could have used to improve their lifestyle have been taken for granted by these developed countries. Instead of paying these countries back for these resources, replacing them or granting them a piece of technology and update, these developed countries do not even do any of these as their sign of thanks. To terrorists, this is just one way they can get their rights back for their own resources. Another reason terrorism exists and happens because of the difference in idealism of both the international community and these rebels has over important events and issues. As they conflict regarding these ideals, many are stuck in between the crossfire. The article pointed that even though the international community can solve the problem of developing countries with regards to their way of life and other important needs of the country, they must also understand that their donations to the country must not be generalized.
Dealing with the problem caused by terrorism is still an on-going process for the international community as there does not seem to be a compromised solution to the problem for all the actors involved in the problem. On a report written for the US Congress, there are several methods on how the international community and the US government are trying to combat terrorism and find an end to the problem. Through the use of diplomacy, sanctions, law enforcement, military action and an establishment of an international court; the international community can save millions from being caught in the crossfire and reduce the instance of groups who wish to join in the terrorist belief. These policy strategies also help in forming an anti-terrorist coalition and would limit the creation of more conflicts between the terrorists and the rebels. However, the report has noted that these strategies are not effective in their own way due to the limitations that may arise such as funding and the difference in idealism. Terrorists may also feel threatened and isolated if a coalition would be done by the international community and may try to resist through the use of force. Due to the polluted international politics that revolves around the decisions of the coalitions, terrorists may not easily give in with the demands and requests as it may be of equal value for all.
On a personal note, the cause of terrorism cannot be fully determined as the definition itself generalizes all forms of violence to be the work of terrorists. The term terrorism has been redefined and seen in a different light than it was before and people do believe and generalize that those who belong to the same religion and race are all evil masterminds. I believe terrorism happens because there is a gap in the idealism and there is a fear that brews into the hearts and minds of the most powerful nations that the developing countries would become a bigger threat that they cannot win against in the near future. It is true that terrorism happens because terrorists are fighting because of their rights to have a good life, a quality education and a developing country that can provide them but in a civilian’s point of view, it could have been done in a more diplomatic matter. Then again, politics makes it more difficult to settle things with these groups as it is clouded with people whom believe these terrorists groups are up to no good. Unless there is an agreement between these groups, all ideologies understood and universally thought; terrorism may indeed end. At present however, even if the Allied forces can kill the heads of the movements, revenge would always come next to it. What is the point on ending terrorism through this method if the terrorists would want to have revenge against the Allies for killing their own? Unless all of the actors would forget their differences at least for one day to speak to these people and understand why they are fighting, there may be a chance to create a compromise that all may benefit from.
Works Cited
Krueger, Alan and Jitka Maleckova. "Education, Poverty and Terrorism: Is There a Causal Connection." Journal of Economic Perspectives 17.4 (2003): 119-144.Web. 3 Oct. 2011.
Perl, Raphael. "International Terrorism: Threat, Policy and Response." CRS Report for Congress (2007): 1-31. Web. 3 Oct. 2011.
