New book on the anatomy of terrorism

The book, titled: Terrorism and Reason, encompasses views of world renowned experts, politicians and analysts. It is mainly based on papers presented at an international conference on terrorism organised by the Centre on January 13 and 14, 2003.

The book includes valuable philosophical and intellectual studies and discussions on the relationship between terrorism and reason.

The papers presented focused on topics such as The Failure of Faith-Based Initiatives, Rationality in Terrorists and Terrorism, History and Definition of Terrorist Action, Language of Protest, Terrorism and Dedogmatised Reason, Violence, Terrorism and the Rational conduct of Conflict, Reason and Traditions, and Epistemology of Terrorism.

J. N. Dixit, former secretary of Foreign Affairs (India), Abdulla Hamed Al Kilani, representative of the Arab League Secretary-General, Professor Oliver Leeman, Professor David Burrel, Dr. Kiki Kennedy-Day from the US, Dr David Alexander George from the UK, Dr Gerard Chalinad from France, and Professor Mohiuddin Ahmed from Bangladesh took part in the conference.

The book says that the centre has organised this conference to promote current debates on terrorism.

The aim was to address the dimensions of this world phenomenon, its causes, and how to deal with it effectively, taking into account that terrorism is a world phenomenon that is not limited to a specific religion or a nation.

Emphasis has been laid on the reason as this phenomenon arises originally from man's mind.

As such, the intellectual side has to be given priority in combating terrorism instead of focusing on military and security sides.

The participants have pointed out that this was the first international conference held to develop a philosophical framework within which a definition of terrorism, and how far is it away from the human mind, could be attained.

The research papers and discussions have shown that terrorism is a global phenomenon that is not limited to a certain religion or nations. The participants agreed that terrorism now cannot attain its goals. "Failing to do so, it turns out to be a devastating factor for human civilisation." It has been also stressed that philosophers, intellectuals and research centres must study terrorism to identify its roots and causes with the aim of attaining rapprochement among human beings.