Terrorism has transcended all political and geographical boundaries

Published: Mon 12 Aug 2019, 8:44 PM

Last updated: Mon 12 Aug 2019, 10:46 PM

The chilling message of the massacres in Ohio and Texas in the United States is pure intimidation. Terrorism is once again rearing its ugly head across America. This is terrorism by Americans against fellow Americans. Since the days of yore terrorism has deep linkage with our changing modes of civilisation. America's massive intelligence establishment was caught in a deep slumber yet again. Former CIA director Michael Hayden had warned his leaders that home-grown terrorism will confront his nation one day. His report has now become a deadly reality, as the US prepares for an election in 2020, which could change the course of its history.
If we want to reduce the levels of terrorism, or even contain it, we will have to deal with its manifestations and its underlying causes.
Today's terrorism transcends political and geographical boundaries. It is supported by powerful states and a multitude of international actors. The poignant fact is that global peace has become a subject at the United Nations, and all endeavours to have it have been futile as unrestrained violence has made its way to establish its diabolical might.
Killing has become a diurnal activity, as a shaken and frightened world sits viewing the dance of death as spectators. It was Mark Twain who said, "Peace by persuasion has a pleasant sound, but I think we should not be able to work it. We should have to tame the human race first, and history seems to show that that cannot be done."
We live in a violent culture in a violent world that appears to be becoming more violent with time.
As is the case with any act of terrorism, the perpetrators and victims have been reduced to mere statistics and caricatures. Terrorism threatens us all, not only physically and politically, but also morally and intellectually. It is a violent disproportion between ends and means, against which we have no recourse.
- Farouk Araie, Johannesburg, South Africa

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