19 September 2001 , Copyright © Turkish Daily News
OPINION
/ Yasemin Dobra
Manco
Will our hopes for a common struggle against terrorism turn into fears of a crusade?
In response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, any retaliation must be carefully weighed, while precautions should be taken to counter the explosive effects of emerging racism and discrimination. In a matter of weeks, world leaders could be further horrified to discover how easily prejudicial retaliations could lead to destabilization and a modern day crusade which could divide America and other multicultural societies according to religious beliefs, color, race, class, and culture.
Despite laws ensuring equality, and the great pride Americans take in their multicultural heritage, western nations must face the fact that in reality their societies practice many forms of inequality (which can be traced to historic injustices and conflicts). Since the attacks, whether at work, while socializing with friends, or in the supermarket, prejudice and vengeance are being directed at people with dark skin and arousing insecurities and suspicion. Another horrendous terrorist attack in Europe could be the catalyst of unforeseen domestic violence in many countries. Therefore, the struggle against terrorism must be founded on tolerance and a globally coordinated battle. A "no rules" mentality is certain to lead to doom.
It should be remembered that while the Yugoslav leader Slobodan Milosevic orchestrated the destruction of one Muslim village after the other, the Muslim world did not react with massacres of Christians in return. It is unfair and unreasonable to associate all Muslims with terrorism just as it would be unreasonable to associate all Christians with the unspeakable acts of genocide that occurred during the 1990's, or the goals of Neo-Nazis organizations and white supremacists groups.
Turning to the Islamic countries, it must be asked what type of modern world they envision? If justice and equality are to be leading principles in the future, the Islamic world must awaken to the needs of 21st century Muslims. Leaders must be more responsive to the needs of their societies and to the demands of the international community. The results of these terrorist attacks demonstrate that the needs of Muslims are no different than the needs of all people -- a safe, conflict free environment so that the potential of societies can be realized. What are Islamic nations going to do to help achieve this?
After declarations denouncing terrorist attacks have been issued by governments and respected Islamic religious leaders, a conference should immediately be organized with government representatives from the Islamic world (with the assistance of existing international Islamic organizations) in order to come to a majority agreement on a definition of terrorism. Islamic societies need such leadership in order to help their adherents, especially those living in predominately non-Muslim nations. There are millions of Muslims living in Europe and the United States, with millions scattered throughout the world. During this time of crisis they need guidance and a better understanding of Islam's place in the modern world. The Islamic world should not sit back and watch as innocent Muslims are isolated, alienated, targeted and harassed as a result of these acts of terrorism.
Modern day Muslims point out that passages of the Koran maintain that Muslims should adapt to the times in which they live. To take ones life, as in the case of suicide bombers, is also believed to be against Islamic principles. There is a need to interpret passages and principles according to the age of the Internet, air travel, high-tech communications and rapidly growing multicultural societies. This is extremely important at a time when education is limited in many Muslim societies and individuals can be manipulated by political leaders, as well as self-appointed religious leaders who can issue "fatwahs" according to their own interpretations of Islam, which may be extremist. The need to educate all Muslims on the dangers of terrorism should be a priority, as well as agreement on an Islamic "interpretation" and definition of terrorism. The United States and international community must urge representatives from the Islamic world to participate in the creation of new institutions with which to reshape the international order.
The tackling of these and other complex and sensitive issues have been neglected by Muslim leaders for many years, while the West has feared the coming together of Islamic nations. Herein lies the test for the West and the rest of the world; can they unite and promote international stability before further attacks lead to a world out of control? The Islamic world must become partners with the West and the international community in order to fight terrorism. Serious attempts must also be made to explore new ways of fostering dialogue and cooperation on matters of importance to Muslims (such as the status of Jerusalem).
The terrorist attacks on America demonstrate that an international fight against terrorism cannot be delayed any longer, even if some Islamic nations risk facing domestic tensions. Citizens of the world, and especially of America, must also be ready to sacrifice some of the freedoms that they have enjoyed and taken for granted, while intelligence organizations will inevitably have to fight a dirty war with dirty means, at times without any rules.
The Islamic world cannot expect respect during this crisis if its leaders fail to unite. But what about the West? We need to see determination and respect of Islam, otherwise the global fight against terrorism will be undermined. While launching this international struggle against terrorism, the creation of numerous international alliances must be avoided. A united coalition from Western and non-Western nations should be the goal.
There are already an increasing number people in the world who are desperate, lacking resources, not just out in the streets of the Middle East, but in America as well as elsewhere. Even in Europe we have witnessed violent anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, and anti-globalization riots. These groups communicate and coordinate with greater ease thanks to the information revolution and a more interdependent world. Common grievances and unresolved conflicts could serve as sources for counter alliances of extremist groups. The world must begin to address these issues by devising new approaches and structures. We have just witnessed numerous genocides over the last decade and are aware that weapons of mass destruction can be used from all corners of the earth. Therefore we must develop new ways of cooperating and protecting ourselves.
Such an extraordinary Islamic conference, followed by international solidarity could be the beginning of a new and improved dialogue with and between Islamic states, and even serve as the catalyst for the emergence of a combined non-Islamic and Islamic coalition to fight non-traditional 21st century terrorism. The world will not be able to withstand inaction, nor inadequate leaderships, for long. Unprecedented efforts must be made so that the tragic results of these unprecedented attacks are not exploited, do not lead to a wider conflict and do not reward those who wish to see destruction.
Headlines
| Commentaries
& Analyses | Domestic
Affairs | Foreign
Affairs
Economic
News | Sport
News | Feature
Stories | Weather
Forecast in Turkey
Economic
Indicators-Stock Market
