What exactly is terrorism and who are today's terrorists?
According to the CIA: a terrorist is an individual or part of an
organisation which uses threat or violence, to shock,stun, or
intimidate a target group wider than the immediate victims.
Well, looks like both the Middle East and US fall into this
category then.
According to George Bush Snr in 1986, terrorism's purpose is to
intimidate or coerce a government, individuals, or groups, or to
modify their behaviour and politics.
Again, both the Middle East and US can be categorised as
terrorists. This is even before the US has started its attacks,
because it has intimidated the Arabs already.
I find it disturbing that South-East Asia is a haven for terrorist
or terrorist wannabes.For example, the Abu Sayaaf movement is said
to have extremely strong ties with the Afghan network. There are
members in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and parts of
Thailand. Thus, it can be seen that politically unstable countries
are breeding grounds for future terrorists.Even Thailand, a
predominantly Buddhist country, has succumbed to the infiltration
of Muslim fanatics.The only way we can avoid this kind of
infiltration is to tolerate and (hopefully) appreciate all races
and religions.
------------------
'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
-- Alfred Lord Tennyson