Imagine a fierce and aggressive wild animal, like a bear, a leopard or an enraged elephant was marauding your neighborhood, killing many innocent people without regard. It would normal that such a destructive beast would be met with an opposing force, wishing to eradicate the threat to the peace and well being of the people.
Similarly, the more highly aggressive terrorist actions undertaken, are more likely to be met with a higher opposing force for its removal; be it from other concerned nations, or by revolt by the people of that nation itself. Like Adolf Hitler and the Second World War, ultimately, tyranny is destined for extinction from opposing nations or a revolt by people of its own nation.
If people are seeking an Islamic State, it stands to reason that they would have greater success and longevity: if they educated the people and brought the along people with them. Many so-called terrorist groups in recent times have come to realise this. They have formed political parties and sought to established themselves through political institutions, as they recognise that this is a greater opportunity for long lasting success and survival than a short lived tyrannic rule.
Regretfully, aggression only leads to further aggression from the opposing side, and future aggression only escalates to greater aggression as each side tries to right the wrongs of the other side: and further aggression ensures, like an avalanche cascading down a mountain slope. War is not a viable solution.
The war in the Middle East, which has been raging for over twelve years or more, is not resolved and is continuing to this day. In fact, the current situation could be considered far worse than the situation twelve years ago.
Whilst there are people who feel deposed and mistreated, there is cause for further unrest.
The unrest in the Middle East requires a greater involvement by those countries in that region, for peace to prevail. The involvement by foreign western nations will not be successful without the consensus of the Middle Eastern nations.
Whilst there is resent against the involvement of foreign western nations in the Middle East, then there is the distinct possibility that such nations in the Middle East could actually harbor terrorist organisations intent on committing jihad against the West or Western forces participating in the Middle East (such as had occurred in Pakistan).
Whilst there is resent against the involvement of foreign western nations in the Middle East, then there is the distinct possibility that such nations in the Middle East could actually harbor terrorist organisations intent on committing jihad against the West or Western forces participating in the Middle East (such as had occurred in Pakistan).
War has led to the demise of many war mongrels throughout history. Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, Adolf Hitler’s downfall were all caused through their pursuit of war. Nothing now remains of their legacy and they are but faint memories in the annals of history, growing ever fainter. Tyrannic leaders will not be remembered over time and whose fate is like the dinosaurs.
It is the peace makers, such as Jesus Christ, Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela who will continue to be remembered and held in fond esteem by the people whose lives they have touched. The great and holy prophets, whose words have endured for thousands of years, have spread their message peacefully.
Regretfully there is much social and economic isolation in these modern times, this has contributed greatly to social unrest, and perhaps where the propaganda of purpose, group esteem and heavenly reward has lured many to participate in jihad actions.
It is with concern that people who have lived their lives in western nations, feel compelled to fight in jihad. Little regard or concern about the influence of modern culture in shaping the individual and society: the rampant consumerism – the focus on me-ism and less about developing compassion for others. The prevalence of drugs and violence in society and entertainment media including electronic gaming, such as ‘Grand Theft Auto’. The reinforcement of defiance behaviours such as in ‘rap’ music and ‘The Simpsons’: all contribute to shaping human behavior in many individuals.
Perhaps it is timely for a rethink, to take stock of the current situation: to investigate and analyze the cultural impact on the individual and society from our social experiences. A higher regard needs to be placed on the effects of culture in our society by all, particularly in our institutions and by government. Greater consideration needs to be given by our media and our educational and family institutions. The implementation of values for social cohesion is needed. Education needs to incorporate ‘education in human values’ and ‘emotional intelligence’ as part of an educational revolution.
War is a costly exercise in resources and financial burden. There is so much greater need: in eradicating disease (Ebola outbreak is on the same land mass as the Middle East), alleviating poverty, hunger and providing clean water and education, which is lacking to most of the world population. Such efforts would have greater effect in creating peace and winning the respect and admiration of foreign nations, such as in the west.
If the affluent would consider establishing a more egalitarian society, with greater opportunity for all: there would be benefits to all, with less crime and greater harmony in our society. Alongside governments, there is room for the wealthy to contribute to a more harmonious world.
Also, there is no room for corruption in government; as this has contributed to social poverty and ineffective government. Good government must be grounded in ethics.
And lastly, a more convincing argument must be put to counter the propaganda that killing or jihad will lead to the absolution of one’s sins or reward in heaven with seventy virgins: such as can be found in the following post: ‘prayer for peace’.
Image source: http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/273/3/3/war_and_peace_by_paulie_svk-d4bcp17.png
