I've heard people refer to it as such, and so be it. In many ways, the bombings at London was like UK's own 9/11. It also has the advantage that nobody will ever argue about month/day ordering in the date format internationally. But I digress...
sonic se cracedThere was a discussion on the B&B, partly started by me, about blame. I want to make it clear that the terrorists are human beings, capable of making decisions for themselves, and therefore the blame rests on them for the bombings. But the blame for the conditions that cause people to give up hope, to see terrorism as the only way to advance their lives (or afterlife), the blame for that rests with Europe, specifically the former colonial powers.
The United Kingdom, the most recent to feel the sting of terrorism at this scale, spread its empire over much of the world. A quarter of the world's population once sat under their rule. They exploited colonies for resources and luxuries, manipulated racial tensions, and carved up borders with unfeeling ignorance. European imperialism has caused conflict and economic problems that we may never know the full extent of. The scars run deep, and cause the conditions that terrorist recruiters exploit to their full benefit.
Sure, the US has done its share to antagonize these people, and our wealth and influence makes us a big target. But the root causes, the crusades, the vast majority of colonialism, came from Europe. The former is still a matter of contention with a culture with very long memories, and the latter didn't help. The end results of colonialism caused genocide, terrorism, and poverty that most of us can't imagine.
So really, modern terrorism today, be it from Ireland, the Middle East, or wherever, is a result of the arrogance and lack of foresight by the UK and similar countries. You reap what you sow, really. This was a tragedy, but I just hope that it does not overshadow the lesson we can learn from it.
Anyway, the War on Terrorism is fairly stupid. Terrorism is a tactic, not an entity you can defeat. "War on Terrorism" is like saying "War on Tank Battles" or "War on Air Superiority". The only way to defeat a tactic is to make it less effective or less desirable than other things. Unfortunately, terrorist tactics do accomplish enough to make them worthwhile for those who plan and carry them out. The only way to defeat the terrorist groups themselves is to cut off the head and prevent recruiting. The only way to prevent recruiting is to get political reform, economic aid, and give people some hope.
Well, that's that. I'm getting tired and want to get to sleep early. My thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the attacks, and I wish you all peace in your day.
mrxak out.
Posted by mrxak at July 8, 2005 12:00 AM