Violence has always been a political way for the ruling class to force its will on someone who don't agree to their suprimity. But at the same time it has been a way for the ruled to stand up to their «masters». Ever since we were but ideas of human beings this has been the case for social structures. But in smaller and less complex societies this is so clear that noone hardly thinks of it. In more complex social structures this is not so obvious.
In the modern societies violence have become the means for the underprivileged to revolt. Not because it will lead to anything, but at least they feel that they are making a stand against their oppressors.
The radical left wings of Europe (read Rote Arme Fraction and similar), the basques, the palestinians, the tsjetjenians, the nationalist freedom movements all over the world and the ismalists all tend to use violence to promote their view. They don't get any sympathy because of it, so why are they doing it?
The Americans were in shock after 9/11. And rightly shocked, because it was an gastly action. But as an outsider I think it is odd to see how Americans fail to understand why many in this world hate them, and turn to violence against them.
In many parts of the world US lead forces have intervened into smaller conflicts and made them into real blood baths. During the 20th century the US have sent military forces to other countries at least 66 times. The Country is in sharp opposition to any country with different agendas than them. The US fails to ratify international agreements if the treaty is somewhat negative towards the US. And the US naturally attracts hostillity on acount of their dominant position in the international community.
After the fall of the Berlin wall and the break up of the Soviet union Francis Fukuyama aksed if this was the end of history and the total victory of liberal democracy. Since then we've seen a revelation of extremist violence throughout the world. Organisations such as al-Quida gain the support of extremists, and use this influence to maim civilians - not because these are a legal enemy - but because such an atrocious act cause fear and shock.
The only way to combat political violence is to hold on to the political and democratic freedom that the political violence is directed against. And the West fails misirably in this. The Patriot Act is used to limit personal freedom. The prisoners at Guantanamo Bay is held without a most basic legal rights. And this list could go on for quite some time.
I detest the use of political violence. But at the same time I see where it is coming from. And we need politicians who understands this if we are ever going to beat the use of political violence. When the Bush and Blair administrations fails to see this, I'm scared. Because their actions not only ensuers that the use of political violence will continue. It also ensures that the violent extremists organisations will have a lot of recruting potential. So «The War on Terrorism» can only be won if we act with compassion towards the ones who want to disrupt our societies.
A great man once said that you should turn the other cheek. This is not only a good thought for a religion, it is an idea that the war on terror should be based upon.
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