Terrorism

Terrorism

Terrorism, until the recent attacks on the US, has remained a dormant issue in the media. Although it has been around for centuries, the organised use of violence to target non-combatants for political purposes, is one of the most effective ways to gain media attention. Mainly used by extremist groups in the hopes of gaining recognition for their cause (wether it is religious, political or otherwise.) Several attacks on the US have recently made headlines The attack on the USS Cole (October 12, 2000), US Embassy bombings in Kenya + Tanzania (August 7, 1998), Oklahoma City bombing (April 19, 1995) and finally the World Trade Centre bombing on February 27 1993. There were overt threats made to the US government regarding these attacks but most were dismissed as hoaxes. What we need to recognise about terrorism is its message. Attacks are always perfectly planned and precise, almost showing that they could do better.

The most recent attack on America has been on the WTC and pentagon. Thousands of innocent people died because the Al-Quaida allegedly flew 3 passenger aircraft into both towers and crashed one into the pentagon, the USA’s best-guarded facility. Hopefully these deaths were not in vein, now other countries have joined George Bush in the war against terrorism and are launching repeated strikes on Afghanistan (the Al-Quaida’s supposed base.) They hope that these attacks will prevent any further events from happening. These attacks have in my view displayed that the Taliban can control the US economy and hit any target they wish, no matter how well guarded it is.

Perhaps America should have been more cautious and handled the threats more carefully. Maybe they were being too proud and this is why the Taliban believe it is justifiable to kill innocents, or they chose to attack now because America was just feeling safe. Whatever the reason, we will never know.

In 2002, the world changed forever. Anthrax, a biological weapon was released into the postal system and a commercial aircraft was turned into a 1000 tonne missile. War will have a new face, it will not be against an enemy firing projectiles, but instead, an invisible, deadly network of shadows attacking miscellaneous targets in random locations. This is why if we don’t act quickly; the world could be cast into turmoil.

So how do other people feel about this topic? This is how I think an Egoist would feel. The word egoist means that you are only concerned with things that may affect you in the long run. Terrorism definitely affects everyone in some way; wether you are a soldier or a shopkeeper. It may be economic, emotional, physical or political you will notice a difference in the world. Depending on which side of the fence the egoist is on would change his views. If he were attacking he would benefit from the land over-run. But if he were being terrorised he would be at a disadvantage and against it. If he were an arms manufacturer, he would profit therefore would be good for him. If the attack were in a far off country he probably wouldn’t care. It is usually safer in peacetime than with terrorist attacks around you so I believe an egoist would only welcome terrorism if he gained more than he could loose.

There are many variables that can alter a person’s views on terrorism, one of which is wether you are dealing it or receiving it. A Kantian’s views rely very heavily on this factor. If he were attacking a country, firstly, he would need a good reason. Then he would need to decide wether it was his duty to help his comrades fight for their cause. If he were receiving the attacks he would need to choose wether to not retaliate or to do his duty and fight back.

A utilitarian makes decisions according to the greatest amount of happiness or the least amount of unhappiness produced.