When nations fail to learn means to combat terrorism:Violence can only result in more violence [Archives:2004/751/Viewpoint]

Many of our readers may have learned that statistics revealed lately indicate the increase of terrorism incidents and threats globally since the so-called 'war on terrorism' started. This is a clear indication that the alleged war in fact had a reverse effect despite assurances and confirmations by supreme military commanders that they would 'crush' and 'destroy' terrorism wherever it is.
'Utter failure' is the best expression to use in such circumstances.
Polls indicating that Americans are now slowly realizing that the war on terrorism has not gone as expected. In fact, more than half – according to a recent poll – say that the war on Iraq was a mistake. With thousands of deaths in Iraq, one can only wonder how such a war would create more love for the USA and prevent terrorist ideas from developing.
In short, the US administration seems to have made a serious error in thinking that the use of force and its superior military might would help make the world a better and safer place. This conclusion has made Americans and the world pay a heavy price through so many violent incidents, some reported in the press, others not.
The idea behind all of this is that violence can only result in more violence. It is a pity that the sole superpower of the world, the USA, had to prove this the hard way. What is also of major concern is that some other countries have started applying the same means to allegedly fight terrorism, but instead have oppressed freedoms, detained innocent civilians and caused more outrage and hostility towards their governments and the USA.
There is an urgent need to come back to logic and common sense, put aside vengeance and hatred, and start all over again by knowing the cause of terrorism, its sponsors, and try to understand those terrorists in order to determine how to deal with them.
If a person is willing to sacrifice his life for his beliefs, then there is little once can do by force to stop him. It is rather wise to look into his case and whether we agree or not agree with his conclusions, we must approach him with peaceful means and seek ways to change his mentality through persuasion rather than oppression and destruction.
Only then will we come out of the current cycle of violence, and only then will we start the real war on terror.
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