The classical realists will at once feel offended to read the title and declare me an idealist and overly ambitious. They will not be too wrong in their perception of me. However, in my opinion, there is nothing wrong with keeping your hope alive for a Terror-Free Society (TFS).
Let me state that I am not dreaming about the concept of TFS, but visualising a society where people can live without the fear of unknown threats. The parents can send their children to school without concerns about physical, emotional, or psychological harm. The female workers can work side by side with their male colleagues without any fear of being targeted by the extreme ideologues. The shopping centres do not look deserted due to fear of bag-snatchings, and ladies do not need to be accompanied by their spouses to avoid an untoward situation. The sports grounds serve as cultural gathering places to enjoy the events without the fear of being marginalised by the majority of home-team supporters.
It is not only the physical harm that accounts for terrorist activity, but the anxiety that gets triggered due to the psychological intimidation caused by the employer, co-workers, peers, and even loved ones. The Holy Book emphasises the need to exercise extreme care for others: parents, siblings, children, teachers, elders, neighbours, co-workers, animals, and even the environment. Even during the Holy Wars, the Muslim warriors were not supposed to destroy homes, agricultural fields, or kill older adults, women, children, or animals. The only people who could be killed in the wars were those who were armed and fighting against you. Yet, if someone surrendered, he would be treated with care and respect.
Even during the Holy Wars, the Muslim warriors were not supposed to destroy homes, agricultural fields, or kill older adults, women, children, or animals. The only people who could be killed in the wars were those who were armed and fighting against you.
Humanity is currently going through the most challenging phase since its inception. Their existence appears to be at stake due to ever-increasing terror within and without for the people across the globe. The list of factors may be more than what one can think of, depending on which region, culture, and state you come from. Let me identify the few common threats that humanity is currently facing.
Beginning with an unthinkable nuclear war, the Armageddon, primarily because there are too many ongoing wars that have the potential to expand horizontally and vertically. In the Russia-Ukraine war, there have been several statements by various stakeholders that the employment of nuclear weapons is not ruled out. In West Asia, attacks on Iran’s nuclear installations by the U.S. and Israel could have resulted in an unimaginable catastrophe.
The impact of unnecessary wars between the Unequal Military Powers (UMPs), where the relatively minor states have been destroyed, will be lasting and highly damaging to the generations to come. Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza will never be the same, and the people of these countries will now be living under the psychological and emotional trauma for the next few generations.
The extreme ideologies practised by different faiths and beliefs have also been on the rise. Unfortunately, people assume the role of God’s men and do not hesitate even to kill people of different faiths. Killing people from faiths for their belief is a sin as per the teachings og Islam because Allah Ordains that for you is your religion and for me is mine. Also, Allah says that you should not abuse the Gods of other faiths because they will, in turn, abuse your Creator.
The terror and physical impact caused by climate change is no less than a major war for the people of countries that are faced with flash floods due to excessive rains and the melting of glaciers. The lives of internally displaced people (IDPs) will never be the same, and even when they return to their homes, the images of losing their loved ones and their belongings, including their cattle, will continue to haunt them for life.
Pandemics may become a regular feature now because the environment has been tempered so much that it will keep taking its revenge in the form of new viruses and bacteria. One still feels horrified to recall that their loved ones were first left to die and then not even allowed to be buried for the fear of catching the virus. However, the sacrifices made by the medical community deserve praise and must not be ignored.
In the first part of TFS, I have identified only a few factors that are causing terror in the hearts and minds of people and forcing them to live in potential harm in the physical, emotional, and psychological domains. A few more areas of greater concern will be identified in Part II, before offering some doable suggestions to at least have a society where people can live peacefully and practice their beliefs and values.
The writer of this article has authored four international books: Nuclear Deterrence and Conflict Management Between India and Pakistan, South Asia Needs Hybrid Peace, Understanding Sun Tzu and the Art of Hybrid War, and Diplomacy and Deterrence.”
The writer of this article has authored four international books: Nuclear Deterrence and Conflict Management Between India and Pakistan, South Asia Needs Hybrid Peace, Understanding Sun Tzu and the Art of Hybrid War, and Diplomacy and Deterrence.”