Unfortunately, the definition of terrorists and activities rendered by them is very vague. The world still has to agree upon a universally accepted definition. A terrorist group might be labelled as separatist, freedom fighter or a revolutionist. We have seen the change of such approaches in our recent history in case of IRA, PLO and Afghan Taliban. These nomenclatures may change due to point of view, time or change in an organization’s strategy. On the other hand, somewhat more clear definitions exist for war crimes and thus one may exclude these from the terrorism acts. Several theories have been put forward stating the reasons behind a terrorist mind. Poverty, lack of education, urge for revenge and ideology are most important factors in this regard. The data however, of terrorist acts neither fully support any single of these nor disregard any. It is somewhat a combination of all. The great Israeli researcher on counter terrorism Ehud Sprinzak defines terrorists as ‘rational fanatics’ According to him these people have some rational for their acts and they are ready to go to any extreme to prove it right.
Looking back in the modern history experts agree on four distinctive waves of terrorism. Anarchists was the word used for terrorists between 1880 and 1920. Most significant successes of Anarchists include killing of an Austrian prince, king of Italy and President McKinley of the USA, coincidentally in September 1901 exactly a hundred years before the September 11 incident of 2001. This wave moved from Russia to Europe and the USA. In the second wave terrorists were named as Freedom Fighters (anti colonial) lasting till 1960 with example of IRA as most prominent. Third wave between 1960 and 1979 carried similarities with the previous one and theme was to protect a group from developed world’s aggressions. Vietnam war was the main catalyst behind this wave. Hijacking to gain world’s attention was a common weapon used during this stage. With the invasion of Afghanistan by USSR and revolution in Iran, the fourth wave started that included Christian, Hindu, Jews, Muslim and Sikh groups. This wave had factors found in previous three in it. Almost all of the counter terrorism experts believe that same wave is continuing to date.
However, it must be noted that previous waves had an average life span of 40, 40 and 20 years respectively. It is expected that the fourth wave starting from 1979 could also have a life span of 20 years or so and it could have ended in September 2001 with attack on American soil by terrorists. Most suitable name to the proposed fifth wave of terrorism could be ‘State Ignored Terrorism’. After devastating act of 9/11 at least whole developed world acted in haste to runover Afghanistan and all neighbouring countries of South Asia suffered due to this approach. Pakistan being involved in Afghanistan since 1979 had to take the major brunt not only economically but also on fatality bases. Whole country became target of every type of terrorism activities supported by different and divergent groups. Early signals of this wave emerged when groups in Afghanistan, Iraq and recently in Yemen terrorized the population with no or least intervention to stop them from state or supporting countries.
After 9/11,in fact the term Counter Terrorism became a symbol of Terrorism. In the name of security laws were passed in many countries without proper due diligence restricting movement of their own and foreign citizens
After 9/11,in fact the term Counter Terrorism became a symbol of Terrorism. In the name of security laws were passed in many countries without proper due diligence restricting movement of their own and foreign citizens. Huge funds were moved from different sources to engage in this war. However, the hasty decision proved faulty within years when whole attention was moved from Afghanistan to Iraq. A war widely considered based on false assumptions was raged and millions suffered there. Martha Crenshaw, considered as mother of research on Terrorism and Counter Terrorism (TCT) cautions about use of counter terrorism measures. She asks for implementation of a holistic approach that may include, addressing conditions suitable for terrorism spreading, preventing and combating it in field, building states’ capacity along with strengthening of UN and most importantly ensuring human rights. Unfortunately, most of the measures taken around the globe by states ignored all of these considerations. This rejection of Crenshaw’s suggestions made counter terrorism an act of terrorism and this has been the most important turn in terrorism history. Now states irrespective of their location on map, religious or ethnic affinity could start or don’t stop actions without considering any long-term solutions, costs of actions and reaction to them. Many of the suicide bombings that took place in Pakistan in last two decades had the bomber whose family was destroyed due to drone attacks in tribal areas of Pakistan or Afghanistan. In these cases, ideology melted in the pot with urge to take revenge and results were very fatal.
Other countries may try to take a leverage from such situation in a certain country by supporting or by fighting the terrorist group. This only makes things more complicated and in medium to long term may also back fire and put them also at risk. Most eminent example is of Afghan Mujahidin supported by the USA during 1980s turning to foes in early 2000s. Unfortunately, lessons have not been learned and countries have started to curb human rights be it in North America, Europe, Middle East, Asia and South Asia. Countries are trying to annex special status states protected under UN resolutions and international agreements. Saudi-Yemen war, brutal killing of Rohingya with least effort to stop by state of Myanmar, Russian annexation of a part of Georgia & Crimea, India’s annexation of State of Kashmir (which may result in annexation of remaining 28 such states also) and Israel’s very recent threat to annex a part of Jordan Valley (against wills of their inhabitants) are clear examples where this fifth wave is moving to. It is not beyond any expectation that this fifth wave may end between 2020-2023 with the emergence of several regional wars, however direct inclusion of USA and Russia in this war should not be anticipated unless threatened by some fatal actions.
The writer completed his course work on TCT through University of Leiden, the Netherlands and University of Mary Land, USA with Distinction. He is a Senior Specialist at the Urban Unit, Lahore. He can be contacted at:Email: azharuup@gmail.com