In light of Donald Trump's asinine comments last week about banning all Muslim's from entering the US of A, I've spent numerous hours pondering the current state of affairs on our planet, as well as his Red-Neck burning comments.
In the past - wars and military action was cut and dry. One army fought another army in a relatively distinct field of battle - ie: Inside a country or at their borders and opposing an army or resistance. Of course, things started changing when Hitler starting the concentration camps and took the Second World War to a civilian population. Goring also changed things by bombing London night after night, again targeting civilians. However, these acts were done by a recognized military, that when defeated - ceased all offensive tactics and surrendered. Vietnam and Korea changed these 'rules of engagement' as well and I believe the current terrorist-type actions originated from these 'police-actions' and wars. The Vietnam war was fought in gorilla-combat style and is similar to terrorism in many ways.
In light of the current terrorist campaigns being waged - for little or no apparent gain, one has to wonder why they are happening in the first place? I think the reasoning must be so convoluted at this point, that no single solution would end it. Obviously bombing of Syrian targets have had some success but have not accomplished their real goals.
I do know that people - who are happy and satisfied in life, cause few if any ripples in society, which leads me to believe that these 'terrorists' must be despondent with their personal lives, political lives, country lives, or societal lives and easily swayed into thinking their actions can fix a perceived - albeit imagined in most cases - problem.
Strong willed and charismatic people will always be able to convince those 'on the edge' to follow their lead.
In North America - we have hundreds of examples - ranging from biker gangs and mafia's to street gangs and thugs. Other such examples are cults - like The Solar Temple, Heaven's Gate and others. All these cults needed was an inspirational, charismatic leader and a few followers to get started. While Terrorism isn't a cult (per-se) there are several distinct similarities.
The terrorist attacks in France last month are a prime example. All the participants were young, radicalized, influential and influenced - yet with a common, organized and dedicated goal - much like a cult. The apparent mass-suicide of the perpetrators is also much cult-like.
Donald Trump says "Stop all Muslim immigration until we can find out how to fix it", or to words of that nature (I won't bother trying to get the proper quote, as I couldn't really care less about this man and this opinions).
In light of the current terrorist campaigns being waged - for little or no apparent gain, one has to wonder why they are happening in the first place? I think the reasoning must be so convoluted at this point, that no single solution would end it. Obviously bombing of Syrian targets have had some success but have not accomplished their real goals.
I do know that people - who are happy and satisfied in life, cause few if any ripples in society, which leads me to believe that these 'terrorists' must be despondent with their personal lives, political lives, country lives, or societal lives and easily swayed into thinking their actions can fix a perceived - albeit imagined in most cases - problem.
Strong willed and charismatic people will always be able to convince those 'on the edge' to follow their lead.
In North America - we have hundreds of examples - ranging from biker gangs and mafia's to street gangs and thugs. Other such examples are cults - like The Solar Temple, Heaven's Gate and others. All these cults needed was an inspirational, charismatic leader and a few followers to get started. While Terrorism isn't a cult (per-se) there are several distinct similarities.
The terrorist attacks in France last month are a prime example. All the participants were young, radicalized, influential and influenced - yet with a common, organized and dedicated goal - much like a cult. The apparent mass-suicide of the perpetrators is also much cult-like.
Donald Trump says "Stop all Muslim immigration until we can find out how to fix it", or to words of that nature (I won't bother trying to get the proper quote, as I couldn't really care less about this man and this opinions).
What he is saying is akin to saying all Christians are bad and should be locked up (because some priests were child molesters), or all Japanese should be interned because they 'may be' related to someone who attacked Pearl Harbour in 1941.
His thinking is flawed and will only cause more back-lash in the Arab world. This is absolutely not the way to stop terrorism. If Trump gets elected as Republican leader, he will have a legitimate shot at being President. Lord help us all if this comes to pass.
I don't claim to be an expert by any means, but I really think the problem needs to be solved from the inside itself. Arab leaders, both political, spiritual, industrial, entertainers, singers, artists and anyone else with a head on their shoulder and an ounce of self-respect and caring, needs to both denounce terrorism and look for cures to the problem.
As opposed to Trump, some real intelligent people need to look for and understand the root causes? Governments and leaders then need to start working on a cure, not one based on ulterior motives such as oil control, money or power, but one made for real and long-lasting peace.
And - just like any disease - discover the root cause and apply the proper medication to eradicate it.
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