7. This is absolutely the case. The War on Terror period has been veritably defined by the imbalance with which the issue has been treated. With all respect to the tragedies of 9/11 and the Bali blast, the number of casualties in these isolated incidences is miniscule compared to those provoked by disease, poverty, environmental abuse and ecological disaster. Undue attention to security concerns has sapped us of the resources to adequately confront these problems.
8. The discussion here is not as much framed by whether or not Hezbollah is correct. Quite certainly, if it was to be seen as a true political organization or governing body as recognized by the world community, it would also be forced to commitment to greater acquiescence to global military and political will. Still, the term 'terrorists' carries its own political devices, used to identify actions that are not aligned with global community principles. This casts some doubt on its use in general, preventing a more honest discussion on the intent of 'terrorist' actions.
9. To the point, this is the only way to prevent future terrorism. Terrorism is bread by social, political and economic...
If we work to remove rather than instigate further these conditions, the motives which drive individuals to take such extremist actions may be diminished. For many such individuals, the view that they have nothing to lose or live for is the greatest motive for extremist actions.
10. Violence begets violence. This is the fundamental principle in play with respect to the current and failed strategy for combating terrorism. The notion that the waging of war might somehow improve global security is irrational and resists the logic that the creation of more widows, widowers, orphans and childless parents will inevitably produce more individuals with an intractable motive for waging terror.
11.
Hate is not the driving force of terrorism. This is a symptom of the experience of social, political and economic disadvantage. For those in developing countries struggling with the experience of western exploitation -- a very real global pattern -- actions of violence and aggression which may indicate the presence of hatred are yet underscored by complex systemic relationships that are fundamentally unequal. Hate is the repercussion, not the root.
