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India’s terror attacks undermine global peace and goodwill

Nov 30, 2008 Clarence E. Pilgrim, Features / Columnists

By Clarence E. Pilgrim

As Christmas 2008 approaches, many Christians and, for that matter, non-Christians hope that the ongoing quest for peace and goodwill would not only be the reality for this special and sacred season for the largest religious grouping in the world, but would be the norm not the exception to herald in 2009 and beyond.
But as the New Year inexorably approaches, many challenges to peace remain, and goodwill does not exist where atrocities continue to be committed.
In India this week, armed gunmen in a terrorist attack reportedly murdered over 100 people, injured scores and in addition are holding hostages. Amidst pools of blood at the five-star Taj Mahal hotel and other areas in Mumbai, this country, which is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, has been shaken by the sheer brutality employed in this action.
The calculated economic attack at the heart of India’s centre of commerce in this predominantly Hindu nation is intended to create the kind of havoc that would destabilise the country’s government, financial credibility and social integrity. With elections very close, one can only speculate at the intention.
Irrespective of who claims responsibility for this atrocity, the fact is that the perpetrators should not be allowed to walk away without receiving the full weight of the consequences of their actions.
Political and economic attacks are nothing new, as survivors of the United States 9/11 attack would tell you. But in the face of a world financial crisis, I would wager that this choice of action is not by accident or co-incidental.
Once again we must sound the alarm that dangerous individuals and groups still exist and are prepared to act as a fifth column to destroy societies from within, by targeting the very institutions, social norms and customs, which are an integral part of our civil liberties and especially our freedom to make individual choices.
Terrorism right across the world is indeed a nightmare which will not go away, and must be an issue which has to be addressed realistically. Critical to tackling this problem is understanding the psychology of the seeming madness in the mind of a terrorist, and mapping the possible economic means that they may use towards implementing their diabolical plan of action.
The loss of innocent life can never be justified by such murderous actions. The economic and social turmoil intended, adds to the intent of creating confusion and chaos for some form of leverage or perceived advantage.
The fact is that with the coming of a new global economic dispensation being created by the present financial crisis, there is a need to forge closer economic and security linkages everywhere from Australasia to the Caribbean Community and Scandinavia to South Africa.
There are clear and present issues which demand immediate attention, lest they become the breeding grounds for wicked apprentices.
Poverty, religious conflicts, mental illness and a break-down in family values are just some of the pressing issues, which if not addressed may provide the right medium for dysfunctional behaviour.
There is an immediate need for countries serious about the positive advancement of the post-millennium generation to develop an understanding of how to manage critical global issues.
World leaders like President-elect Barack Obama and Russian President Dimitry Medvedev, along with others, need to work together and take the lead in dealing with this and other global threats. Indeed, this is a time for vibrant and decisive action by all peace loving citizens.
I hope that this awful act adds and not diminishes the courage and will of the international community to strengthen its capacity to respond strongly to this sort of action and bring swift justice to those involved in the shortest time.
Let us all work together with the renewed resolve of restoring peace and goodwill to our nations.
Clarence E. Pilgrim is an environmentalist, advocate for human rights, educator, a senior officer in the Antigua & Barbuda Civil Service, and volunteer for various non-profit organisations.

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