Notes from the Dialogue on the Root Causes of Terrorism

After introductions and a brief overview on current research on terrorism, we conversed about possible root causes. Some were economic drivers, some hopeless less, some lack of education and the desire to blame someone for that lack.

There were also examples of “I will no longer be part of this not any more” that made a difference. Voices suggested focusing on inclusiveness, perhaps a vision of what we want instead.

There were also long moments of silence and reflections.

After the meditation again, the group seemed reflective of the experience. A suggestion was made to perhaps begin a collective vision of a world of safety. The trigger questions could be something like, ‘what would a safety feel like to you’ and then ‘what would you do differently if you felt safe?’

When Peter joined we summarized some of the conversation and asked for his thoughts. He started by describing himself as ‘not a bottom line/results oriented’ person. He also said that ‘terrorism’ is a word that has no use as it comes from an imperial nation. It is a term used to denote this stance.

He also affirmed again that all commitment begins with an act of refusal and dissent. So he questioned the purpose of our conversation, it is to produce peace in the world?

Some of the other key themes he mentioned were:

• Do you want to work something out – or do you want to be right. For the later, peace is impossible; he usually suggest to those to get a lawyer.
• Certainty is the obstacle –
• If you want to create peace in the world, meditation together makes sense – that is where you find silence. One of his friends told him ‘if we say something, will it be an improvement over silence?’ Silence brings intimacy.
• Happiness, he defined as the end of poverty, which again he defined as the end of possibility, not end of money. Example “I am ding great and my life is a mess”. Happiness is to feel complete with my life.
• The opposite is consumerism – the belief that whatever is important to me can be purchased.

At the conclusion of our conversation, he suggested that we name what gifts we each have received as a result of being together; like a collective meditation.

We talked about continuing to connect of the internet.

To which Peter talked briefly about ‘possibility’. Possibility is an unrealizable future. It shows up when we come together. The internet is keeping the thread (of the conversation) together; it is a way of holding on and a powerful reminder of this connection.

So here we are – is there more to be said that is better than silence?

Quick Background on Terrorism

The recent incidences of terrorism in Mumbai are not only criminal, but mystifying. A group of able young men kill or injure scores of people, only to end up killed or likely sentenced to death. As an input to our upcoming dialogue, here is a collection of interesting points.

The Likely Perpetrator in Mumbai

The likely culprits behind the Mumbai attacks are Lashkar-e-Taiba. According to Reuters India,

Lashkar-e-Taiba is one of the largest Islamic militant groups in South Asia, based in Pakistan and fighting Indian rule in Kashmir. Security analysts say it is a well-funded and highly organised group that sympathises with al Qaeda.

According to Wikipedia, “Lashkar-e-Taiba members have carried out major attacks against India and its objective is to introduce an Islamic state in South Asia and to ‘liberate’ Muslims residing in Indian administered Kashmir.” This group has been allegedly trained by Pakistan’s intelligence service, ISI, and may even be directed by ex-Pakistani military officers.

Stratfor suggests that the attack challenges the Indian government, perhaps to provoke a war with Pakistan.

PajamasMedia provides an estimate of the economic damage at $10 billion.

Resources on Terrorism

Terrorism is not necessarily caused by poverty or lack of education. Rather, Amy Zalman claims all terrorist acts are are motivated by two things:

• Social and political injustice: People choose terrorism when they are trying to right what they perceive to be a social or political or historical wrong—when they have been stripped of their land or rights, or denied these.
• The belief that violence or its threat will be effective, and usher in change. Another way of saying this is: the belief that violent means justify the ends. Many terrorists in history said sincerely that they chose violence after long deliberation, because they felt they had no choice.

Here is a collection of articles on terrorism by the Federation of American Scientists.

The Center for Defense Information provides a great background of religious terrorism in two parts, as follows:

• Explaining Religious Terrorism, Part I
• Explaining Religious Terrorism, Part II

Finally, here is an interesting article on the psychological traits of terrorists.

Invitation to a Dialogue on the Root Causes of Terrorism

When: Sunday Dec 14, 2008 7-9 Pm EST

The recent terror attacks in Mumbai, India highlight the on going, global issue of terrorism. It is a violence that occurs in many countries throughout the globe, and it is a violence that shows no sign of abating, despite intensified focus from many nations, as well as the United Nations.

We believe that current approaches to terrorism are not going to be effective, and would like to engage our most respected colleagues who have interest in social change in an exploration of the root causes and truly effective approaches to reducing terrorism.

We invite you to join us in a virtual dialogue on this topic, to see what ideas emerge and where we might have interest in furthering the conversation. Our proposed agenda is as follows:
Agenda

Sunday Dec 14, 2008 7-9 PM EST

7:00-7:15 Welcoming and introductions
7:15-7:20 Introduction of the meeting by (Dinesh Chandra)
7:20-7:30 Summary of current research on roots terrorism (Doug Walton)
7:30-8:00 Sharing perspectives (All)
8:00-8:15 Meditation/Tape (Courtesy group of 21 from Mumbai/Pune)
8:15-8:55 Dialogue on a framework for the future
8:55-900 Wrap up (Dinesh Chandra)

Naz Coughley and the Group of 21.

The Group of 21 prays together at 6:30 AM IST each day and Naz in India has already demonstrated the power of people to organize for peace, as shown in the video below.

Here is Naz’s story:

I would like to share with you the success of a small initiative taken to spread the message of peace and love. On Mon morning, I sent a few sms to known people asking them to join me along with a few friends for a silent peace walk in the evening followed by prayers and candle lighting. I was expecting only 20 people but to my pleasant surprise over 200 turned up and it was magnificent to direct the crowd and manage traffic and lead them towards the final destination. The news spread and we had media and press for taking interviews and covering the event. Our banners had prayers and messages like, ‘we do not protest, we protect’. We urged the crowd to come from compassion rather than anger; some voiced against it but towards the end, the message was received. There was silence all around and I can say for sure that they were open to seeing a different perspective. People are coming up to me and asking to organize peace walks across whole of Vashi, spreading the message of love. All I can say is that God’s work was done that day through us….

Participation

Several modes of participation are possible.

Anyone can participate by phone. There are physical gatherings in Boca Raton, Florida, USA and Mumbai, India. Please contact us if you are interested in participating.