Is the world doomed to live with terrorism?

Is a world free from terrorism a mirage? Previously, terrorist organizations were diverse. Some were religious in outlook, others were freedom fighters or rebel groups. Today however on the global platform, terrorism is almost exclusively associated with radical brands of Islam where the organizations aim to establish Islamic nations governed by the principles of Sharia.

 

Al Qaeda, ISIS and Boko Haram are at present, the most prominent terrorist organizations in the world. There are dozens of others and terror groups often form networks. Terrorists destroy, kill and spell doom. It is ironic that Islamic terrorist groups claim to be carrying out divine mandates but violate all rules of morality and humaneness. Beheading people in the 21st century is not only barbaric but cruel and morally wrong. Claiming to do it as a divine mandate borders on the ridiculous. Forceful conscription of innocent citizens, use of children as fighters, abduction of people, rape of helpless women, targeted elimination of Christians and other religious groups, genocide, economic sabotage and a host of other activities of terrorists violate every law of morality and humaneness. Islamic terrorists disrupt families turning settled people to refugees. They cause commotion in towns and cities, send peace on a long journey and draw nations into needless wars whenever they strike.

 

Is terrorism an offshoot of Islamic fundamentalism? Although mainstream Islam denounce these terrorist groups, are there fundamental flaws in Islamic theology that make Islam the only religion breeding terrorists and sending people on suicide missions?

 

What is the way out? Can the world get rid of terrorism? What should be done? Negotiation with terrorists? Armed confrontation? Whatever, the rest of the world especially the West cannot fold the hands or adopt just epileptic fixes.

 

Rooting out Islamic terrorism will demand well planned and coordinated short and long term efforts. Parochial political and economic interests would need to be scarified for the common good of all. The world surely needs to go beyond rhetoric and sentiments if the battle against terrorism is to be worn. Destroying terrorism will require an iron will, an iron fist and a united front. Unfortunately though, the world is still such a hugely divided sphere.