Introduction
Terrorism remains a major challenge in many societies today. Terrorism is a necessary practice among many extremist groups in the Middle East. Many people in the West are against the practice because it creates fear and animosity. I had the opportunity to interview Sirajuddin Haqqani. Sirajuddin is one of the famous terrorists in the Middle East. I conducted the interview via Facebook.com. Sirajuddin Haqqani presented much information on global terrorism.
Understanding Terrorism
The interviewee explained why terrorism remains a dangerous practice in the world (Yungher, 2007, p. 24). Sirajuddin began by admitting his involvement in many attacks. The interviewee also explained how he planned the infamous attack in Kabul. The attack killed six people. He has also captured several prominent persons from several countries. He initially wanted to obtain ransoms from such individuals.
The exercise helped me understand many things about this prominent terrorist. I also understood his roles in many attacks. The “ongoing debate among sociologists, historians, and scholars seeks to define the meaning of terrorism” (Dalacoura, 2011, p. 59). The interviewee highlighted the main causes of terrorism. According to Sirajuddin Haqqani, terrorism usually results from different forms of aggression. The interviewee explained how different factors cause aggression. Many terrorist groups in the Middle East target citizens and leaders from the West. The targeted countries mostly include the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel. Such attacks cause fear and unrest in the world.
The interviewee explained why some concepts such as Chosen Trauma (CT) and Incident of Birth (IB) might not result in terror attacks. The interviewee also highlighted the major causes of terrorism. Some terrorists can be termed as crazies, criminals, or crusaders. Many terrorists have valid reasons and objectives for committing various attacks. Many organisations “recruit the best terrorists depending on their personal traits, capabilities, religious beliefs, and family backgrounds” (Dalacoura, 2011, p. 74). Terrorists use their efforts and skills in order to execute their missions successfully. The interviewee also explained why terrorism is a major practice against the West.
Terrorist attacks spread fear among the targeted individuals or populations. This is a major characteristic of every terrorist attack. The other “critical characteristic of terrorism is proper planning and organisation” (Dalacoura, 2011, p. 79). Terrorists must gather relevant information in order to execute their attacks effectively. Terrorists keep their missions and plans are secret. Such strategies ensure the public is unaware of any planned attack. Most of the terrorists target civilians or citizens. Civilians are easy to target and attack. Such attacks increase the level of political unrest and discontent (Dalacoura, 2011). The other unique aspect of terrorism is the use of dangerous weapons. Such weapons injure and kill many people. These characteristics of terrorism explain why many groups have succeeded in their attacks.
The government should consider these characteristics in order to deal with terrorism. The government should gather the best information and data after every attack. Some terrorists believe the practice is ethically acceptable. The practice will increase the level of preparedness against any possible attack. Sirajuddin Haqqani believes terrorism will always remain a critical function in our modern society. The world should also work hard in order to fight this vice (Yungher, 2007).
Conclusion
The above knowledge explains why the world might not fight terrorism successfully. Proper strategies and mechanisms are necessary towards dealing with terrorism. Every scholar should undertake new studies in order to understand this question of terrorism much better (Yungher, 2007, p. 54). Such studies will ensure governments identify every potential terrorist. The strategy will put every government on the right path towards dealing with terrorism.
Reference List
Dalacoura, K. (2011). Islamist Terrorism and Democracy in the Middle East. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Yungher, N. (2007). Terrorism: The Bottom Line. New York: Pearson.