Clarion: Journal of Spirituality and Justice

Counter-Terrorism: Building Bridges with a Nation’s Diaspora -- by C. Kerr

The nature of terrorism in the contemporary world has attachments to cultures, faiths and people groups.  It is important to recognize that not all members of these communities associate, and at times, distance themselves from such ideologies.  It is vital for nations to be able to build bridges with its various diaspora communities.  Doing so will ensure these communities are not painted with the same brush as terrorists and lessen the chance of radicalization.  Therefore, building bridges of understanding will only aid in the development of national security for all. 

"What Terrorists Want" by Louise Richardson - Review by C. Kerr

1. Part 1 - The Terrorists

What Terrorists Want introduces the reader to understanding why lives are destroyed due to the weaknesses in government policy regarding terrorism. Richardson includes her personal experience as a child in bringing home the point that governments are weak in fighting terrorism. She covers the historical aspects of terrorism and brings it in context with contemporary issues that Western governments are facing. She then moves on to analyze the threat – ranging from state to individual. As well, she grasps the issue of terrorism, terrorists and the counter-terrorism strategies that Western governments have at present to ensure peace and safety. Richardson has a lot to offer considering her scholarship and expertise in the subject matter.

The Jews of India: A Place of Refuge, Peace and Prosperity by C. Kerr

The Jews of India have a long history dating back to the time before Christ. Their initial evidence comes from the Book of Esther in the Bible and during King Xerxes reign over his domain.1 Their dispersion was noted in Xerxes decrees and was seen by Christ’s disciple St. Thomas upon his arrived in Kerala, India.2  The Jews of Cochin arrived by boat to the shores of Kerala, as they were escaping persecution at home. Some also arrived in Konkan and eventually settled in Mumbai. These two communities connected through the help of Jews in Yemen; via trade and business. There is also a third group that came to India due to persecution in Iraq, known as the Baghdadi Jews – who focused on trade and spread throughout India and into other parts of Asia. The Indian Jews found themselves a new land that would be a safe house from persecution - India was the only country where the Jews were not persecuted.3 This was truly a home away from home and thus their communities contributed greatly to Indian culture and life.

Islamist Jihad: Interpretation and Radicalization By C. Kerr

Many Islamist terrorist acts are based on the doctrine of jihad – also known as the sixth pillar of the Islamic faith.  Liberal Muslims see jihad as a route for spiritual purity, though their Islamists counterparts intertwine this with an armed struggle.  In order to understand what jihad is and how it affects the West, it must be viewed from an Islamic perspective with religious context from the Qur’an, Hadith and history; and then applied in present day situations.  This analysis of jihad in historical, theological and political context will bring to surface concerns that Western nations have when dealing with Islamists who purport such ideology. 

Afghanistan's Rebirth: Religious Freedoms by C. Kerr

Religious freedoms in Afghanistan have been under scrutiny for many years.  With the arrival of a transitory government, there is a desire for greater religious freedoms.  The case of Abdul Rahman’s shows how Afghanistan’s present transitory government deals with such religious freedoms.  Exercising a fundamental form of Sharia law without change in societal values has brought complications.  Despite Sharia Law having good intentions, it has been abused by many politicians and governments for the benefit of their own.  This missive will explore the reason why Rahman’s case was significant.

The Real Terror Network by Edward S. Herman book review by C. Kerr

The Real Terror Network has brought forth the understanding of issues in terrorism and human rights in specific to the post World War II era. Herman, formerly a professor of finance and co-author with Noam Chomsky, covers a broad spectrum of terrorist issues ranging from propaganda to injustices. He educates the reader by giving an understanding of the National Security States in mainly a Latin American context and where the United  States is heavily interested. Herman brings to light that since World War II, the growth of terrorism by states has increased enormously and that terrorism carried out by individuals – without association to states – has decreased. In addition, what is brought to surface is that terrorism is needed to carry out National Security State initiatives which includes preventing self determination for poor countries. The Real Terror Network espouses a left of center view which, interestingly, speaks equally of fact in today’s war on terror from a right of centre perspective.

Theology of Terrorism by C. Kerr

Theology of Terrorism: Jihad and the Just War Theory

It is interesting to note that much of terrorism today has an association to religious institutions. Faith has influenced the course of terrorist activities over hundreds of years. Islamic militants use the doctrine of jihad as justification for their war against all non Muslims. They are allowed to engage in warfare to protect their lands, people and families and use any force necessary to maintain and expand the Islamic faith. Western society on the other hand, is able to defend their lands, people and families by the use of the just war theory. Under this theory, certain ethical criteria must be fulfilled in order to initiate and carry out war. Under the former are the foundations of various faith based terrorist activities. The western response tends to be the latter. To understand the meaning of jihad and the western position is vital as the world is learning to grapple with the new age of terrorism and its religious foundations.

 

Faith-based Terrorism: State and Retail by C. Kerr

The media has continually shown various forms of violence across the globe. Part of this violence includes faith-based terrorism.  This type of terrorism is a fundamental factor in the conflicts that are being carried out across the world.  From Islamic extremist states supporting terrorist acts to private organizations, such as the IRA and the Tamil Tigers, all have an element of faith foundations. Faith-based terrorism is so complex that modern day democracies are sometimes incapable of dealing with it effectively.