NCJ Number
225124
Date Published
2007
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper focuses on the socioeconomic factors underlying terrorism and the importance of education in addressing these factors.
Abstract
This paper argues that the United States’ approach of maximizing self-interest in the pursuit of wealth, whatever the costs, along with its influence on the values and priorities of other countries, has angered Muslim radicals throughout the world. Al-Qaeda was formed under the leadership of Osama bin Laden, who views the United States as an enemy of Islam based on its support of Israel, its intrusion into Islamic land and culture, and its materialistic culture and values. Thus, Islamic terrorism was born out of a reaction to the socioeconomic values and actions of the United States and its perceived efforts to bring anti-Muslim values to Muslim lands. In countering this conflict that has bred terrorist and counterterrorist tactics, this paper proposes that all societies promote a new model called “man of society.” This model is that of an individual person as a separate and unique “world,” regardless of his/her race, color, gender, nationality, religion, class, and social status. This model person is selfish in the sense of pursuing what he/she believes is best for himself/herself; however, he/she is simultaneously motivated by empathy, which is an ability to understand that others are like himself/herself in wanting a life of security and fulfillment. The essential feature of this person is his/her ability to constrain and manage the pursuit of his/her own well-being so that others are helped and not harmed by what he/she does. Such a person will not be a terrorist and will not be a party to creating conditions that foster terrorism. 27 references