Terrorism: The New Face of Evil

By Carrie Ann Reason

12th grade

A man sits alone, in a cold and dark cockpit. The wind pushes against the window in front of him, and the impact causes his ears to ring. He is flying over Afghanistan, and at any moment, he will press the latch, and boxes upon boxes of food rations will escape. The millions of starving Afghanistan people will devour the food. The man wishes he could see his family and looks forward to spending time with them the next week. Unfortunately, his dream will never become reality. His wife, a worker on the fifty-first floor of the World Trade Center, falls fifty-one floors to a sudden death when Afghani terrorists attack the World Trade Centers the next day.

Unforgiving, callous, and vengeful motives lie deep within this and all terrorist’s hearts. They see the United States through cruel eyes filled with hatred that look only to the outside. They see our worldly possessions, and call our society careless and humanistic. They view our freedom of religion as ungodly and disobedient. The United States gives aid generously to outside countries, and radical terrorists jump to the conclusion that we enjoy “strutting” our wealth and power. How much discrimination and judgment is too much for the United States? Will we ever find a common ground in such destruction? The logic seems simple: to safeguard our country and defend our rights. However, since terrorism has become the faceless enemy, we must find a more workable solution.

Taught at a very young age that they will be rewarded spiritually for killing infidels, terrorists look upon the United States with evil intentions. Osama bin Ladin is an extremist who believes that Allah has given him two choices: to convert non-believers or kill them. This suggests that the type of terrorism we are dealing with now is a result of religious fanaticism. The basic decree that anyone who dies in an attempt to kill us is guaranteed a place in heaven motivates the terrorists to do unspeakable acts of violence against humanity. In 1998, Osama bin Ladin issued a “fatwah,” an explicit religious order, making it the holy duty of Muslims to kill American civilians. By doing so, he aims to eliminate all of the people who have declared themselves to be mortal enemies by virtue of their citizenship. The fact that the terrorists look to their religion and believe that they are given strict orders from their god is frightening. Ruling by divine right instead of a natural democracy, they firmly believe that there is no room for debate. These deep spiritual feelings that the terrorists have shine a whole different light on finding a common ground. No longer can we look to diplomacy for all the answers.

“Powerful” and “prosperous” are two words that describe the United States. It is not hard to see that we are the most flourishing nation on the planet. In terms of education, economy, and political structure, the United States is the basis for strength and unity. Through the eyes of an angry terrorist, the United States would seem like a great target to be attacked. Any poor and uneducated group of people could be motivated to kill us after constantly hearing from an angry terrorist leader that we are a society of arrogant and deceptive characters. Undoubtedly, it is the strong visual impact of apparent United States imperialism that fuels hatred. Terrorists are trained to kill and take a great pride in striking a country of such strength and excessive wealth.

Receiving no demands and no negotiations for the terrorism that the United States has already experienced, we are also able to conclude that compromising with the terrorists is unlikely. They have already showed us that their attacks thrive on being close-minded and secret. The new face of evil would ridicule any means of a solution by the United States. We must first realize that future attacks will be even more planned and carefully sought out. Then, by becoming aware of their level of assault, we can move forward in our war against terrorism. With the gathering of intelligence we can predict what lies ahead and how to deal with it. Then by finally looking beyond our humanitarian efforts, we can discover a means of defense.

The war against terrorism has become a wake-up call for many Americans who have been forced to redefine their priorities in life. Suddenly, we are more aware of the evil among us. We live in fear with every threat of attack. The horrifying thing is that our enemy could be living in our own communities without being noticed. This proves that it is up to each person to safeguard, protect, and unify. The crisis on September 11, 2001, not only touched individual hearts, but also the heart of our nation. Now, more questions arise and flood our hearts. Are we all willing to put our irrelevant differences aside and come together? If not, the cycle of violence and hatred will continue. The United States is recognized as a powerful nation full of hope and freedom. Now is the time to preserve our unalienable rights and make our image even stronger to the world.

Completely understanding the sick and powerful evil that has swept across the world is impossible. We can easily define it through words like “sick,” “intimidation,” and “torture.” However, it is impossible to interpret terrorism in our hearts. This new face of evil is unforgiving and does not care to negotiate. Therefore, entrusting hope and wisdom into our country is evident. Discovering the core of the hatred and unifying the nation are essential when dealing with a faceless enemy. At times it seems like fighting terrorism is like wading in quicksand. However, through faith and unity our nation will survive amidst this turmoil, and good will prevail over evil.

Questions:

1. Why, in your opinion, was the United States attacked?

There are no reasonable explanations as to why the United States is hated so intensely by other countries. They view our nation with crude eyes that look only to the outside. The terrorists see our country as a very humanistic and careless society. They look at the way we act and the values we obtain in comparison to what they have been taught in their religion. For example, in Islamic countries, a woman gets twenty-nine lashes for showing her face. Where as in the United States, a woman is free to dress however she pleases. Therefore, because the terrorists are taught at a young age that they will be rewarded spiritually for killing infidels and non- believers, they look upon the United States will evil intentions.

2. Why is the first question so important to resolve and agree upon?

The first step is being able to look past us, and reach the core of this hatred. Unless we are able to identify why the United States has become the enemy, the problem will continue. The terrifying thing is that the next incidents will be even more thought out and carefully planned. By resolving within the U.S. why we were attacked, we will be able to break down political barriers within our country, and unify. Agreeing upon what the mindset of a terrorist is will help the United States greatly to be more on guard for future attacks. It is absolutely necessary for us to find one conclusion, and eventually act upon it.

3. What action or inaction by the United States and its allies, in the author’s opinion, increased the likelihood of chemical and biological attacks?

The likelihood that the next attacks on the United States will be in the form of chemical or biological wars increased because of a certain inaction of the United States, in the author’s opinion. When the U.S. and its allies backed down from Saddam Hussein’s refusal to allow inspections of suspected Iraqi weapons manufacturing facilities, they triggered these kind of attacks. This very incident, in the author’s opinion, is what came back to haunt us when the terrorists attacked once again.

4. Why does the author believe the United States is a popular target for terrorists?

It is easy to see that the United States is the most powerful country on the planet. We are the most prosperous nation in terms of education, economy, and political structure. The author also points out that the U.S. is not afraid to “strut” our wealth in countless ways, like building tall structures and symbols that seem to reach toward heaven itself. So why do the terrorists care? The author gives us a good example of why they respond to our wealth and riches by pointing to us and saying, “How come those infidels all have two cars and a VCR?” The author also points out that their leaders teach that we are a population of devils led by devils; self-deceptive, and that Allah wants us destroyed because of our arrogant display of godlessness. According to the author, that visual impact of power that the U.S. has makes it such a popular target for terrorists.

5. What motivates terrorists, in the author’s opinion?

The basic decree that anyone who dies in the attempt to kill us is guaranteed a place in heaven, is what the author tells us motivates the terrorists. With devout Muslims living for the next life rather than this one, it is not hard to convince them to destroy. The author also reveals that when the regulation Tailban penalties are severe enough, you can instill a lot of obedience in a population. To a poor, uneducated, terrorist community who is promised glory once they are dead, motivation to kill is not hard to come by.

6. What reasons does the author give for the intense hatred of the United States by people like Osama bin Ladn?

Osama bin Ladn is an extremist who believes that Allah has given him two choices: to convert non-believers or kill them. The author shows us that it is a religious and not a political issue that we are dealing with. Because of bin Ladn’s deep spiritual feelings, he has offered no negotiation. The author tells us that in 1998, he issued a “fatwah,” an explicit religious order, making it the holy duty of Muslims to kill American civilians. By doing so, Osama bin Ladn aims to eliminate all of the people who have declared themselves to be mortal enemies. His intense hate for the United States is a religious issue that guarantees him a place in heaven.

7. How does rule by divine right preclude reasoned debate that occurs naturally in a democracy?

Ruling by divine right implies that there is no room for debate, because a god gives the instructions. Therefore, whoever is giving orders to the people is merely the messenger. This leaves no room for debate because the message from God or Allah is final. Unlike a natural democracy, where a rule is stated, and then debated, rule by divine right leaves no room for questioning.

8. What evidence does the author offer that the terrorism visited upon the United States on September 11, 2001 was based on religious rather than political fanaticism?

That fact that we have gotten no demands and have been offered no negotiation, as stated by the author concludes why the acts of September 11, 2001 were based on a religious issue. The simple fact that, in 1998, Osama bin Ladn issued a “fatwah,” an explicit religious order, making it the holy duty of Muslims to kill Americans, shows us how powerful their religion is. The author makes us realize that the people who took out the Wold Trade Centers believed that they were carrying out a holy war under the direction of Allah’s representatives on earth, against godless infidels. The author also points out that the terrorists feel that negotiating is not an option, because there is nothing to negotiate. This, in itself, proves that the acts on September 11, 2001 were religious and not political, because, with politics, comes compromising.

9. What is a “fatwah?”

As defined by the author, a “fatwah” is an explicit religious order. This order makes it the holy duty of Muslims to kill American civilians. The word is understood to mean a “holy war” against non-believers.

10. Why does the author think that the new attacks are likely and how does he/she suggest we stop them?

Boldly, the author states that new attacks will come. Because of how spectacularly visible the success of the attacks on September 11, 2001 was, the motivation for planning fresh assaults will sprout for years to come. The authors also believes that it doesn’t matter when, or where, or even if, we execute al of the perpetrators. The author believes that it is crucial for those in charge of our response to know that these fanatics are willing to die, and that this is a new kind of enemy we are dealing with. The new face of evil is something we are not used to dealing with, so the author states that we need to recognize and relate to what we are working with.

11. Why does the author claim that declaring war is futile? What two historical examples does he/she give to back up this claim?

The author feels that declaring war is very satisfying when we are angry, but we have to give this some thought before our plans backfire. The War on Drugs and the Vietnam/Persian Gulf Wars are two examples of times that America’s record is abysmal for fighting full-out wars. The War on Drugs gives us an example of a time that we did not identify the enemy geographically. The Vietnam/ Persian Gulf War is an example of when we tried to fight on a limited basis. As the author states, that fighting terrorist organizations combines the worst of these two conditions, and is not something we want to rush into.

12. Complete this sentence using the author’s words: “A declaration of war implies...”

“A declaration of war implies a conflict of limited duration in which one side eventually surrenders or capitulates and the other side wins.” The author feels that, unless it is a terrorist nation clearly circumscribed both geographically and politically, this is not going to happen when fighting terrorists. He/she feels that it will be an ongoing process to try to hit religious extremists, and the declaration of a conventional war will not work.

13. What does the author suggest we do?

Defense for our country is something that the author suggests is necessary. We have the right to defend ourselves. Without safeguarding our nation, we would suffer endlessly. Also, we should not “fight by our traditional rules,” stresses the author. When fingers begin to point at our intelligence services for not having a clue about the long and thorough process of the planning of September 11, we must dwell on old battlegrounds.

14. Explain the significance of the Coventry story:

Winston Churchill’s decision not to move the military in to the city of Coventry made a huge impact on World War II. Even though the loss of lives was terrible, Churchill’s decision may have won the war. His ability to think quickly helped to stop more lives from being lost, and his courage showed true integrity. The author is trying to prove that we, as United States citizens, need to also be on our toes when it comes to finding solutions to problems. We need to constantly be ready to guard and defend our country.

15. Suppose you were a general in a combat situation. Could you “consort with evil to prevent larger evil?” Why or why not?

Looking at a situation, and thinking seriously about what the greater outcome would be from consorting with evil would help me determine what to do. If I were a general in combat, and this situation arose, I would hope that, first of all, each and every one of my men were willing to die for their country. Since it is not my place in life to choose who is good and evil, I must assume that all of my men are equals. If the situation arose, however, that none of my men were willing to put themselves forward in combat, I would order that all of the men who have killed someone in their lives move first in battle. I say this simply because if they had already killed someone, they would have more experience and a more likely shot than the rest.

16. The author says something is unAmerican. What is it? Do you think the author is correct? Please write out you own definition of unAmerican.

The author states that turning our anger to Islam because of our frustration in being unable to get at the real villains in unAmerican. I do believe that it would be a “bad move” on our part to start pointing fingers because we are feeling frustrated right now. America is a nation that stands for unity and trust, and showing a lack of respect and humbleness for another country would injure our image of unAmerican.

17. Do you agree that terrorism must be defined adequately in order to be stopped?

Terrorism is such a broad issue that we are dealing with today. Since it can be defined through religion or political structure, it is important that we understand what we are facing. By clearly defining, and adequately reinstating what terrorism is, we can come to a more detailed solution. It is by understanding what we are actually dealing with that we are able to move forward and defend ourselves in a way that is needed.

18. How important do you think it is for you to research, discuss and consider the definition of terrorism? Are you willing to spend the time it takes to give your definition very best support?

Being able to define terrorism and consider its definition is so important in finding answers to tough questions. By researching, and developing a clearer image of what this new face of evil is, I am able to build a better picture of this giant problem facing the United States. I am more than willing to take the time that is needed to give my definition a strong background and give it my best effort.

19. Were you able to define terrorism in you essay without admitting that the United States has been guilty of terrorist acts?

Throughout my essay, I was able to give my show my deep feelings on why the terrorists attack. I did not state, however, any times that the United States has been guilty of terrorist acts because I did not feel that this was a topic that needed to be dwelled upon. I was able to give good examples of when terrorism strikes without shining light on the United States.

20. Are you optimistic about the future? Will you pledge to do your part in pursuing mutual understanding? Why or Why not?

I am a person who never stops asking questions and who is constantly thinking about the future. I look upon the next few years, and hope that the United States is able to unify as we have said we would. These are the true years of testing, and finding a mutual understanding of this new evil is extremely important. Therefore, I pledge my part in finding this common ground. Each of us has our own job on this earth, and that is to stand firm within ourselves and our country. We must be willing to show our courage and integrity, just as General Winston Churchill did during World War II. My mind and my heart is on the topic of terrorism on this planet, and I am willing to do whatever God has called me to do.

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