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GLOBALISATION OF VIOLENCE AND RELIGIOUS FUNDAMENTALISM |
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TO VIMA |
When Samuel P. Huntington's article "The Clash of Civilizations" was first published in 1993 –four years before his famous book- it stirred up heated discussions and was met by scepticism. No one could imagine at that time the events of September 11, 2001 or the subsequent wave of terrorist attacks and daily acts of blind violence. Now, the latest terrible events in our own neighbourhood have sounded the alarm for Europe as a whole. Which will be the next target? In a climate of growing insecurity, that is the question in the minds of citizens and governments. Sadly, two years after the "war on terror" was declared and Al Qaeda was elevated to the status of the West's de facto new enemy, terrorism not only remains undefeated, but is becoming stronger, more widespread, and globalised. We hear of young people standing in queue to receive the title of "warrior" and sacrifice their youth "for the glory and honour of Islam".
The relationship between religious fundamentalism and terrorism is an issue of major importance, since the recent attacks indicate that the global community will increasingly face the threat of religious violence. Many thinkers, such as Mark Juergensmeyer, believe that religious terrorism is seldom merely part of some wider political strategy. Usually it is an act clothed in heavy symbolism, aiming at reinforcing the self-confidence of marginalized groups and giving them a sense of power. This does not of course mean that powerful political interests are not attracted to, or ignore the power of religion in advancing their political ambitions. The White House and its current neo-conservative administration is a good example. For President Bush, devotion to religion is a primary duty and obligation – so that he alone can gain favour in the eyes of God. As stated very aptly indeed by Bill Keller, when the US President closes his speeches with the standard phrase "God bless America", other peoples around the world mentally add "…and to hell with everybody else".
Many believe that religious fundamentalism and terrorism are two sides of the same coin. Fundamentalism, before the West linked it with Islam, referred to extreme views derived from the Christian tradition. Fundamentalism as a notion and a movement first appeared in the USA in the 1920s. Its standard tenets have included rejection of new ideas and blind obedience to religious principles and traditions, which are considered as being above the laws of the state. In our day fundamentalism can take a variety of forms (religious, political, ideological) and penetrate any religion or dogma, poisoning our every-day life. Fanatics throughout the world feel they are fighting against forces threatening their most sacred values. They view modernisation and the progress of science and technology as an offensive against the fundamental laws of their existence, rather than as a liberating process. Certainly, fundamentalist practice is not restricted to jihad or the Afghani burkhas. The issue has been discussed in the European Parliament and especially by the Women's Committee, since women are the first victims of religious violence.
We all know that in many Muslim societies references to human rights do not include women's rights, which are violated systematically. A common crime in such societies is so-called "honour killing". It is estimated that about 5,000 women and girls are murdered each year by male members of their family. Inhuman, violent and humiliating punishments on women, such as stoning or lashing, are a usual practice in many countries and are administered in the name of religious tradition, which is misinterpreted as having "a divine nature and origin".
Violence however, cannot be opposed by more violence. Its origins must be sought, beyond cultural differences, in the deep economic inequalities and divisions afflicting the modern world. Perhaps an "offensive" of co-operation and dialogue between different cultures could help humanity escape the vicious circle of violence to which the self-defeating US policy has led us. The creation of a free, peaceful, safe world of solidarity and justice is the major challenge in the 21st century. Europe must take the lead in meeting this challenge.
Anna Karamanou
European MP for PASOK
www.karamanou.gr