Political Tolerance of Terror & Elections
By: Amit Bhushan Date: 3rd Oct. 2016
When the political position on terror is a bit coy rather than unequivocal, it does create fancy public relations and public policy problems. The shyness to condemn terror (or its use as a policy by a country) by major power/s, has allowed other players to have stakes in the power structure in certain geography. The different usage of the various tool created under the policy have been innovated by different sections of regional and global or even local players. A way to continually irrigate the economy has been created or evolved by such blessings. Such an economy is already making its impact felt in the choice/s people have been depicting lately, although major powers seem to be cooling heals (by making light of the matter) or even worse by trying to cultivate their own crops of loyal followers within such system in trying to expand their zone of influence and outdoing some others in the process.
What is curious is that the continuous use of these tools is now likely to swing public mood and impact the ruling classes in democratic set ups. This is because most people are by nature peace-minded. However when confronted with terror, an irrational behavior sets in to seek convenience with those who may be open to use violence to confront this terror mindset. That has been the case whereby which major power got engaged in sort of war and that continuing. It’s strange that the same terror mindset feels vindicated when such violent reactions are dwelled upon it or its subjects. Given such a complex scenario, what may be required is that major power instead of indulging in expansion of their sphere of influence, should be looking to contain situation. It may be noted that expansion of media, in particular the electronic/AV variety, accentuates the problem. This is so because, the conglomeration of people behind some swaggering political leaders or parties happen much faster or increase in reactionary zeal amongst population.
While efforts may be on to recalibrate the struggle as one between the local restive people versus the state or army, however the continuance to maintain situation so as to justify the terror tools and associated economy that is now flourishing. It is almost undeniable that those fighting for Jihadi jingoism elsewhere in Middle-East or North Africa, have learnt the art of continuing such warfare in Af-Pak and recruiting their trainees from here since finding people adept in maintaining logistics of Arms and food or making clandestine money travel distances thorough unscrupulous networks is a skill that may not be easily found elsewhere or can be replicated easily. The powers that be and the commercial news media can remain in denial though.
The lack of truly independent international news media, which would give out hard-hitting facts to public even in face of what local power structure/security experts may want to hear; is becoming almost a necessity. Failing this it is now likely that the Jihadi forces may actually be influencing decisions of the society since free will is often curtailed under duress where some a mirage seems to be the choice goalpost to run for. May be its time when the intellectual community start considering these social media post a bit more seriously.
By: Amit Bhushan Date: 3rd Oct. 2016
When the political position on terror is a bit coy rather than unequivocal, it does create fancy public relations and public policy problems. The shyness to condemn terror (or its use as a policy by a country) by major power/s, has allowed other players to have stakes in the power structure in certain geography. The different usage of the various tool created under the policy have been innovated by different sections of regional and global or even local players. A way to continually irrigate the economy has been created or evolved by such blessings. Such an economy is already making its impact felt in the choice/s people have been depicting lately, although major powers seem to be cooling heals (by making light of the matter) or even worse by trying to cultivate their own crops of loyal followers within such system in trying to expand their zone of influence and outdoing some others in the process.
What is curious is that the continuous use of these tools is now likely to swing public mood and impact the ruling classes in democratic set ups. This is because most people are by nature peace-minded. However when confronted with terror, an irrational behavior sets in to seek convenience with those who may be open to use violence to confront this terror mindset. That has been the case whereby which major power got engaged in sort of war and that continuing. It’s strange that the same terror mindset feels vindicated when such violent reactions are dwelled upon it or its subjects. Given such a complex scenario, what may be required is that major power instead of indulging in expansion of their sphere of influence, should be looking to contain situation. It may be noted that expansion of media, in particular the electronic/AV variety, accentuates the problem. This is so because, the conglomeration of people behind some swaggering political leaders or parties happen much faster or increase in reactionary zeal amongst population.
While efforts may be on to recalibrate the struggle as one between the local restive people versus the state or army, however the continuance to maintain situation so as to justify the terror tools and associated economy that is now flourishing. It is almost undeniable that those fighting for Jihadi jingoism elsewhere in Middle-East or North Africa, have learnt the art of continuing such warfare in Af-Pak and recruiting their trainees from here since finding people adept in maintaining logistics of Arms and food or making clandestine money travel distances thorough unscrupulous networks is a skill that may not be easily found elsewhere or can be replicated easily. The powers that be and the commercial news media can remain in denial though.
The lack of truly independent international news media, which would give out hard-hitting facts to public even in face of what local power structure/security experts may want to hear; is becoming almost a necessity. Failing this it is now likely that the Jihadi forces may actually be influencing decisions of the society since free will is often curtailed under duress where some a mirage seems to be the choice goalpost to run for. May be its time when the intellectual community start considering these social media post a bit more seriously.