If we are to truly distinguish the roots of terrorism the most important thing is to disregard our own nationality, culture, upbringing and beliefs. I truly abhor any terrorist action as it ultimately results in the death of innocent people, but if you stand back and make a true analysis as to why these things have happened the reasons are quite evident.

When examining others writing on the subject of terrorism I've read many articles or statements likening terrorism to a bully in a playground terrorizing another smaller student and instilling fear into his heart. It has become apparent to me however that maybe this analysis is somewhat warped. Why do I say this?

I want you to recall to mind all the terrorist actions in your recent memory. Who performed these terrorist acts? The minority group or the majority? Generally it is the minority group who performs the terrorist act, and why is this?

Simply because that person or group does not feel that they have the resources or means to retaliate or defend itself against the 'bully', as they would see him, in a conventional way using war or even possibly revolution!

The bully in the school playground is usually bigger than the one being bullied, more powerful, and more aggressive. Therefore what option is the victim left with but to take a cheap shot? The victim in the playground would never be able to beat the bully in a conventional fight but does that mean the victim should just sit back and take it? NO. We would always encourage the victim to stand up to the bully or the bullying would continue. It's not so easy to stand by our ideals and reasoning though when the attack is against you or I, is it!

We have to then liken this to national organizations. In many parts of this world America is viewed as a bully. It is viewed as a country that wants to force democracy and it's own ideals on others for purely selfish gain. Oil for example! Could not America's invasion into Afghanistan and Iraq be viewed by those in the Middle East as bullying for selfish gain? Many of the countries in the region that feel this way would never be able to beat America in a conventional war so they fight the war in the only other way they feel they can, namely, terrorism.

Couple these feelings of injustice with the input of extremists who have either been pushed to the extremes of there emotions or have a truly evil desire to cause harm whenever possible, and it is little wonder terrorism exists.

Sadly it also works! We in the western world now feel the same sense of intimidation, fear and injustice that those in other lands will say they have felt or experienced at the hand of the West for decades. As long as it continues to work it will regrettably continue to exist!

Learn more about this author, Adam Lee.
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