OPINION

Vicious circle?

This is probably one of the most oppressive and morbid periods humanity has yet to live through. And the noose is tightening. As long as terrorist attacks were occurring at a safe distance, we Europeans could speculate about the religious terrorism of the masses, and condemn it, but always remain calm. The occupation of a Moscow theater by Chechen rebels, however, allowed the ghost of terrorism to slip into our front yard and set the stage for other such horrors. It is not just the anticipated crackdown by European organizations and the enforcement of tough new measures which violate the freedom of the individual that we have to fear. It is also the permeation of a sense of panic across Europe which clouds the crisis and allows crimes to be silenced, aggressors to be absolved, and policies hitherto condemned to be deemed necessary and implemented. This panic prompts a tacit endorsement of even the most paranoid strategies in the war on terrorism. And in such a battle – for the collective good and against the evil lurking in every corner – much innocent blood can be shed and not be regarded as a loss. But, tragically, this panic distances us from the political solutions to the problems which incite every suicide bomber to arm himself… And the terrorist, in striking, absolves our politicians of their responsibility for these problems. Thus, the vicious circle never ends…

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