Tackle root causes to fight terror,says author Mahmood Mamdani

Stressing that no government can tackle terror without tackling the core issues first,he said that the two are completely interlinked. “No terror attack whether 9/11 or 26/11 can happen on its own. While it is important that every government should ensure security to its citizens,it is equally important to know that this cannot happen unless the government addresses the reasons that cause insecurity among the people,” said Mamdani.

Citing the example of Ireland and its struggle for independence,Mamdani said that violence continued in both countries — Ireland and England — because the British government failed to recognise Ireland’s demands. “This caused a lot of damage to both sides. The British government woke up to the demands of Ireland only years later,” said Mamdani. “It is important for the big powers to understand that no same recipe can be used for all issues. It is important to de-globalize and regionalise issues before addressing them. This is the only long term solution to tackle terror,” added Mamdani.

Mamdani also quoted the example of Pakistan as a country that never addressed the core issues. “Pakistan like Israel has never solved problems but only postponed them which has resulted in the problems that they are experiencing today.

Finally deconstructing the term “terrorism,” Mamdani said the war on terror can never be won,“It is an ongoing,permanent war. The low intensity warfare that took place during the Cold War period has now escalated into terrorism. Any kind of reform will take place if you appeal to the middle ground,” said Mamdani.