By  Mowahid Hussain Shah

June 22, 2007

Zealotry


Call it zealotry. Or call it fundamentalism, extremism, fanaticism, or any other name. It is an explosive mix of grievance, religious fervor, and violence. Its adherents have burning passion which sometimes nullifies the overwhelming advantage enjoyed by technology, strength in numbers, and superior fire power.
Opinions differ about the labels given. But there is little disagreement on the fact that zealotry is on the rise globally and locally. Although not unique to it, zealotry is undoubtedly a salient issue in much of the Muslim world and in its interaction with the West.
Anger builds danger. The bigger threat comes from non-State actors.
Among the most deadly symptoms of zealotry are self-annihilating operations directed against Western targets.
What then drives segments of the Muslim youth to voluntarily embark on the self-destructive path of nihilism?
Among the multiple causes underlying nihilistic zealotry, three stand out:
(1) A deepening sense of being humiliated and dominated, which is seen as an affront to the dignity of the collective Muslim identity;
(2) Perceived defeatism among Muslim elites, who have been unable or unwilling to inspire optimism or to project core yearnings of the Muslim street; and
(3) Giving a larger purpose to an otherwise seemingly purposeless and powerless individual existence.
The taste of vengeance may be difficult to curb. But, given the huge stakes, it is an unavoidable challenge that needs to be addressed. It cannot be deterred by sheer force. The world has now entered the zone of consequences – the blowback consequences of bad decisions.
Zealotry has been fueled by the misguided policies of the West. Even the former US Secretary of State Colin Powell – alarmed over the negative perception of the US – wants the immediate closing of the Guantanamo Bay military prison where detainees are held in violation of Geneva Conventions.
Foremost in any approach would be to devolve some sense of dignity and empowerment in Muslim society. Given the escalating polarization, that task is easier said than done. It would involve concrete steps aimed at reducing, if not eliminating, the motivation which fuels nihilistic violence. Also, it depends upon conveying and spreading a message which offers a glimmer of hope. While youth are presented with causes to die for, they need to be given also reasons to live.
But it is never going to be one-way. The Presidential debates for the November 2008 US Presidential elections are now fully underway. Already, two recurring patterns are readily apparent. First, all the candidates have one view and one voice about confronting “radical Islam” -- some going even so far to advocate tactical nuclear strikes against Iran. Second, all the candidates have one view and one voice about embracing Israel. Both Democrats and Republicans are fostering fear against Islam while being unwilling to reexamine US policies in the Middle East. So, in essence, change is demanded from others without making any corresponding changes at one’s own end. It is a prescription for endless conflict.
Those who pursue peace need to board the train of justice. They have to do it quickly before the train leaves the station.

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Clash or Coexistence?

The Radical Behind Reconstruction

POWs & Victors’ Justice

Islam on Campus

Community of Civilizations

Rule of Law or Rule of Men?

Unpredictable Times

The Quiet One

Turkish Model & Principled Resignations

Live and Let Live

Leadership & de Gaulle

Dark Side of Power

2002: The Year of Escalation

Whither US?

Politics, God, Cricket & Sex

The Company of Friends

Missing in Action : The Kofi Case

Accountability & Anger

Casualties of War

A Simple Living

The Nexus & Muslim Nationhood

The Kith and Kin Culture

It Is Spreading

Road to Nowhere

Misrepresenting Muslims

The value of curiosity

Revenge & Riches

The Media on Iraq

The Perils of Sycophancy

Legends of Punjab

Mind & Muscle

Islam & the West: Conflict or Co-Existence?

The Challenge of Disinformation

Britain on the Backfoot

Paisa, Power and Privilege

The Path to Peace

On Intervention

Countering Pressures on Pakistan

A World at War?

Raising the Game

The Argument of Force

Affluence withtout Influence

The Shawdow of Vietnam

Heroes of '54

The Imperative of Human Decency

Hollywood and Hate

Living in Lahore

Fatal Decisions

Singer or the Song

Arrogance

The Power of Moral Legitimacy

The Trouble with Kerry

Green Curtain

A Nation Divided

Election 2004: Decisive but Divisive

Muslim Youth & Kashmir in America

The Big Picture: Wealth without Vision

Oxygen to Global Unrest

Punishing the Punctual

Change without Change

Don’t Be Weak

Passionate Attachment

The Confidence of Youth

The Other Side of Democracy

Campaign of Defamation

Pakistani Women & the Legal Profession

A Pakistani Journey

Farewell to Fazal

Mukhtaran and Beyond

Revamping the OIC

7/7 & After

Nuclear Double-Standard

Return to Racism

Hollywood – The Unofficial Media

The Sole Superpower

The UN at 60

A Slow Motion World War?

Elite vs. Street

Iqbal Today

Macedonia to Multan

Defending our Own

2006 & Maulana Zafar Ali Khan

Error against Terror

The Limits of Power

Cultural Weaknesses

Aggressive at Home, Submissive Abroad

Global Storm

The Farce of Free Expression

The Changing Mood

Condi & India

Xenophobia

Looking inward

Re-Thinking

A Tale of Two Presidents

Close to Home

Flashpoint Kashmir

The Spreading Rage

Confronting Adversity

The Illusion of International Law

Other Side of Extremism

Five Years after 9/11

The Educated Ignorant

The Decline of Humor

Icons

Six Years of Insanity

The War Not Being Fought

Munir Niazi

Compliance & Defiance

Counter-Message

Miscast

The Goddess of Wealth

The Meaning of Moderation

The Tora Bora of Fear

Clash of Civility

The Early Race

Challenge & Response

Will & Skill


2001

 

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