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.
