“Terrorism” – would be among the three most frequently topics discussed in newspapers, on television, in cubicles, public debates, politician’s speeches – and maybe soon in nursery textbooks…..(a fairly innocent photo of a 3 year old trying to cross into a restricted area at Heathrow Airport, and being warned by the policeman brought this thought into my mind)…

Civilisations are clashing again – and I wonder what has really changed from the time of the crusades, European invasions into Africa and Asia, etc etc. The seeds of bitterness remain - the reasons are different in perception, though same in rationality.

1. Iraq vs. US/NATO/UK/etc – Fight for oil (read survival in global economy)
2. Israel/US vs. Lebanon/Palestine – age old clash of civilisations – no modern world objective at stake except indirect US control over West Asia and North Africa.
3. BinLaden/Taliban vs. Western World/India – something akin to the invasions of Afghan warlords like BinKhilji etc from the old times. They claim to act in interest of a oppressed Muslim world – but they kill more Muslims than they think they benefit.

There would be numerous points and counter-points in favor and against every side, but ultimately humanity as a whole suffers. I do not believe that terrorist actions benefit the people they claim to represent, and at the same time I do not believe that US actions are meant for World Peace or to create a safer world as claimed by George Bush and his deputy Tony Blair.

While the western world has been largely successful in creating fronts against China and Russia through the poor Afghans and Pakistanis, it is just beginning to see the reap of their harvests. On the other hand – if people like Bin Laden were to realise that the western world does not want to see a developed Afghanistan or Middle East – they would also probably realise that a better way of functioning would be to spend their vast fortune in procuring food and livelihood means for a battered people. Being a silent hero is certainly better than being a self-proclaimed one. It is due to a few people that a particular religious community is looked upon with such general hatred.

I claim to be a global citizen, and I refuse to look at anyone as a Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jew etc. I refuse to hate a normal Pakistani because his leader chose the wrong way for his people, and I refuse to agree with people who want to manage my world with their self-interests in mind.

National / religious boundaries do not matter anymore. It is a world where various civilisations have to co-exist and respect each others existence. That is the only way to end the conflict of civilisations.

At the same time, I do not see it ending soon……and it disgusts me.