The threat survives

In September of 2001 the civilised world awoke to the grim reality that terror could stretch its black clawed hand across the globe into the heart of America.  As the events of the 9/11 beamed across the world we all fixed our eyes to the horror and wondered about our own sense of security.  Here in plain view the fanatics, driven by political ideology and back with religious fervour, executed their retaliation for unknown crimes.  There have been defining moments in history which change the world forever, and everyone instinctively knew the fall of the two towers was one such pivotal moment.

The President of the United States declared war on the phantom of “terror” and began stripping away civil liberties for the sake of security.  The Department of Homeland Security was formed,  airports banned liquids, searched bags, and introduced invasive back scatter x-rays to weed out those bent on destruction.  But most importantly, a single man was identified as the sole cause of all this death and fear.  Osama Bin Laden.

While we may never really know the true motivations behind Osama Bin Laden’s actions, it seems he may not have been able to convince many young intelligent men sacrifice themselves and hundreds of passengers without the religious ideas of jihad, martyrdom, and eternal paradise.  While it’s not impossible for people to be convinced to sacrifice their lives for political reasons, the path is much smoother if 72 virgins await beyond the pearly gates.

Now one head of this vicious hydra has been severed a chapter of the 9/11 book can be closed, but the story continues.  The real threat are the dogmas of superstition which so easily permit such atrocities; and this is something almost all faiths must share a burden.  History shows the wooly thinking which allows the wishes of judgemental gods to intrude on decent society bears the seeds of destruction, violence, intolerance, and bigotry.

Until we are willing to face this stark reality, I fear the spectre of terror will continue to dominate our culture.

Tagged with: 911, Killed, Osama Bin Laden

Tweet