Labelling hate crimes
A problem we have is one of labelling because it doesn’t help that a lot of Middle Eastern terrorism is being done in the name of Islam or God (‘French police question delivery man suspected in beheading’, Gulf News, June 28). The killings labelled as hate crimes in the West are labelled like that because the killers don’t attach a specific religion to their motivation. Let’s be clear - all killers of the innocent are mentally unstable. I don’t think any sensible or intelligent person in the West blames Islam for the acts of these people, although the media likes to create division and sensationalism.
All people of all races and religion need to work together to stamp out this evil - terrorism in the West tends to be done by insane people on drugs - legal or not. In the Middle East, the drug is a wrongly interpreted version of religion used as a justification for crime. All are hate crimes and all is terrorism. Irresponsible media labelling is an enemy without a gun. It’s insidious and covert with an agenda to cause divides. Terrorism is also performed in the name of Judaism and they indiscriminately kill in and around Occupied Palestinian Territory.
From Mr Giles Heaton
Dubai
Facebook comment
Don’t defend them!
It is frustrating to see Islam being criticised on the basis of such senseless acts carried out by individuals. It is hypocritical of the West to hold Muslims responsible for these crimes and term them as terrorists or Islamists, in comparison to their local criminals who are often defended by being referred to as mentally unstable. These double standards have to cease if we wish to tackle extremism effectively and eradicate terrorism from our society.
What is the proof that there was any flag found near the decapitated head? This is what the French authorities say, but the world hasn’t seen it.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
Sharjah
Facebook comment
What defines terrorism?
They decided it was Muslims before they even knew anything. There was a report that there was a flag with Arabic writing near the scene, now they are saying an Islamist flag was hanging with the man’s head. If it is so, then why wouldn’t they report it earlier?
They found a flag with Arabic writing, but Arabic is not a religion and clearly he is a disgruntled employee! Why is this being linked with attacks in other countries, but when a white Christian man goes and kills people in a church, it isn’t linked with other similar crimes and called terrorism?
From Ms Aisha Syed
Dubai
Facebook comment
Three hurt nations
We were all watching the news all the day and we all know very well that Daesh did it as they did here in Kuwait and in Tunisia. We are three nations hurt by Daesh at the same time. We should fight together, there is no other point.
From Ms M. Marie
Kuwait
Facebook comment
Don’t give Daesh free advertising!
I believe that there are a few issues here with the support that Daesh is getting (‘Daesh can intoxicate support more readily’, Gulf News, June 28). The more they get in the press – the more it advertises their cause and the more it gains the attention of impressionable and, especially, young people.
The solution I think is to completely blank out reporting their news. To be seen in the public carrying out their atrocities is just what they want. Strike back and don’t give them the pleasure.
With the technology available to us these days, we should be able to monitor “chatter” much better and anyone who even remotely corresponds with a known Daesh site should be brought in for questioning and monitoring.
A network of paid informants needs to be established. Some countries already do this. It is high time that the US, France and the UK took definitive and punitive action against Daesh in Iraq and Syria and publicise that.
It’s beyond the time for serious action by everyone who can turn the tide - governments, World Banks, Internal Security Forces and, yes, the press. Stop helping them by publicising their activities and giving them free advertising!
From Mr David Woodward
UAE
What if they grow larger?
The phenomenal rise of Daesh in such a short time is intriguing and intimidating to say the least. The brazenness with which they are capturing vast geographical areas across Iraq and Syria is a threat to the entire Middle Eastern region. When the neighbour’s house is on fire, one cannot sit back and relax, as the fire can engulf his own house in no time.
It is a matter of grave concern as to how the so-called superpowers of the world have tolerated the growth of Daesh during the past few months. Are the superpowers today only on paper and not in reality anymore? It is fearsome to think of the consequences, if the world fails to act on this matter urgently and Daesh grows beyond the few countries where it has a strong presence today.
What is also the need of the hour is a widespread effort to restrain the few estranged youth across the world from joining Daesh. It is surprising to note that dozens of misguided youth from across the world travel to the troubled areas to join Daesh. This needs to be stopped at the earliest with a concerted effort between the governments and the religious leaders from respective countries.
The principles on which Daesh is operating, is not adhering to any religion. They just believe in power attained through merciless crime. To declare the holy month of Ramadan as the month to settle their scores is a despicable idea.
The world leaders must unite to fight this cancer of the world. Inaction today would surely result in repentance tomorrow.
From Mr Suhas Inamdar
UAE
It has been easy for Daesh
For one thing the phenomenon of the rise of Daesh is still an enigmatic one because of its unique style of operation as opposed to that of other extremist groups like Al Qaida, Al Shabab or Boko Haram. The members of Daesh seem to be mostly comprised of youth with minimum of high school or college educations, besides being technology savvy. In spite of being a multi-cultural mix, what holds the group together apparently is the utterly delusional state of mind that could be the result of a modern cult experience that the radicalised youth draw from social media. Since the idea of authority has no place in the space of social media, anything would go as acceptable to those who really look for what is suitable to them. Mustering support for a cause from large groups of members, which would have warranted huge personal and logistical efforts, finances in addition to obtaining authorised permissions, has suddenly become unimaginably easy for those who seek to work with such conviction.
So, it is no wonder that Daesh, even if it means in fragmented forms, continue to attract the gullible youth whose dreams about an idealistic world where their fantasies don’t differentiate between what makes up their naturally ordained human feelings and a delusional ideology acquired through indoctrination. It is time that we demonstrate the courage to call a spade a spade and make efforts to institute an unlearning process for a generation of youth that has become an easy target by the most dreaded cult called Daesh. Mainstream Muslims should wake up and look for ways to initiate change.
From Mr V. I. Mohammad Sageer
Dubai
Voting is a fundamental right!
Even though the apex court of India pronounced its verdict on voting rights of non-residents Indians (NRI) - a fundamental right - nothing has materialised to turn those dreams into reality. The apathy of the various political parties in the country is well understood and non resident Indians (NRI) cannot expect any initiatives from their part. The corrupt politicians cutting across party lines fear that once these voting rights extended beyond the geographical boundaries of India, they will lose their dominance in the administration. It is illogical to call the largest democracy in the world to be vibrant when more than five million citizens are deprived of their fundamental right - voting. It is very promising to note that some NRI organisations have not yet abandoned the idea of e-voting and they are bracing up for agitation to realise this dream. Silence may not always necessarily be a sign of acceptance.
From Mr Girish R. Edathitta
Dubai
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