So, we use the word “terrorism” to define, with one sweeping word, all actions perpetrated by others which could threaten our establishment(s). For example, we call the attempted car bombings in London “terrorism”, because, ultimately, we believe that those who aimed to cause problems were doing so to further their group’s (Al-Quaeda’s?) agenda. These people aren’t born with morals that say “the west is bad, etc” – no, they are indoctrinated with the use of so called “holy texts”, and promises of some magical salvation, and no doubt with a touch of history (the Crusades) thrown in for good measure, and a sense of reason for actions (“pay-back”).

Terrorism is a very abstract concept. By saying that “terrorists are not evil, terrorism is”, what I see you as saying is “terrorists are not evil – it is their actions which are”. Surely, we are defined by our actions?! That said, I don’t think that we can define anyone (not even Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini or any suicide bomber) as evil without putting ourselves in a highly contradictory position – there will be many in ages past who have viewed as evil those we revere today. “Evil” is essentially subjective, even if a massively strong sentiment. A large proportion of the non-Nazi, non-Jew, non-minority population of Hitler’s Germany would have been very happy with his leadership, and indeed he is highly commended as a great leader in this day and age. I don’t think, however, that we can call him evil, as he did, ultimately improve the lives of many (and indeed, to his discredit, he destroyed the lives of others).

The only way to prevent “terrorism” is to fight its core (which comes close to making us terrorists, by the definition given above!). We need to treat the perpetrators of individual acts as we would treat those who commit any other crime, but with more harsh sentences. Not as further retribution for the misguided, but to warn those who are close to indoctrination, and hopefully turn them away from this path. Similarly, the various “hold without charge” laws can be fully justified – by stopping those who may go on to commit a crime while we gather evidence, we essentially allow them to “cool down”, and hopefully turn “off the path”.

Hopefully the above is fairly coherent – hope you’ve had a nice holiday!