Eyes wide shut!

I have grown wary of the simplistic ways in which the well educated urban youth looks at the recent terror attack and current political/economic issues and the naïve quick fix solutions they suggest. The biggest argument against anyone like me who questions these simplistic, at times even irrational/illogical theories is, ‘if not this then what’s your answer’? As if questioning the rational makes it binding to provide answers!

Well, I feel that answers are there but to understand and appreciate ‘my sort’ of answers one should be at least willing to analyze, debate and understand the root cause of any issue. Without addressing it, suggesting simple, superficial (mostly jingoistic) solutions does nothing but only makes one ‘feel good’(it’s a different story that most of the times that’s all people aim at)

What is even more disturbing is the sympathetic considerations and even explicit support that certain morally, intellectually and ethically flawed political actions are getting these days. Some examples of really dangerous interpretations are, people’s opinion that India must follow the US example to combat terror, or Raj Thakrey’s point is valid but the means (use of force) are inappropriate, or that Hindu terrorism is a justified aftermath of Islamic terrorism, or thinking that draconian anti-terror laws will help combat terror better, the really naïve ones are about giving better education and changing people’s thinking and getting rid of corrupt politicians!

What is seen to be absolutely lacking today, is logical and open minded scrutiny of any policy/political decision and analyzing how it impacts the society (by society I mean everybody who is a part of it and not just the urban middle class).

Let me address some common myths and underlying real reasons.

Myth No. 1 - India should follow US example and take strict military action against terrorist camps in Pakistan
Evaluating effectiveness of any past strategy/policy is extremely important before accepting or promoting it. America’s war on terror has been far from being effective against terrorism and though some may conclude that because of this so called war on terror, there have been no more attacks on US. Even though the later is true, but US war on terror has made the whole world a lot more unsafe than before, and that is a serious problem. Also another important aspect (which is again easily overlooked) is how much harm has US caused to Al-queda or bin laden or the actual terrorist camps? Post 9/11 it launched into a full blown war against Afghanistan in retaliation against the militant group, which the US itself had fostered when it was at odds with the Soviet Union in the late 80s and early 90s. Whatever may be the reason, Afghanistan today is a country with the largest number of widows and orphans and the terrorist outfits just moved their camps to Pakistan1

We also need to understand any country (other than Pakistan itself) does not have the moral/political right to bomb any territory (even if its occupied by terrorist) within its boundary. It will surely result in deaths of lot more civilians than the terrorists and only deepen the mutual hatred giving further support to terrorist campaigns. Instead, it is far wiser to let Pakistan handle its own mess. Also the world (read US for all practical purposes) should stop giving legitimacy to Pakistan army. Why did Rice have to meet Pak army chief? Is it a common procedure in other states? Is it not that by doing this act, US acknowledges the army’s hold giving it political legitimacy? To do this on one side and ask Pak government to act tough against terrorism on the other is of course in line with usual US hypocrisy.

Myth No 2: Corruption is root cause of all internal mess we have
The problem with this myth is when people say this they imagine corruption of traffic hawaldar and police and govt offices not understanding how a system that is based on corrupt practices is exploitative. Also people imagine politicians as some independent entities (much like hindi films) who operate in isolation with the system and society. They cannot understand in fact, they will be very angry if you point out legal and illegal corruption of corporations and other private people who actually maintain corrupt politicians in office. As corporations are the leading barons of India shining saying anything against them is criminal and of course anti-development! The poor governance that results out of vested interests that large corporates have is incomprehensible to these people, you are not even allowed to bring it up!

Myth no 3: Because of poverty people fall prey to terrorist traps and give them information in exchange for petty returns
This argument does not explain involvement of educated professionals in masterminding and carrying out so many of the recent terrorist operations. What about similar religious propaganda spread by RSS, Bajrang Dal and the likes? Their recruits are in fact high caste well educated and mostly urban middle class or higher-middle class youth. The worse part is these organizations even have the state at their disposal which results in Gujarat like pogroms. How do we address this issue with the above argument?

Myth no 4: We need tougher anti-terror laws
While there could be a strong case, specially in the light of recent Mumbai attacks to strengthen our intelligence network and disaster management systems but the move should be towards increased transparency and accountability and not reduced. One example of failed tough laws that merits consideration is India’s handling of northeast and Kashmir issues. There have been really tough laws, especially in case of northeast and constant military presence in both regions but situation has never improved. It only worsened. Also one should understand that state repression can be much worse (example emergency/ Gujarat pogrom) than an independent isolated group’s terrorism. Hence there should always be enough checks and balances on state power and we should demand more transparent laws, laws that empower people not the state.

These are just a few examples from the current issues and the list can go on and on…The point I want to highlight is that lack of public awareness and understanding of politics is fatal for any society and specially a democracy which thrives upon public participation and debate. If we take naive views like globalization is good, population is bad, terrorism is only Islamic etc, real issues never come up and the politics underneath is not understood. The worst part is, such ignorance gives legitimacy to morally, economically and legally flawed political decisions.