Limits of Terrorism

Submitted by Ghulam Muhammed, Mumbai (India), Apr 22, 2009 at 09:44

Some observations: Though western analysts prefer to identify Muslim radicalism/terrorism with religion, in case of Taliban, now moving into Pakistan and even Kashmir and India, there are two very potent motivations, that defy the usual norms of timing: One: Revenge. According to tribal custom called 'Pakhtoonwali', a murder has to be punished and that revenge cycle can go on for generations.

Second: The historical/geographical force of gravity that forces the north to move to South, in search of booty. The more India becomes prosperous, the more it will be attractive as easy picking. Mongols, Mughals, Turkic tribes, Persians, Afghan all organised forays in the riverine plains of Indian subcontinent passing through Khyber pass.. Max Abraham would have to stretch the time frame to properly assess the success or failure of 'terrorism' at least in the case of Taliban.

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