Western Arrogance, Islamic Fanaticism, and Terrorism

In: Terrorism: an internat. journal, Band 11, Heft 5, S. 378-384

Abstract

An exploration of the causes of Islamic fundamentalism & terrorism. A history of the Islamic world beginning in the eighteenth century is presented, focusing on its relationship with Western civilization. It is argued that terrorism is a system arising from the rules governing world politics today, which are predominantly Western, even among Islamic countries. It is argued that terrorism is born out of frustration caused by social, economic, & political inequities. As long as these conditions exist, terrorism will continue to thrive. It is recommended that the US attempt to consolidate its relationships with governments connected to terrorism; also, both the West & the Islamic world need to begin a dialogue to "break the cycle of arrogance breeding contempt & fanaticism breeding paranoia.". S. G. Yates