TERRORISM AND EXTREMISM – A THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY
Introduction
Terrorism and extremism have emerged as significant global threats, endangered public safety and undermining social harmony. These acts of violence and ideologically driven attacks not only inflict physical harm but also perpetuate fear and instability within communities.
Understanding Terrorism and Extremism
Terrorism refers to the deliberate use of violence, often against civilians, to achieve political, ideological, or religious goals. Extremism, on the other hand, can encompass a broader range of beliefs that deviate from societal norms, often leading individuals towards radical actions. Both phenomena are motivated by a desire to instigate change or provoke fear, often exploiting societal grievances or injustices.
The Impact on Public Safety
1. Physical Harm: Terrorist attacks can lead to devastating loss of life and injuries. Public places, such as schools, markets, and transportation systems, often become targets, making everyday activities a source of anxiety for citizens.
2. Psychological Fear: The threat of terrorism creates a pervasive atmosphere of fear, altering how people engage in their daily lives. This can lead to increased anxiety, skepticism towards others, and changes in behavior, such as avoiding crowded spaces.
3. Social Division: Extremism can foster division within communities. When individuals or groups feel marginalized, they may resort to radical ideologies, creating an "us vs. them" mentality that threatens social cohesion.
4. Economic Consequences: The repercussions of terrorism extend to economic stability. Attacks can disrupt businesses, deter tourism, and necessitate increased security measures, all of which place financial strains on communities and governments.
Addressing the Threat
1. Intelligence and Prevention: Effective intelligence-sharing among nations and agencies is crucial in preventing terrorist acts. Governments must invest in monitoring potential threats and identifying vulnerabilities within society.
2. Community Engagement: Building trust between law enforcement and communities is essential. Collaborative initiatives can empower communities to report suspicious activities and foster open dialogues to counter extreme ideologies.
3. Education and Awareness: Promoting education that fosters inclusivity and understanding can help mitigate the rise of extremism. Programs that address societal grievances while promoting coexistence and tolerance are vital in combating radical narratives.
4. Strengthening Legislation: Governments need to enact and enforce laws that address financing and recruiting for terrorism, ensuring that those who engage in or support extremist activities are held accountable.
Conclusion
Terrorism and extremism represent significant challenges to public safety, requiring a multifaceted approach to combat their effects. Through prevention, community engagement, education, and legislative measures, societies can enhance their resilience against these threats, fostering an environment of safety and unity. Only by addressing the root causes of terrorism and extremism can we hope to build a safer, more inclusive future.
The Republic of Tajikistan, like other countries in the world, is not free from the possible impact of negative events and circumstances on an international scale.
In today's world, processes and phenomena are taking place that threaten not just one country or one region, but all countries and peoples of the world. One such undesirable phenomenon that poses regional and international danger and has a tendency to spread across all regions of the world is terrorism and extremism, which have attracted the attention of international organizations and countries worldwide. Although the existing phenomena have been absent in this century, they have taken on a new form in the new age, and their essence has acquired a more organized and complex manner of manifestation. Terrorism and extremism have been and remain the most dangerous threats to humanity and the global community, and with the use of rapidly developing modern technologies, they are acquiring new ways and methods of operation. For instance, over the last decade hundreds of thousands of civilians have become victims of terrorist and extremist acts, and thousands more have become disabled and unable to work. The death of thousands of peaceful people on the planet, especially the vulnerable segments of society, women and children, from this deadly danger is evidence that this barbaric act knows no mercy. And as a means of realizing this evil, people who are far removed from culture and education are being used.
The following organizations, movements, and groups, such as "Al-Qaeda," "Taliban," "Hizb-ut-Tahrir," "Boko Haram," "Daesh," and similar ones, have been listed by several countries and international organizations as terrorist organizations and recognized as extremist, with the main goal of gaining political influence and prestige by expanding their activities through criminal acts.
Extremism comes from the French word "extrémisme" and the Latin word "extremus," which means extreme thoughts and actions, going beyond limits. An extremist is a person who advocates for stubborn and extreme actions in their activities. These actions and manifestations can occur in all spheres of human activity - in religion, politics, ideology, science, and even in sports.
Terrorism is an undesirable phenomenon of modern society, and its understanding manifests itself in the commission of serious crimes, such as murder, kidnapping, and taking people hostage, arranging explosions, various performances, and entertainment, etc. Extremism is separatism, provocations, and is usually inextricably linked to terrorism. In some sense, terrorism is a consequence of extremism. However, it should be noted that both represent quite significant destructive consequences. They aim to undermine public safety and weaken the foundations of government power, and moreover, these movements create a sense of fear and helplessness among the population.
As the head of state, the leader of the nation, Emomali Rahmon, has consistently stated, "Terrorism is not specific to any religion, sect, or nation; that is, a terrorist does not have a homeland, nation, religion, or sect," which is evidence that these undesirable actions have nothing to do with any religion and its commandments. The consequences of violent, extremist, and terrorist actions are certainly not in the interests of humanity and not in the interests of the Muslim peoples of the world. The material and moral damage resulting from terrorist acts is also incalculable. Therefore, every conscious and educated member of society, especially the youth, who make up the main part of society, should not be deceived by the false opinions of invisible political figures, but should strive for education, develop and enrich their moral, legal, and political knowledge to become the foundation for strengthening the full political stability of Tajikistan. Because the stability of Tajikistan's security, the stability of Tajikistan's position on a global level, and the safety and tranquility of the state borders of the Republic of Tajikistan are important and key values for each of us.
Muhamadieva K.M.-Head of dermatoveneroloji department