Fantasized Fear

Sabir Ali
sabirnastran@gmail.com
23 November 2009
Institute of Communication Studies
University of the Punjab, Lahore

American inaugurated war on terror is going on to target the terrorists and extremists with the
help of Pakistan army and other allies. These terrorized allied forces are determined to brush off
every one of their opponents. Whenever there is a suicide attack, bomb blast, abduction, passing-
by firing, or any other inhumane activity, all the so-called well-wisher of mankind abruptly and
unanimously come to one pre-drafted conclusion; “it is non Islamic”, “Islam doesn’t preach and
encourage such activities”, or “this is not Jihad”, and many other similar statements. Definitely,
Islamic scriptures do not teach us to destabilize the society and its peace. Definitely, Islam never
taught its followers to cause panic to others. However, impromptu remarks of critics are more
shocking when only Muslims are marked as terrorists, fundamentalists, and extremists. Even real
terrorists are tagging Islam as a terrorist religion. Today fundamentalism is a synonym to
terrorism and terrorism to Islam. This is nothing but only abysmal ignorance. Both the terms, war
on terror and fundamentalism, become misleading when terrorism is attached to religion, Islam,
and war on terror to a global peace process. Currently, Taliban and American forces have staged
this advanced type of war in Pakistan.
A major difference between Taliban and American terrorists is of faith and power. Taliban believe
in power of faith while Americans in faith of power. NATO, as a global army, is fighting to create a
humanistic belief system, a product of modernity, to pave the mental roads for acceptance of
western secular dominance. This is why force is being applied to curb the fundamentalist
sentiments but with a special power in Pakistan. Taliban, on the other end, are claiming to create
a pure religious society, although through their philosophy. Whether it is secularization,
modernity, or religion, cannot be same again and forever and Taliban must realize this. American
forces (and other governments as well) cannot cope with fundamentalism by the use of force.
Neither fundamentalism nor war on terror is new and staged over night. On 15 July 1099 “when
killing stopped not a single muslim was left alive with city walls. The last survivors were forced to
perform the worst tasks: to heave the bodies of their own relatives, to dump them in vacant,
unmarked lots, and then to set them alight, before being themselves massacred or sold into
slavery.” Amin Maalouf relates the tragic siege of Jerusalem, which, the Knights held for “piece”,
an evil fashion to be adopted by NATO and Americans, centuries later. That terror of the day did
not fade away. Taliban fundamentalism is a precautious measure against this terror while future
needs, past deeds, and present greed are powering factors of American one. Furthermore, World
War II ended initiating a new wave of fundamentalism in both science and arts. Scientists and
religious leaders tried to create a new world from the ashes of destroyed civilizations, in their own
ways, returning to fundamentals. As scientifically rational people considered the religion
incompatible to their views, the gap widened, triggering the roots of “war on terror”. Western
media also contributed its share, and still doing so, making magic, witchcraft, technological
mythology based movies, in the name of horror movies, but in fact further fantasizing this fear.
Because American aims are more dangerous than Taliban’s and Taliban’s peculiar attitude and
strategy is unfavorable one, we have to decide wisely and they must realize severity of their
goals. Our religious prejudice hampers to appreciate American and NATO attacks and charms of
modern conveniences that America is promising, forces us to hate these fanatic and
fundamentalist Taliban. What should be our choice then? Do comparative analysis of both.
Nevertheless, one thing is sure; you can never win American sympathies unless you accept her
ways of life and assure to preach and practice them. If Taliban are wrong and their terrorist
activities are non-Islamic, then the drone attacks and their bloodshed are anti-Islamic and anti-
humankind in every aspect. Watch both of them and wash whichever is against to your religious,
spiritual, domestic and economic interests. First of all we have to define our identity and interests
and of others’ as well, but remember, divine rules and eternal teachings of our holy Prophet
(peace be upon him) have the first priority and cannot be challenged no matter how much
powerful or modern you are. Our alliance with America is real cause of our panic and a visible
symptom too. American or NATO forces have nothing to do for the protection of Islam and
Pakistan. Have they?