Terrorism Defined

The definition of "terror" is one based on perspective and defined by those in the position of power. Terrorism is a word many of us have heard primarily from those who feign victimization such as the Israeli and American leadership. The very label of "terrorism" is one used to discredit, isolate, and stigmatize a group of individuals who battle the forces of imperialism. Such a strategy works well for imperialist powers and exonerates them from blame for oppressive actions.

The so called "first world" has, through their media, successfully limited the definition of terrorism to include non-governmental entities or groups that act on their own. Conveniently, democratically elected governments who committ terrorist actions (ie: launch unilateral attacks on another state) are excused on the premise of "promoting democracy", "liberating the masses", or "bringing freedom". When these very states face the consequences, it is referred to as "terrorism". What more? not only does the label of "terror" discredits those who fight against them, but also excuses the actions of the imperialist by prolonging their colonial agenda. Things cannot work much better can they?

A true slap on the face of these imperialist powers came when Hamas became the democratically elected government of Palestine. The same powers who spew their vitriol on democracy and freedom are the same ones who are now withholding aid for the democratically elected government of Palestine. Russia, in an attempt to flex its muscles and be seen as a superpower is the only state to have some level of diplomacy with Hamas. Does this mean that these powers have gone back on their official view of terror? Does this mean that even democractically elected governments can now be viewed as terrorists? Only if you're not the one in power, because those in power control reality, perception, and definitions of what is right and wrong even if they are the biggest hypocrites on the face of the earth.

copyright Aurangzeb Qureshi 2006