Jordan Times
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Causes of terrorism,
mechanisms to combat it discussed
By Mohammad Ghazal
AMMAN — Intellectuals, artists, religious leaders
and security experts convened in Amman on Saturday to discuss terrorism and ways
to address it.
During the three-day conference, hosted by the Greater Amman Municipality,
participants will address the root causes and history of terrorism and how it
evolved, as well as the role of democracy in tackling the phenomenon.
In his opening address at the event yesterday, Amman Mayor Nidal Hadid said
holding such a gathering in Amman became more pressing after the Nov. 9
terrorist attacks in the capital.
"We are seeking the help of enlightened minds to find solutions that would help
decision makers in our part of the world take the necessary procedures to face
terrorism," Hadid said.
In his paper, titled "Terrorism between misunderstanding and ill-intentions, "
Egyptian intellectual Hassan Hanafi criticised the West for linking Islam with
terrorism, stressing that Islam as a system of ideas and values, and as a
civilisation, rejects terrorism, violence or forced conversion of people.
"Islam is a faith of tolerance and recognition of the opinion of others. Linking
Islam to terrorism is... motivated by ill-intentions and as an excuse to attack
Muslims," he said, pointing to the role of scholars in correcting
misunderstandings and exposing conspiracies.
Jordanian writer Husni Ayesh stressed that the shortest and most feasible way to
fight terrorism is democracy, which is applied in word and spirit and driven by
solid political will that is truly committed to democracy as a strategy deeply
entrenched in government.
Meanwhile, Iraqi scholar Ahmad Al Kabisi discussed in his working paper the
reasons that led to the formulation of terrorist thought in the groups that
advocate and practise terrorist acts.
Other working papers on terrorism and related issues will be discussed during
the event held at the Al Hussein Cultural Centre.
The conference will continue through Monday.