Jordan Times
Wednesday, September 12, 2001
Editorial: When
terrorism wins, everyone loses
(Excerpts)
As inhabitants of a region torn and consumed by more than five decades of Israeli occupation of Arab lands, Jordanians have long known what a blind and inhumane monster terrorism is, and have spared no effort in resisting and trying to eradicate it.
Even at the most trying time of deepest frustration — and the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon have plunged Arab masses into deep frustration indeed — Jordanian and Arab governments and peoples have always upheld the principle that violence only breeds more violence. And they have rejected terrorism as a vile, brutal, deformity of human nature.
While Americans stand appalled and speechless before the debris of the twin towers of the World Trade Centre, the whole world should feel battered and defeated.
Whenever terrorism wins, everyone loses — human and religious values crumble, the very foundations of human civilisations and societies are shaken, and the universal principles of mankind are violated.
Yesterday's horrific wave of horrendous attacks hit at the very heart and symbols of American might: Manhattan, the financial and trading centre of the world; the Pentagon, the brain moving what is by far the planet's strongest military machine; the Treasury, America's monetary centre; the State Department, the world's policy-maker, and even the White House, supreme symbol of the state.
A mature and strong nation, America will surely find in itself the strength to heal these terrible and deep wounds — perhaps the worst sustained in its modern history.
American leaders might also pause and use this time of national grief to do some soul-searching that could help their country become even stronger and stand more steadfast in the face of tragedies and adversities.
As for us, our prayers and most sincere condolences go to the American people, president, government, and the grieving families of the innocent victims whose lives were so brutally shattered.