Perspective: Publicity is driving terrorists to act | Labeeb Ahmad

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The perpetrators’ faces and names are plastered across front page and TV screens, becoming infamous figures for their monstrous deeds.

Times of Ahmad | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Canton Rep
By Labeeb Ahmad | August 29, 2017

In the aftermath of Barcelona’s terrorist attack, the debate continues: What drives these young Muslim men to commit senseless acts of terrorism? I hope that word hasn’t become hackneyed; it really is senseless for these lone wolves to plow into civilians. They haven’t weakened the West. They aren’t spreading Islam. They aren’t attaining power. They’ve instigated some fear, but there is certainly another significant factor at play in their suicide missions.

A ubiquitous character trait among the perpetrators of terrorist attacks over the past few years is their lack of identity, isolation and feelings of marginalization in their respective societies. They crave attention and meaning, and when their psyche implodes, they have an outlet. Just survey European media coverage in the aftermath of terrorist attAcks. The perpetrators’ faces and names are plastered across front page and TV screens, becoming infamous figures for their monstrous deeds. If we can eliminate this phenomenon of turning radicals into celebrities, we’ll find a real and practical solution in preventing future attacks.

His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Khalifa of Islam, succinctly stated at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK’s 13th annual peace symposium: “Publicity is the oxygen sustaining most terrorists and extremist groups.”


LABEEB AHMAD, NORTH CANTON
VICE CHAIRMAN, MUSLIM WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA


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