Terrorism

Terrorism. What is its purpose? Clearly, it is designed to intimidate and frighten its victims into living in a perpetual state of fear and anxiety.

This morning’s news reveals unfolding information regarding the terrorism attacks upon westerners at the Taj and Oberoi hotel, as well as several other key locations in Mumbai. Hotels, hospitals and railway stations have been attacked. A Rabbi, abducted from a Jewish community centre, is being held hostage.

Even as soldiers attempt to escort guests out of the hotels, terrorists have levelled their machine guns against the groups, spraying them with bullets. Television access has been cut off and Westerners have barricaded their bedroom doors with furniture whilst phoning media offices such as the BBC, CNN and Sky News, begging for help and information.

As this fearful scenario unfolds, one of the international news stations has already brought on several of their seemingly endless number of ‘consultants,’ all with grim faces and critical of whatever it is that is being done as a response to the unfolding story. This, even before the sun has risen on the East Coast of America.

‘Don’t travel’ is the most common admonishment. But sadly, that it precisely what the terrorists want. They want Western society to not only stay away – they want us to run in fear.

Whilst still an emerging nation with many internal challenges, such as the elimination of the caste system and the protection of women’s and children’s rights, India declares their freedoms are inviolate. Just as with most other countries in the world: they would not lightly accept a change to those freedoms, simply because there are those outside, or even within their nation, who wish to corrupt a civil society. And we should not lose track of the fact that this assault against innocent people is not simply an assault against India, it is an assault upon of all nations who fly the flag of democracy!

In Britain, we have already adapted to the realities of terrorism, violence and aggression, by our acceptance and recognition that we have the most extensive surveillance system in the world. In London and other major cities, virtually every street, every corner, mews, alleyway, etc., is monitored by overt and covert CCTV’s.

But for us to take any steps to impede the free movement or passage of a citizen would violate every principle of our society. More importantly, it would send a signal to terrorists that they are winning – that they are moving to the forefront of the minds of our citizens – that their strategy to create fear and doubt and misery is succeeding.

Terrorism must be and is being addressed as a multinational effort. The sharing of information between countries to track the movement of suspected terrorists is essential. And sadly, despite how much we agonise over the prospect of every citizen having to carry an identity card, it appears to be the only option of ever being able to really ascertain who a person is.

The tragic events occurring today should serve as a stark reminder that we live in uncertain times. Let us offer our prayers for those who are in fear and at the same time give thanks for the comforts we have.


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Loving God, Comfort those who are in fear today. Protect all who travel through this day, whether as passengers or as staff. Help us in our own fears and uncertainty, and bless us with the knowledge that we are always secure in Your love. Give wisdom, and strength to all those who work for peace throughout our lands. Amen

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It's Life Jim But Not as We Know It

Thank You Sarah

When The Church Sins

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