Professor Paul Rogers speaks on Terrorism
Sarah Lasenby (posted by eileen) | 02.11.2003 09:55 | Terror War | Oxford
On 29.10.03 at the Friends Meeting House the Oxford Peace Research Trust
hosted Paul Rogers, Professor in Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies at
Bradford University.
Speaking on the War on Terrorism he said that 9/11 had been very damaging
for international affairs and the invasion of Afghanistan had resulted in
many consequences unforeseen by the US as had the war in Iraq. Now the
Taliban are regrouping in Afghanistan with other warlords, making it
impossible for the US to withdraw their troops. A guerrilla war in Iraq is
now attracting foreign paramilitaries and India, Turkey and Pakistan's
refusal to send peace enforcement troops is placing the US under severe
pressure. Meanwhile there have been attacks by Al Qaida in many places world
wide and three major attacks on Paris, Rome and Singapore have been foiled.
Another major attack which he sees as quite likely would set back the
recovery of international organisations.
On the causes underlying terrorism Rogers gave an analysis of major global
trends. The global economy is very poor at delivering global justice, the
liberal market is not decreasing marginalization, while increased literacy
and access to information through the internet is resulting in the
'revolution of frustrated expectations'. There is also now a realisation
that climate change will particularly effect tropical areas causing more
drought, which will result in increased migration.
Rogers demanded that we should continue to press for 1) action on the debt
Crisis; 2) trade reform to promote the development of the whole trading world; 3) a more effective aid system. Current policies of contain and control
are not working. We must all constantly question what is going wrong and
suggest ways to make changes with more viable alternatives.
A lively question and answer session followed. Paul Rogers contributes to a
weekly publication on www.opendemocracy.net. He also recommended www.commonground.org.uk.
Sarah Lasenby (posted by eileen)
Comments
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Green anarchist?
04.11.2003 22:54
Red communist