Source: Dawn.Com.
A phrase in counterterrorism and counter-insurgency studies is “think beyond conventional measures”, but this is not easy to do. This idea has generated some responses in security circles but the terrorism challenge will not go away simply because of isolated responses here and there.
At a certain level, even these responses can be connected to evolve an effective protection mechanism against terrorism. Many advocate a cycle of reforms in the security sector — from better policing, intra-departmental coordination, proper judicial response, and cyber security — to counter terrorism and terrorism financing. But what is needed to evolve these initiatives is an overall recovery from the prevailing intellectual deficit.
“A phrase in counter terrorism and counter-insurgency studies is “think beyond conventional measures”, but this is not easy to do. This idea has generated some responses in security circles but the terrorism challenge will not go away simply because of isolated responses here and there”
A thought provoking article and writer deserves congratulations. Instead limiting to counter terrorism I would term it achievement of societal peace. Some times even tiny and unassuming nations also leaves examples to follow. Ghana a tiny land in West Africa is the best example I can quote. I just returned from there. On 29th of August the Supreme court is announcing the decision about disputed Presidential Elections which were held in December last year and as result NDC political party government is in power. For all the 24 hours the electronic and print media is emphasizing the whole nation to abide by the decision of SC as to enable the peace of the nation to prevail. There are no concepts of Dharna or violent protests in the streets. The message is so strong and hammered in the minds of each person that no one thinks of any other act. Here in Pakistan also one of the beyond conventional measures could be hammering the importance of societal harmony and peace amongst all the citizens irrespective of their religious beliefs, colour, ethnicity or breed. I am a regular viewer of various Pakistani TV programs. Also read many English and Urdu news papers and fully endorse the writer that we as nation do not think beyond conventional measures. Peace specially in Pakistani society can not be achieved unless the mind set of the nation is changed. Main goal should be tolerance of each other irrespective of all the differences. In Ghana, inspite of many religions, tribes and ethnicity, even the poorest citizen feels first to be the Ghanaian. Is it so in Pakistan? Not at all. We differentiate each other either on religion or on ethnic basis. This thinking of being Pakistani first which is beyond conventional measures has to be given a deep thought and has to start at all level. Be it Kindergarten, primary schools and in all other institutions. Easy to say but difficult to implement as it requires lot of personal sacrifices by each citizen of Pakistan. And on top of it a really great visionary leader of Mr Jinnah status who can show the courage to separate the state from religion. Do we have in sight any such personality? A million dollar question answer to which as I perceive is in negative.