Conditioning Terrorism Analysis
CONDITIONING TERRORISM
57. Aside from what may be claimed by the perpetrators themselves or suggested by analysts and experts, it is virtually impossible to determine concrete commonalities of principles or purposes among terrorists that distinguishes them from the overwhelming majority of their compatriots who are just as desperate in the frustrations and grievances but do not resort to terrorism. What is it that makes a few of these take to violence as a means. Conditioning thus is that aspect, which converts a frustrated, split human being into a person, devoted to use of violence.
58. The common thread that implicitly runs through all explanations of terrorism is the fundamental, pivotal, and universal role of social learning. Terrorist …show more content…
If children see, hear, smell, feel and taste the violence in the air, they grow up thinking that violence is a normal emotion like any other. Relatively mild stressors, if not controllable by the individual, can lead to suppression of the immune system. Exposure to violence changes brain chemistry leading to an immature, angry and easily provoked individual who can express himself/herself only through anger, frustration and terror. Add to this starvation of the body due to poverty, starvation of the soul due to neglect, marginalisation or isolation and emotional starvation due to lack of values, human interaction and consistent brainwashing to make fundamentalism the driving spirit and we have the terrorist of the day. They see no meaning in their lives or are convinced by conditioning that their sacrifice would bring about the realization of their goals, and they become suicide …show more content…
What, then, are the practical solutions to combating terrorism? The following concrete measures are suggested, although it must be kept in mind that no measure, including conditioning, can eradicate terrorism entirely by itself. These are: -
(a) On a continuing and positive basis, apply the conditioning (in addition to political, social and economic) procedures to reduce frustration, stress, hate and aggression; foster positive self regard; provide peaceful and reasoned political and democratic solutions to problems and conflicts that hitherto were felt to require violent solutions. This, though, is more easily said than done.
(b) Use all forms of psychological warfare to target and counteract training and trainers of terrorists, just as much as the trainees themselves. Worldwide commitment to this approach should be relentlessly pursued.
(c) Outlaw, eradicate, or paralyze all training camps and programs that incite, teach and reward terrorism as the main, exclusive, or most appropriate means for achieving political ends. Nip the conditioning of the terrorism in the bud.
(d) Promulgate under U.N. auspices, specific guidelines and due-process steps for the undertaking of legal, nonviolent, preemptive confrontations against regimes that are known to be providing training and safe
57. Aside from what may be claimed by the perpetrators themselves or suggested by analysts and experts, it is virtually impossible to determine concrete commonalities of principles or purposes among terrorists that distinguishes them from the overwhelming majority of their compatriots who are just as desperate in the frustrations and grievances but do not resort to terrorism. What is it that makes a few of these take to violence as a means. Conditioning thus is that aspect, which converts a frustrated, split human being into a person, devoted to use of violence.
58. The common thread that implicitly runs through all explanations of terrorism is the fundamental, pivotal, and universal role of social learning. Terrorist …show more content…
If children see, hear, smell, feel and taste the violence in the air, they grow up thinking that violence is a normal emotion like any other. Relatively mild stressors, if not controllable by the individual, can lead to suppression of the immune system. Exposure to violence changes brain chemistry leading to an immature, angry and easily provoked individual who can express himself/herself only through anger, frustration and terror. Add to this starvation of the body due to poverty, starvation of the soul due to neglect, marginalisation or isolation and emotional starvation due to lack of values, human interaction and consistent brainwashing to make fundamentalism the driving spirit and we have the terrorist of the day. They see no meaning in their lives or are convinced by conditioning that their sacrifice would bring about the realization of their goals, and they become suicide …show more content…
What, then, are the practical solutions to combating terrorism? The following concrete measures are suggested, although it must be kept in mind that no measure, including conditioning, can eradicate terrorism entirely by itself. These are: -
(a) On a continuing and positive basis, apply the conditioning (in addition to political, social and economic) procedures to reduce frustration, stress, hate and aggression; foster positive self regard; provide peaceful and reasoned political and democratic solutions to problems and conflicts that hitherto were felt to require violent solutions. This, though, is more easily said than done.
(b) Use all forms of psychological warfare to target and counteract training and trainers of terrorists, just as much as the trainees themselves. Worldwide commitment to this approach should be relentlessly pursued.
(c) Outlaw, eradicate, or paralyze all training camps and programs that incite, teach and reward terrorism as the main, exclusive, or most appropriate means for achieving political ends. Nip the conditioning of the terrorism in the bud.
(d) Promulgate under U.N. auspices, specific guidelines and due-process steps for the undertaking of legal, nonviolent, preemptive confrontations against regimes that are known to be providing training and safe