I'm really at a loss for how to resolve this issue. The obvious natural reaction to attacks like this is hatred, anger, and a desire for retaliation. But retaliation is exactly what these groups are hoping to draw out. When we retaliate we end up killing innocents as collateral damage, and we destroy the very infrastructure that these countries need to create the stability necessary to fight extremism. In the end our attacks feed the flames of terrorism. We've (the West) been fighting a direct war in the Middle East for almost two decades now that has seen daily causalities and countless bombs dropped. Yet terrorism is at an all time high. At what point do we come to the realization that our current strategy cannot work?
I honestly think the best response, and one with the most realistic chance of helping, is the exact opposite of what we've been doing. Instead of drone strikes, spec ops missions, and military support for oppressive regimes (such as $400B arms deals to Saudi Arabia), we should focus on providing support in the form of education, infrastructure, etc. Remove ourselves militarily from the Middle East while remaining there as a humanitarian presence.
The only problem is that the attacks will continue in the short term, and it would require us to turn the other cheek. I don't think people as a whole are capable of that, and I don't think its a politically tenable position to hold. So I suspect we'll hold the course, and nothing will change. We'll see the continued rise of right wing nationalism, and the result is not something I wish to see.
You've brought up some really thought provoking points here. If the current strategy doesn't work (and it doesn't), then alternative solutions have to be brought on the table. But war has been replied by war ever since. It'll be hard to achieve a paradigm change on a global level.
I couldn't agree more on your very last statement. These movements and their followers are a true threat.
You're right, the problem is war has always been (and probably will always be) the response to acts of war. And on some level, it's easy to see why. People talk about how violence doesn't solve violence but then how are we supposed to respond to acts of terror/war? What happened in Manchester is an absolute tragedy but now what do we do moving forward? People are not going to just forgive acts of terror or respond with peace when innocent civilians are killed. So we have to find a way to hold those responsible accountable without launching ourselves into a war that only ups the ante. We just don't think long term; we see our people die and demand revenge which just contributes to the never ending cycle.
As I just posted as well please take their power away from calling it terrorism and call it POINTLESSNESS . Here in our country we have no choice nor say on immigration nor tourism, it is the almighty dollar which rules supreme, it is financial under currents which drive this, the DOW dropped last night and then a spokesman for the FED came out and said we have the investors backs. How can the ordinary man compete against this , this is why Steem and other is so valuable as meaningful business and life can continue. We must keep as you say educate and pray the evil out.
Education they're not interested in their book says kill all non musloems. That is their true goal anf they're going to follow it.