Reflections on Terrorism, Dialogue and Global Ethics

Environmental degradation, instability, drugs, terrorism and chemical or biological weapons recognize no boundaries. This must have become abundantly clear to all of us at least after September 11th. Thus, we need to shift to a paradigm and a mindset based on dialogue and stockholding, which allows us to appreciate this clear reality of being all parts of one unit. Under the tragic circumstances, empathy is the only human response. We cannot, but share in the pain and anguish of thousands of families who lost their loved ones and an entire nation that has been traumatized by the horror of this crime.Emotions and anger are only human, but we need a great deal of collective reflection and wisdom to establish a rational and far-sighted response. This response should focus not only on this horrific crime, but on terrorism in general. More importantly, it must deal with the roots of injustice and exclusion that can be exploited by demagogues to inflict so much harm on innocent human beings. Any response requires vision, serious political will and the active participation and cooperation of all. As a global menace, terrorism needs a global response, founded on inclusion, fairness and international legitimacy.