Only a few days after the Charlie Hebdo massacre that literally shook Europe and the civilized world, the abominable face of jihadist terrorism has reemerged. The video showing the execution of two Russian hostages of the Islamic state by a twelve-year-old comes to remind us that fanaticism, bigotry and barbarism know no limits.
When fanatic supporters of theocracy do not hesitate to arm a child or use it like a bomb as they did a few days in Nigeria, then one understands that they have no limits in order to achieve their goal.
Over here we find the doctrine that the end justifies the means in its most extreme, most inconceivable for our culture, expression. There have always been criminals and terrorists in our societies. How can you face ruthless fanatics who are determined to die in order to teach as painful a lesson as possible to their enemies, those who represent the “miasma” of the western way of life, without giving in to the temptation of sacrifices democratic conquests?
The hope that we would live in a safer world is ever retreating, as the cycle of fanatics constantly increases. The instability and insecurity is spreading to a series of geopolitical zones, fueling the vicious cycle of violence. The West is responsible, as some believed that they could export democracy via arms.
The great danger now that the problem has showed up on our doorstep is that fear over this asymmetric threat will prevail. To sacrifice tolerance, freedom of expression, respect of individual and human rights in the name of a war against fanaticism and terrorism. Such a development, should we allow it, will be the greatest defeat of democracy.
TO VIMA
