An enduring threat (Religious terror and intelligence agencies)

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An enduring threat (Religious terror and intelligence agencies)

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• Potential movements under-estimated: It is not easy to anticipate the scale of movements that topple regimes. The West failed to imagine the scale of the Iranian Revolution (1978-79) that toppled the 2500 year old monarchy (US supported). The theocratic state of Iran under Ayatollah Khomeini was established. It was bigger than even the French Revolution (secular).
• Better at non-denominational terrorism: Intelligence agencies anticipate non-religious terror much better. But for religious terror, they largely fail. Example – the teachings of Sayyid Qutb. His teachings led to the establishment of al-Qaeda and a whole generation of Islamic terrorists came up. Final result? 9/11 attack and twin tower collapse.
• More terror groups than ever: Recent studies show that. Ideology remains the main source of violent extremism. It is mixed with religious extremism, and leads to violence.
• Islamic State: Apparently, it stands dismantled in Syria and Iraq. But its members have moved onto Europe, Asia and Africa. More than 12 African nations (Somalia to Kenya in east, and Nigeria to Senegal in the west) are facing Islamic terror.
• Afghanistan 2017, 2018: These are exceptionally bad years. Indiscriminate killing with suicide bombers have led to hundreds of deaths. Sikhs and Hindus too have been massacred. India has to wake up to the threat.
• The Khalistan revival: Radical Sikhs in US and Canada are again asking for the state of KThe Khalistan revival: halistan. Some UK-based Sikhs too support them. The 12-August pro-Khalistan rally in London, by ‘Sikhs for Justice’ group of US, has backing of other groups too. This is a very bad sign for stability within India.
• India’s focus: We are focussed on Pakistan, and activities of JeM and LeT across the border. But our focus on I.S. and al-Qaeda must be sharp. Jihad and martyrdom continue to motivate young Muslims.  Coupled with alleged local polarisation and anti-minority agenda, it can be a dangerous mix.
• Summary : Since the threat of religious terrorism never abates, but assumes newer forms regularly, India must not loosen its guard at all against either Islamic terror, or the new Khalistani insurgency.

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