Throughout its history, America has used its foreign policies to (1) maintain freedom and democracy, expand foreign trade, e.g., trade agreements with European Union, Japan, China, Mexico, Canada, India; (4) reduce worldwide unemployment, inflation, and business cycles, e.g. IMF; (5) protect its citizens from foreign attack, e.g. Stanly said "Also, the media can promote views on freedom and against terrorism, these have become highly effective through satellite communications and cheap, personal video cameras. In summary, it is a democratic form of government, a free press, the freedom to assemble and petition (that is, to protest publicly), and modern communications that protect our freedom globally". The US is the land that is run by the 'rule of law.' We see that every day on the political scene: The single reason for our waging wars in Iraq, and Afghanistan for example, is to protect democracy in that region. So all this relevant talk about threats of WMDs, establishing democracy and freedom, improving civil rights, removing a vicious dictator, etc. I always liked the definition by Salman Rushdie of terrorism as the "murder of the innocents". Therefore, a terrorist is one who murders innocents. "Innocents" in this context are those who are not actively engaged in warfare, i.e., noncombatants. Using the Rushdie definition, the 9/11 murderers were terrorists.
So were the 9/11 directors terrorists too. When either of the combatants intentionally kill innocent civilians, it is terrorism. It is true, because some people all over the world are aggressive, acquisitive, and ignorant. The best we can do is promote faster communication, more integrated industries, more trade and more education among people of different countries.
In that way, terrorism may be reduced in number and severity. Cheaper computers, cell phones and internet connections make them available to more people, to extend faster communications so that people have a better understanding of other cultures and values that tend to reduce terrorism.
Media should promotes better and a deeper understanding of democracy, freedom and development to reduce terrorism.
Biography - Kamala Budhathoki Sarup
Journalist and editor Ms. Kamala Budhathoki Sarup with a M.A. in journalism and a post graduate diploma in Mass Communication specializes in reporting news and writing stories covering Freedom, Peace, Public health, Democracy, Women/Children, development, justice and advocacy from her location inside the United States. Human rights, anti-terrorism, and economic development are also part of the work. She is an editor for mediaforfreedom.com. (To promote freedom, democracy, anti-terrorism, Literature, women rights, public health, peace and empowerment (mediaforfreedom.com) has a strong role to play). Its activities support in societies undergoing crisis and changes. Ms. Kamala Budhathoki Sarup has also written numerous reports which includes "Women's Empowerment", Prevention of Trafficking in Women Through Media," and "Efforts to Prevent Trafficking for Media Activism." You can see her work online now via her website mediaforfreedom.com/. Kamala was a regular contributor to UPI- Asia News. She also published two Stories collections and several poems. Her interests include philosophy, feminism, political, socio-economic and literature. She also is experienced in organizational and community development. mediaforfreedom.com
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