Terrorism
Is Terrorism the Next Step in the Evolution of Warfare?
The first caveman fights were probably lacking in strategy. I imagine they mainly involved somebody getting angry and attacking another with fists, teeth, clubs and whatever was nearby. As humans evolved into more complex societies, more strategies were developed to ensure victory in each conflict. The first individuals to plan their attacks would have a distinct advantage.
Fast forward to medieval times, and we see that war was waged mainly with heroes (knights in shining armour) who were strong and athletic. Many people wish that war was still fought like this, but the invention of guns changed everything, as strength isn’t necessary to pull a trigger.
Thinking about European wars in the 1800’s, a typical battle consisted of 2 groups of men with colourful uniforms, meeting in a field, and proceeding to load and fire their rifles as fast as possible to shoot the opposing force before they got shot themselves. Eventually, the smaller force figured out that wearing camouflaged clothing and attacking from a hiding place was much more effective.
This is currently how most major fighting forces in the world work. Being able to shoot at the enemy from hiding (ships and bomber planes fire from miles away and nuclear missiles can travel the entire globe) or from highly manoeuvrable vehicles (fighter jets etc.) is very effective. Eventually, the smaller force figured out that hiding behind innocent civilians is a better shield than any armour.
What we currently label as “terrorism” is the latest attempt of a smaller fighting force to beat a larger one. By giving guns to women and children, the larger force is unable to quickly identify enemy combatants. If the larger force misidentifies an enemy and kills an innocent civilian, this strengthens the resolve of the smaller force and weakens the resolve of the larger one. The suicide bomber is also an effective way for a single person from the smaller force to attack a large number of people from the opposition. The small force often draws the large one to their home turf by performing “terrorist acts” such as suicide bombing at its enemy’s homeland. Once lured to their home turf, they have many advantages and are able to equal the fight to a great extent. Keeping in mind, that this type of fighting is often done by small groups of individuals that is not a government strategy.
What will be the next step in warfare?
Fair enough, what you have stated so far.
The strength of what is now called terrorist force is multinational. Since it is unconfined to a nation , it is more difficult to define.
The recent news events on an international motorcycle gang meeting in a house in Quebec and voting to wage war on a rival group brings terror right to the doorstep.
On a far away thought , one wonders where those who wage terror get the financial backing. Small group or not , they need money and lots of it. Rpgs are expensive, as is ammo and explosives. They may have gotten a good break on their cell phone charges and email. Seriously though we all know that millions of people worldwide contributed to the supposed sectarian violence in Northern Ireland.
I know that benign “do-good” groups can be killers elsewhere in the world. Google “rotary club circumcision”. How much money or volunteer effort have you put into that benign do-good group. Now many people would agree that they are not terrorists. They are curing aids , syphilis, gonnorea and ten hundred other illnesses. Thats the difference between war and terror. In war a national government tries to eradicate another government. The beauty of terror is it comes from religion and religion allows a thin group of people spread across an entire planet to destroy a target with the will of God on your side. Sounds eerily similar to Kaiser Wilhelm in 1914 or consider Emperor Hero Hito on 7 dec 1941. Think about it. These war mongers had God too but they also had the backing of a national population. Terror is financed by benign groups of people volunteering and or donating funds for local charity., except that the funds end up elswhere.
I recently found out that one of my sisters does volunteer work for the rotary club, and sh has given money to Stephen Lewis foundation, no questions asked, no audits required. Charity / religious organizations can move money where ever without audit. Small amounts from many sources can buy many things. Benign groups doing good are over tolerated by every government on the planet.
Will terrorist tactics continue? For at least another generation, –Yes. People donate to charities of their choice. Only a new generation can slow down money donations to “benign” groups.When someone asks you to help out a charitable cause , get a statement of their last audit from the government. No authorized audit – no money.