By Mohsen Zahran The events of 11 September 2001 are invariably observed with sadness and anguish in the US and around the world. The Madrid train bombings and multiple explosions in London are reminder of the continuum of terrorism. Bloody explosions in Taba and Sharm El-Sheikh as well as Amman killed and injured hundreds. This year's anniversary of 9/11 is sombre opportunity to plan ahead and eradicate the causes at the root of terror. The tremors of 9/11 have been reverberating for five years without letup. The latest consequence was a new episode in state terror: Israel's attack on Lebanon. The UN system as well as regional institutions and organisations -- especially the Arab League -- appeared impotent. Meanwhile states themselves are in crisis, with national government strategies, policies and plans interrogated and restructured. Security, safety, stability have trumped all other priorities. The violence of terrorism has not receded. Car bombs daily kill scores in Baghdad. Fanatics kidnap innocents, foreign and Arab alike, in the name of Islam. The tide of violence is rising. Even the elimination of the likes of Osama Bin Laden cannot and will not stop terrorism. Cells of well-trained and equipped terrorists are sprouting everywhere. US and Israeli brutalities further inflame the will for revenge. And organised groups use media outlets to maximise their impact creating feelings of insecurity and fear in both the industrialised and developing worlds. Salvation lies in addressing the roots of the problem. Injustice, oppression, occupation, neo- colonisation, deprivation and under-development must be eliminated. There is no alternative to safeguarding human rights for all. Misinterpretations of Islam need to be addressed nationally and internationally. Equally important in combating deprivation is provision of food, dignified shelter and jobs. Each individual in global society must do his or her share. For terrorists recognise no borders, no cultural exceptions, indeed, no one person anywhere, all humanity will suffer in the war of terrorism. Unless the war on terror is recast, there will be no winners. All will be losers. This week's Soapbox speaker is professor of planning at the University of Alexandria.
