causes of extremism in south asia

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Causes of extremism in South Asia-Pakistan

News & ArticlesAdd commentsFeb 142008

Muhammad Munir

The Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary describes extremism as political, religious etc.

ideas or actions that are extreme and not normal, reasonable or acceptable to most people. Inother words, extremism is a term used to describe the actions or ideologies of individuals or

groups outside the perceived political center of a society; or otherwise claimed to violate

common standards of ethics and reciprocity. It is typically used in reference to political and

social ideologies seen as irrational, counterproductive, unjustifiable, or otherwise unacceptable toa civil society. The term indicates the illegitimacy of certain ideas or methods. According to

Merriam Webster dictionary, Extremism is a quality or state of being extreme, especially

advocacy of extreme political measures .It can also be described as a, political theory favouring

immoderate, uncompromising policies.Extremism is closely associated with terrorism, as the rise of extremism can also lead to increase

in terrorist agendas. It is not a religion. It is not Islam. . It may be better defined as a politicalagenda seeking justification in religion. Normally extremism and terrorism are considered

exchangeable words. In reality they are not. Terrorism is a physical act, whereas extremism is a

state of mind. Terrorists resort to violence in order to achieve their objectives. Extremist preachand convince others to follow their thoughts.

There exists a clear linkage between the lack of human security and the phenomenon of

extremism. Rise in extremism can lead to human insecurity and vice versa. The governments of

South Asian states have not been able to provide their people with the basic, minimum humansecurity since these states became independent. Governments and ruling classes, instead of

focusing on dealing with the issues of human survival and development, embarked uponperpetuating their power and influence. Subsequently, no South Asian country has been able tofree itself from discriminatory and exploitative policies, which increased insecurity and led to the

rising number of communal and terrorist outfits. Despite the problems these outfits have created,

no serious efforts were made by the governments or the civil society to curtail the rise inextremist trends at the initial stages. All of the regional states are facing the menace of

extremism and terrorism in one or other form.

The South Asian region currently faces grave security threats due to the increasing extremism

and terrorism. There are various factors that have led towards this situation.The politics of violence and extremism in South Asia is mainly the result of faulty national

policies and interference of external powers. The regions vast potential is hostage to unresolved

inter-state and intra-state conflicts. In most of the states, the governments (either democratic ormilitary) have failed in providing good governance and solving social problems such as

unemployment, social injustice, and poverty. The political culture in these states was unable to

meet the imperatives of globalization. In addition, instead of promoting unity and integration(both at national and regional levels) it led to ethnic solidarities and identification with religion

and culture. The main causes of Extremism are appended below: Extra-regional actors are

primarily responsible for the ongoing wave of terrorism and rising extremism. To counter Sovietintervention in Afghanistan in 1979, the United States supported and sponsored the Pakistani
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government and also the Jihadi groups during the period 1979-1989, which in post-1990 period

became a threat for the security and stability of Pakistan. After Soviet withdrawal and

diminishing of US interests in the region, Pakistan was left in a complete lurch for dealing withthe menace of terrorism and extremism spread over the decade of its war against Soviets. With

the 9/11 incident, Pakistan once again became a frontline state in the war against terrorism. The

renewed interference by US in Pakistan, and Pakistans support against Taliban and Al-Qaeda inAfghanistan once again aggravated the extremist and anti-US elements, having extensive

implications on internal security situation. The extremist trends have been boosted in the South

Asian countries due to the interference by the by neighboring and extra-regional countries in theinternal affairs of the states. The separatist and ethnic movements have also been supported from

across the border, by the governments or any particular group, for its interests. Like the Tamil

rebels group in Sri Lanka, is known to have links and has received support and been sponsored

by the Indian government and the ethnic Tamil population in India. Similarly the Maoist inNepal is known to have collaboration and sponsorship from India. The Kashmiri separatist

movement in India has received support from the Pakistan. And the Bangla national movement,

which, resulted in partition of Pakistan and formation of Bangladesh, was also strongly aided by

Indian government.Poor economic growth along with high population growth has led to the problems of mass

unemployment, hunger and income inequality. The economic inequalities and deprivation hascreated frustration and insecurity among the masses, leading to an increasing criminalization of

society in which there are available targets for exploitation by the extremist elements in and

outside the governments. Along with the deteriorating economies of South Asia, governmental

policies have accentuated the extremist trend in all these states. Governments, in these countries,whether civil or military, have used the religion and ethnic card, in order to prolong and

strengthen their rule, further strengthening the fundamentalists and extremists in the society.

There were several factors and events that have led to extremism, sectarianism and terrorism inPakistan. These factors include : First the impact of regional events like Iranian revolution,

Afghan Jihad and emergence of Taliban; second Islamisation process by general Zia-ul-Haq in

the late 70s and 80s; third impact of Freedom Struggle in Kashmir and Palestine issue; fourth9/11 and events thereafter like US war on terror including Pakistans u-turn on its policy towards

Taliban and joining Coalition/US forces as a Frontline state in war on terrorism; fifth Pakistans

Arms Forces operations in FATA and US strikes in these areas including Lal Masid Operationand backlash in terms of increased number of suicide attacks on Armed Forces, Police and VIPs,

extensions of Taliban infiltration and influence in settled areas-Swat in NWFP and sectarian

crisis in Parachinar

Short term and long term strategies have been put in place to control extremism. The short termmeasures include: first, eviction of foreign elements brought by USA and other countries to fight

USSR and pacification of local supporters, of then the mujahiddin , and now referred to as

militants; second ban on militant organizations, third, ban on hate material and check on misuseof mosque and loudspeaker. The long term strategy focuses on Madrassah reforms, revision of

curriculum to bring it in line with the values of Islam and national discourse on real essence of

Islam. Pakistan needs to adjust her policies regarding extremism and terrorism keeping in viewcurrent realities. Perhaps minimum use of force with more focus on political and economic

components would be an appropriate strategy. The action reaction and reaction-action kind of

activities will never end until the strategy of fighting terror does not change.Closing down

madrassas will not prevent extremism. It would only trigger more hatred and furious reaction.


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The best solution would be to bring madrassas back into the mainstream, where students are

allowed to get both religious education as well as a modern education.

The way out of the current impasse as suggested by President Musharraf is EnlightenedModeration which is essentially a strategy of social reforms. On the one hand, Muslim countries

should assume the responsibility for internal reforms, avoid extremism and confrontation and

ensure economic and social development, through ensuring respect for human right and payingspecial attention to human resource development programmes. The West particularly the United

States on the other hand should seek to resolve all political disputes that become breeding

grounds of terrorism, reject equating Islam with terrorism and assist the Muslim world in povertyalleviation and socio-economic development.

The writer works for Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI)

Courtesy: Pakistan Observer, 14/2/2008

Ref: http://www.opfblog.com/433/causes-of-extremism-in-south-asia-pakistan/
http://www.opfblog.com/433/causes-of-extremism-in-south-asia-pakistan/http://www.opfblog.com/433/causes-of-extremism-in-south-asia-pakistan/

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