Democracy - An insurance against terror?
By GADHISUNU
@GADHISUNU (2162)
India
December 3, 2008 8:34am CST
How many of you think Democratic form of government is an insurance against terror? Why do you think so? My question can be taken to mean that if only all the Islamic Republics turn full-fledged democracies which governed more by secular laws then, Terror would simply vanish out of the face of the Earth- Do yu believe this?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@xfahctor (14118)
• Lancaster, New Hampshire
3 Dec 08
I believe there are still some areas that, if given a chance at elections, would probably vote themselves in to an Islamic republic. That said, there are far greater numbers of places that would vote for liberty.
As to it's effect on terrorism, I couldn't say. Terrorism seems to know no national boundies. Al Quieda doesn't belong to any one country. However, a free society is less likely to tolerate this kind of thing with in their borders so it is probably in the worlds best interest and in anynations interest to allow people the oportunity to choose their leaders and live in a free and open society.
1 person likes this
@GADHISUNU (2162)
• India
4 Dec 08
xhfactor, thank you for your response.When I said democracy an insurance against terrorism, I meant if "somehow" democracies could be established in countries fostering terrorism, will it be possible that terrorism might meet its doom.True, you have given an example of Al Qaeda, which has its recruits all over the world. But the training they receive are in countries wher either Democracy is not functioning properly or they are totalitarian or religious regimes which if not directly or tacitly in agreement with the causes espoused by this group of people.
@xfahctor (14118)
• Lancaster, New Hampshire
4 Dec 08
which is why I added this line:
"However, a free society is less likely to tolerate this kind of thing with in their borders so it is probably in the worlds best interest and in anynations interest to allow people the oportunity to choose their leaders and live in a free and open society."
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
4 Dec 08
I don't think any insurance against terrorism exists or that it ever will, unfortunately. Sure, it would be wonderful if the entire world were governed by democracies and everyone had all the rights and freedoms we enjoy in the west but there would still be terrorists. I also don't think the U.S. or any other nations can or should try to forced our way of life on those who don't want it because there is always the risk we'll be seen as the aggressors even by some of those we "liberate".
Annie
@GADHISUNU (2162)
• India
4 Dec 08
I understand. Democracy in a victim country is no insurance. Is it possible that the countries that are harboring Terrorists are turned into democracies, I mean not mere democracies in principle [Pakistan at least now has a democratically elected government, but I don't consider it to be a working democracy], but a working democracy, then the are chances of people turning terrorists is less as they have have less reasons to be so? I also understand, your frustration with US trying to encourage Democratic Governments abroad and getting the flak for it. It must be seen that while facilitating democratic governments are they mere puppet governments or are governments truly elected by the people.I agree with your idea totally that no one should force a democracy on a people unprepared for handling it.
