Terrorism is, by nature, brutal and inhumane. When terrorists strike, the world sees the immediate horror: lives lost, communities devastated, and fear spread like wildfire. In these moments, the acts themselves are unconscionable. But what do we do about the demands made by these groups? The question that haunts us is not just about punishing the criminals responsible for the atrocities, but also about the human cost when we dismiss the demands tied to their actions. Sometimes, the demand—separate from the violent act—may reflect a cause that resonates with those suffering or oppressed, such as the call to "Free Palestine."
The atrocities committed are clearly unacceptable. They must be condemned, and the perpetrators held accountable. Yet, in our quest to defeat these terrorists, we often discard the demands they present, as if they are equally toxic. Is it wise, though, to dismiss these demands wholesale, when some reflect the voices of oppressed people?
What happens when we "win" against terrorists by crushing both the criminals and their demands? Have we truly won? We've punished those responsible for the violence, but sometimes at the cost of ignoring our brothers and sisters in humanity. It’s a hollow victory when innocent people lose their chance for justice. The U.S. may emerge victorious, but who else bears the cost of that win?
To separate the demand from the atrocity requires nuance—an ability to see the complexity of these situations. By addressing the legitimate concerns of oppressed peoples, while defeating those responsible for violence, we uphold justice without punishing entire populations for the acts of a few. Otherwise, the U.S. risks being seen as a nation that simply takes the victory and leaves the rest of the world to deal with the aftermath. We win the battle, but we lose the moral high ground.
The question remains: If someone is dying of thirst in the desert and demands water, would you give it to them? If you refuse, because of how they asked or what else they did, you may win, but at what cost to your humanity?
The answer is not black and white, but it’s worth considering. The atrocity must be addressed, yes, but ignoring the legitimate cry for justice wrapped up in the demand may do more harm than good. Negotiating doesn’t always mean surrender; sometimes it means listening to the human side of the equation.
by Dan and Bonkers
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