A Newer World Order

Since 911 we have heard time and again that this terrorist attack
will demand the dawn of a new period in domestic and international
relations. In just the span of one week the shape of this new period has
taken very definite form. The heralded 'New World Order,' which only
yesterday seemed questionable in light of the rise of anti-globalization
protests throughout the world, has been jolted into fruition.

For this the struggle for freedom and equality of the individual and
nation states continues. A new perspective may be in order in this new
environment. In order to free ourselves of the horror and the fear of
terrorist acts we must understand its causes and effects. With this tool
it will then be easier to orient oneself and others in the struggle ahead.

Terrorism divides peoples and nations. Whenever a group engages in a
terrorist action, that group becomes cast in opposition to the subjects of
the attack. An immediate impediment is raised against the possibility of
people uniting in the struggle. And we all know that a people divided is a
people more easily conquered.

One of the present tasks, therefore, is to counter any and all
attempts to divide the people. Whether the line is drawn at America vs the
Middle East; Anglo-Saxon, Afro-American, Hispanic vs Arab; Christian vs
Muslim; whatever the distinction, it must be immediately criticized. From
Seattle it is encouraging to see the support individuals and groups have
given to a Muslim community center after it had been subjected to an
attacked.

Terrorism empowers the state. In response to a terrorist or
militaristic action the people of a nation state will first look to 'their'
state as the defender of the people's interests. This in turn will
empower other nation states to beaf up their own defenses (internal and
external).

Thus, we have already borne witness to increased measures internally
in the US, not to mention the build up to war that is going on
internationally. With glaring clarity of intent, Congress has gone so far
as anointing George W. Bush with near omnipotent force to annihilate
whomever he dreams fit. Furthermore, the policy of political assassination
may be reintroduced. The very policies that have exacerbated the problem
have been intensified. We may expect that the response will also
intensify.

On the home front our "open and democratic society" may only remain
so through the possible introduction of greater law enforcement, crackdowns
on immigrations and internal spying. There has even been talk of
introducing a national ID card.

The repercussions are spreading throughout the world. In light of
world distraction on the events taking place in the US and now with the
additional commitment by nations to fight terrorism, countries may use this
opportunity to strike in regions of political and economic importance. So,
Israel has already launched attacked Jenin, Russia will can further repress
Chechnya, etc. All of these actions may be condoned in the name of
fighting terrorism.

Terrorism substitutes the people. Terrorism in of itself is an
action outside the control of the people. The people are disenfranchised
from a decision that immediately affects their lives. In response to
terrorism the subjected state becomes disenfranchised from its citizens in
its decisions.

So we see that prior to the attack numerous measures sought for by
Bush had some chance of being scrutinized and placed in the public domain
for debate. But should Bush and others get their way, there is the real
threat that issues concerning ANWA, missile defense, Social Security,
Medicare, etc. may simply be fast tracked through the Oval Office under the
guise of 'making sacrifices' (if they would only be so just in recognizing
them as such).

In order to fight against terrorism, in whatever form it may be, one
must fight against the alienation of political and economic control over
one's life as an individual and as a community by the state. The struggle
that has already begun must be continued.