Terrorism hurts all nations—large and small, rich and poor. It takes its toll on human beings of every age and income, culture and religion…

– UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon (2007)

Over the past three decades, terrorist incidents have increased markedly with the tentacles of terrorism spreading to various parts of the world. Modern terrorism, increasingly, is influenced by religious motivations. Religious principles are often used to justify violence. In this way, al Qaeda appears to be one of the most dreaded terrorist organizations. 9/11 illustrates that the organizational structure, as well as modus operandi of al Qaeda are not confined to a particular national boundary.

An integrated global approach is conducive for combating terrorist organizations such as al Qaeda. To address the threat of terrorism, we should not only look into its symptoms, but also the multiple factors that promote it. Apart from security and tougher law enforcement measures, steps should be initiated to address the underlying social, economic and political conditions that favor the spread of terrorism. This issue examines some of the strands of terrorism with a focus on al Qaeda and its leader, Osama bin Laden.

Rohan Gunaratna and Karunya Jayasena, in the paper, “Global Support for al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden: An Increase or Decrease?”, analyze public perceptions of both the US policies as well as al Qaeda, and its supremo, Osama bin Laden. The authors determine the factors and drivers that are correlated to an increase or decrease in support for al Qaeda and its leader. In order to minimize supporters and sympathizers for al Qaeda and bin Laden, partnership should be built between governments, academia and the Muslim communities. Apart from security measures, there is a need for promoting cultural and trade exchanges between the West and Islamic countries.

Monika Mandal, in the paper, “Ethnic Conflict in Nepal”, examines the ongoing ethnic conflict in Nepal. The study makes a detailed analysis of the Madhesi community problem. Pahadi and Madhesi are two distinct ethnic communities with their unique cultural and linguistic identity. The state’s favoritism for the pahadis and discrimination against the Madhesi has caused the current crisis. The Madhesi issue is a fight for recognition of rights and a struggle for equal representation and opportunity. The government of Nepal will have to change its discriminatory policies. Suppression can never be a solution to any deep-rooted crisis. Political and governance reforms would lead to dialogue for peaceful resolution of Madhesi ethno-political movement.

Chuka Enuka, in the paper, “Aid in Sino-African Relations: An Analysis of the Promptings, Pluses and Problems of China’s Aid to Africa”, makes an attempt to analyze five decades of Chinese aid diplomacy to Africa in an historical perspective. For China, aid is a tool of diplomacy, politics, and economic strategy. The Chinese aid to Africa is driven primarily by its energy requirements. Unlike Western lending, the Chinese aid is quick and comes without any conditions. In a way, such a lending norm benefits both China and Africa.

Syeeda Khatoon, in the paper, “US Bilateral FTAs in West Asia: A Step Towards MEFTA”, traces the idea of Middle East Free Trade Area (MEFTA) from a historical perspective with the US interests in view. The author analyzes various bilateral initiatives undertaken by the US over a period of time as well as the responses of the individual West Asian countries towards the US initiatives. Finally, the author also raises pertinent issues involved in the process of the realization of MEFTA. A unified strategy and a commitment to work together is required to fulfill the dream of MEFTA. Political issues should be dealt separately to give more weight to economic issues. Only then MEFTA is realizable.

Kenneth Chukwuemeka Nwoko, in the paper, “Globalization and the Political Economy of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres: Nigeria, Brazil, Germany and the United States”, examines the impact of globalization on the political economy of the Northern and Southern hemispheres, with Nigeria, Brazil, Germany and the US as case studies. Although the countries of the South are hit the most by globalization, the North does have its own negative share of the problem. Rather than bemoaning the problem, the author suggests, one should enhance the local economic conditions of the South. Globalization put in balance, is a welcome development for the contemporary world although a lot needs to be done.

-- Kalluri Raj Reddy
Consulting Editor