Professor Paul Rogers speaks on Terrorism

On 29.10.03 at the Friends Meeting House the Oxford Peace Research Trust

hosted Paul Rogers, Professor in Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies at

Bradford University.



Speaking on the War on Terrorism he said that 9/11 had been very damaging

for international affairs and the invasion of Afghanistan had resulted in

many consequences unforeseen by the US as had the war in Iraq. Now the

Taliban are regrouping in Afghanistan with other warlords, making it

impossible for the US to withdraw their troops. A guerrilla war in Iraq is

now attracting foreign paramilitaries and India, Turkey and Pakistan's

refusal to send peace enforcement troops is placing the US under severe

pressure. Meanwhile there have been attacks by Al Qaida in many places world

wide and three major attacks on Paris, Rome and Singapore have been foiled.

Another major attack which he sees as quite likely would set back the

recovery of international organisations.



On the causes underlying terrorism Rogers gave an analysis of major global

trends. The global economy is very poor at delivering global justice, the

liberal market is not decreasing marginalization, while increased literacy

and access to information through the internet is resulting in the

'revolution of frustrated expectations'. There is also now a realisation

that climate change will particularly effect tropical areas causing more

drought, which will result in increased migration.



Rogers demanded that we should continue to press for 1) action on the debt

Crisis; 2) trade reform to promote the development of the whole trading world; 3) a more effective aid system. Current policies of contain and control

are not working. We must all constantly question what is going wrong and

suggest ways to make changes with more viable alternatives.



A lively question and answer session followed. Paul Rogers contributes to a

weekly publication on www.opendemocracy.net. He also recommended www.commonground.org.uk.