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The concept of jihad has multiple meanings. It is being interpreted differently by
different scholars. Islamic scholars differ with each other on the exact meaning
of the term jihad. According to the Holy Quran, the root meaning of jihad
is "striving in the way of Allah", i.e., to strive for betterment of society and to
spread goodness. However, there are some who define jihad as a `holy war' to be waged
by Muslims against all non-Muslims. For instance, Osama bin Laden, the top leader
of Al-Qaeda has declared jihad against the Western culture and Judeo-Christian
values. The jihadis are highly indoctrinated individuals who incite religious fanaticism.
They are hostile to traditional secular principles. They mobilize their followers to indulge
in violent acts in the name of religion and God. Jihadists imagine that together all
Muslims constitute a transnational community, the Islamic umma. They perceive all the
Muslims who do not adhere to their principles as outsiders or enemies.
Over the past three decades, the jihadi movement has intensified and spread
to various parts of the world. The events of 9/11 demonstrated that the
organizational structure and operational capabilities of jihadists (for instance Al-Qaeda)
transcend national borders. Thus, the rise of transnational radical Islam has emerged as a
major challenge to the state-based international system. This issue, to begin with,
examines the historical roots of jihad and analyses the indirect role of the West,
particularly Germany and Britain, in encouraging it at various periods of time in the past.
Jyotirmoy Banerjee, in the paper, "`Directed' Jihad: Made in the West",
investigates the roots of jihad and the relevance of its past to the present scenario. The
author examines the historic role of the WestGermany and Britainin encouraging
jihad. He argues that both the countries shaped and `directed' jihad in the past.
They contributed to jihad in numerous and interesting ways for a variety of reasons.
Later, in the 20th century, the US actively promoted jihad. It supported the Al-Qaeda and
the Taliban to fight the Soviets in Afghanistan. The author finally concludes by saying
that the jihad, which the world is painfully witnessing today, was sharpened and
vectored by the West. Later, its own creation turned out to be a Frankenstein. The 9/11
incident was a wakeup call to this bitter reality.
B Ramesh Babu, in the paper, "Legitimate Globalization: Towards Truly
Universal Norms and Values", perceives the phenomenon of liberal capitalist
globalization underway since the 1990s as the latest mission of `the West' to dominate `the
Rest'. The contemporary wave of globalization is essentially hegemonic and exploitative. It
is driven by profits and sustained by rampant consumerism and waste at the expense
of equity and justice. It is also widening the gap between the rich and the poor in
the world. In order to address these challenges, the author emphasizes the need for a
just and legitimate globalization in the
21st century. The author also calls for a
new `philosophy of globalism' comprising of truly universal norms and values,
standards of right and wrong shared across peoples and
cultures the world over.
C J Sonowal, in the paper, "Politics of Immigration, Resentment and Threat
to National Integrity: A Political Discourse on Assam, India", tries to problematize a
number of issues involved in the national building process of India. The author traces
the "historical base" for the development of `identity' in Assam and explains the
reasons for the prolonged tussles between the people and the state. The issue of illegal
migrants from Bangladesh, perceived indifference, and neglect by the central government led
to political turmoil and secessionism in Assam. The author opines that
prolonged dissatisfaction and restlessness shrouded with state apathy and coercive
suppression may lead to the emergence of a separate national entity. In order to tackle
these issues, the administrative policies of the state must be reasonably liberal aiming
at being attentive to people's interest and desires.
The Malacca Strait is the shortest sea route between the Indian Ocean and
the Pacific Ocean. Sumathy Permal, in the paper, "Cooperative Initiatives for Safety
and Security in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore", highlights the strategic and
economic importance of the Straits to the major powers and littoral states of the region.
The volume of international traffic and trade through the Straits is enormous.
However, the oil spill incidents, piracy and transnational crime have become rampant.
Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore have taken various safety and security measures to
ensure the uninterrupted flow of traffic in the Straits. Finally, the author also suggests
a coordinated cooperative security framework between the littoral states, the users
of the Straits and international organizations to ensure a safe and secure navigation.
Monika Mamdal, in the paper, "International Refugee Law", gives a brief
account on the development of the refugee law prior to World War II. The author then
makes an attempt to explain the scope of the 1951 UN Convention refugee definition.
The author opines that the 1951 UN Refugee Convention along with its 1967
Protocol assumes preeminence because of its global scope. Moreover, it is the only
universal instrument of international refugee law which is ratified (both the Convention
and Protocol) by more than 100 nations in the World. Further, the refugees who are
unable to avail themselves of the protection of the government of their State of origin,
are protected by international law and are entitled to a better and higher standard
of treatment.
Apart from the five articles, this issue also includes a review of the book,
Central Eurasia: Geopolitics, Compulsions and Connections Factoring India, by Seema Shekhawat.
- - Kalluri Raj Reddy
Consulting Editor |
