In solving problems, greatest leverage is in changing the structure — applying deep ocean currents to move the iceberg
ISLAMABAD: The Peshawar school massacre has reignited the resolve of the nation to root out terrorism once and for all. Pragmatic and effective measures to wipe out terrorism are needed as well as a deeper analysis of the current state of affairs. One model that could prove to be helpful for understanding such complex problems is the iceberg model. If we apply this model to the terrorism problem, we could say that at the tip are the events we see or hear about happening around the world. If we see just below the water line, we often start to see certain patterns or recurrence of certain events. Patterns are important to identify because they indicate that an event is not an isolated incident. Like the different levels of an iceberg, deep beneath the patterns are the underlying structures or the root causes that create or drive these patterns.
Finally, at the very base of the iceberg are the assumptions and world views that have created or sustained the structures in place. The important thing to understand is that in solving problems, the greatest leverage is in changing the structure — applying deep ocean currents to move the iceberg, which will change the events at its tip. This would be only possible if the government could take a very firm stand on monitoring madrassas, Friday sermons and changing the syllabi in schools in addition to army action. Populism would have to be weighed against national interest.
Dr Najeeb A Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, December 25th, 2014.
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