Western countries must remember that this menace of terrorism spreads like wildfire
LAHORE: As many as 51 people lost their lives and 50 others were seriously injured when a white-extremist Australian attacked two mosques in Christchurch during the Friday prayers. One can only imagine the sorrow and plight of the bereaved families who never thought something as gruesome as this would occur. From the ongoing investigations, it has been found that this act of terrorism was carried out after the attacker became influenced by right-wing organisations which strongly believe in white supremacy and are anti-immigrant.
Although the Friday’s attack appears to have been carried out by a ‘lone wolf’, it gives a clear indication of a coordinated plan. Western countries must remember that this menace of terrorism spreads like wildfire. In order to promote peace and denounce such cowardly actions, a crackdown on Islamophobia in the West, that predominantly spread after 9/11; unequivocal policies declaring white supremacy illegal and intolerable; and controlling social media applications where such culprits are glorified; would help curb this growing threat and make it safer for Muslims and immigrants.
Shahmeer Iqbal
Published in The Express Tribune, March 20th, 2019.
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