Review on John Gray's 'What Al Qaeda Destroyed' - Assignment Example

WHAT AL QAEDA DESTROYED? Social sciences refer to the study of individuals, groups and social s as well as various aspects of interaction between them within a social set up. Unlike natural sciences, the laboratory of social sciences is not a limited one confined to four boundary wall; rather, the whole society and the groups within its fold are the lab of social sciences where social phenomena are keenly observed, estimated, generalised, tested and applied. On the basis of the whole research process, some specific methodology is applied within the framework of one or more theories in order to accept or reject the validity of the hypothesis articulated for the research under study. The chapter under study in the present research aims to define the assumptions made by John Gray in his book under the title “Al Qaeda and what it means to be Modern”? The book has been written in the aftermath of the 9/11 catastrophe, which not only distorted the very scenario of political strategy of most of the great countries, but also forced the entire third world to revise and review their foreign policies in order to eradicate terrorism, violence and bloodshed from the very face of the Earth under the US command and instructions, which is strictly against the characteristics of foreign policies described and elaborated by scholars. The writer presents his valuable suggestions, in this chapter, in order to have a minute and comprehensive study of political situation to draw out accurate conclusions. Gray is of the view that every military group as well as nations and societies always look for dominating over other states and countries so that they could apply their own cultural traits, social values and religious practices by enslaving the others under their fold. He refutes altogether the very notion that Al Qaeda is strictly against the modernity and is conscious to lead the world towards Palaeolithic and Neolithic times. Hence, the main objective behind Gray’s research is to find out the basic motive behind the terrorist activities of Al Qaeda. Gray’s assumptions can be studied with the Positivist approach of social research methodology, which requires specific outline to study the already existing research and conducting a new research process. Positivism does not lay stress upon mere looking into the apparent words or statements of the research; instead it declares that a subject being studied without positivistic approach may mislead the readers towards some inappropriate, incomplete, incorrect and false conclusions. Hence, deep observation, thorough study and philosophical perception are the most necessary elements in the assessment of a research work by reading between the lines and drawing out conclusions regarding the facts and figures exist in natural, social and philosophical phenomena within our socio-political environment. It is why, Gray vehemently refutes the idea that terrorist activities, Al Qaeda has started for the last seven years, are the outcome of its campaign to drag the world towards medieval era of backwardness. On the other hand, Gray submits, it appears that Al Qaeda is anxious to blow its own trumpet by implementing its own religio-political world order as many of the European countries applied during eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. While critically examining the points raised by the author, with the help of positivism, it becomes evident that Gray is somewhat justified in declaring Al Qaeda’s activities as the serious reaction to the modern globalisation and social inequalities committed by the west in the wake of their economic stability and pecuniary gains. Looking into the history of the world at large, it is absolutely right that nations always launch campaigns to dominate over others. These campaigns consist of financial and economic resources to threat and conquer the other countries, as committed by England, France, Germany and other powerful states during the last three centuries. Man is rebel by nature and cannot abide by laws and norms for long. Since his arrival on the Earth and foundation of human societies, he has spent an imperative part of his life in conflicts and wars. History is replete with the examples of aggressions, antagonism, genocide and battles in the name of race, religion, territory and economic gains. The policy of might is right and lust for acquiring more and more territorial areas and economic resources has urged states wage a war against the neighbouring countries inflicting indescribable miseries and atrocities on innocent lives costing countless losses in men and material. The two great wars have been fought between the great powers during the first half of twentieth century causing irreparable destruction, devastation, damage and deterioration; even then man has learnt nothing from the lessons of history. Instead of remaining far away from the war mania, the big powers have started more preparations in order to dominate the rival powers. The invention and application of the weapons of mass destruction is the worst example of mans lust for dominating over his fellow-beings. Looking into the history of the world from the most primitive societies of Palaeolithic and Neolithic eras to the most modern ones of contemporary technological age, it becomes evident that social inequality and injustices always existed in all human societies give birth to stratification and conflict. Political philosophers and thinkers have defined the causes and consequences of conflict between different groups and remedies for it in order to escape anarchical situation in the society. Sociological researches too reveal the very fact that even during the ancient times different classes existed in every culture and civilization. The famous Russian Philosopher Immanuel Kant has presented his theory of Perpetual Peace in 1795, in which he has described the causes of war and consequent peace settlements. He stands for the eradication of the major causes of hostilities among sovereign states rather entering into temporary armistice, in order to perpetuate peace by bringing an end to the wars and aggressions from the world. He takes the rule of law as most significant thing to combat conflicts and lays stress on the permanent implication of rule of law to avoid any aggression and wars between the countries. Kant had recognized a challenge that went to the very foundations of his political philosophy. “He believed” Solomon (2003, p.106) submits, “that a social life under a rule of law was a prerequisite for the rational and moral capabilities and the achievement of maximum human autonomy and freedom.” Similarly English philosopher of seventeenth century Thomas Hobbes and American theorist John Locke of the same era have also advocated for the need of an authority for the smooth running of a government. Both these philosophers worked on the concept of Social Contract Theory which was also adopted by French philosopher Rousseau and played decisive role in awakening the French nation and bringing about French Revolution of 1789. Social Contract Theory submits that man is free by nature and if there is no authority to determine the limitations of human beings, they will start harming and hurting one another leading towards anarchy and chaos in the whole society. In his wonderful “The Leviathan”, Hobbes has presented the concept of laws of nature as well as commonwealth, religious and political laws revealing the requirements necessary for the maintenance of peace and evasion from war. Defining peace, Hobbes means to state that nature always guides humanity to seek peace in the first hand. On not complying with this law and revolting from peace, disintegration and chaos are created in a society, which may cause civil war within the state. “The first law of nature”, according to him, “is to seek peace and follow it. But if the advice does not prove advantageous for mankind, the second law of nature says that by any means necessary, mankind must defend ourselves from the rest of the population through violence.” (Quoted in Esscort.com) He also views that there remain a situation of competition and jealousy in the individuals, intensity of which may turn into serious conflict among them. Hence, there must be not only laws in a sovereign state, but also a statute body to implement such laws. Absence of a regulatory authority, according to Hobbes, results in civil war. Wars have always brought destruction, disappointment, unemployment and turmoil in societies. There are many examples of deterioration and disturbances in the aftermath of war in various states of the world. “During the thirty years from 1883 to 1913”, Arnstein views, “only one man in twenty had been unemployed in England; during the post war years of 1921-1938, unemployment was the fate of one man in seven.” (1988, p 274) Nevertheless, Hobbes declares laws of nature as immortal and eternal ones. Gray is of the view that modern terrorism is not the product of contemporary times; rather, it maintains its roots in the past two centuries. Gray does not see eye to eye with the analyses and statements issued by the political thinkers and strategists in respect of estimating the activities of Al Qaeda and other warring groups with the coloured spectacles set by the West on the eyes of the world. On the contrary, he suggests the acquisition of systematic knowledge of the conflict between groups and nations with a broad historical perspective. There was a lust to dominate over the world during eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, where Russia, England, France, Portugal, Spain, Germany and others remained at daggers drawn to capture the wealth as well as mineral and human resources of the poor countries. It gave birth to countless pressure groups in the captured societies, who raised revolts against imperialism and tyranny inflicted and exercised by the military giants of Europe. Al Qaeda is actually imitating the foot prints of imperialism instead of trying to show the world the path of destruction or backwardness. It maintains the lust for ruling over others by introducing its own culture, values, traditions and beliefs. Q 1 Assumptions made by John Gray Gray has made the following assumptions in this chapter: Western societies are under the false delusion that modernity brings prosperity and contentment in the world at large. A study should be based on empirical generalization and valid observation rather than mere false notions and superficial ideas. An incorrect presumption drags the individuals far from realities, where the solution of the problem cannot be executed. The western societies mishandled the Al Qaeda case by declaring it a serious threat to western modernity and its technological advancement. The west completely ignored the realities that many of the Asian and European countries have already launched armed campaign in order to obtain their own hold on the wealth, land and resources of other countries. While examining the activities and ambitions of Al Qaeda, it becomes evident that the terrorist organization has never stated medieval times as its ideal, nor it has refused to use modern technology and equipments in their everyday life. It seems that it longs for its rule over the world on the one hand, and capture the resources of the rich countries on the other. Gray views European powers as the so called ideal ones for Al Qaeda. “The belief that”, Gray observes, “a new world can be hastened by spectacular acts of destruction is nowhere found in medieval times. Al Qaeda’s closest precursors are the revolutionary anarchists of late nineteenth century Europe.” (2003: p 2) Looking into the history of the world at large, it becomes evident that the whole Europe strived to play scramble for Africa on the one hand, and invaded south Asia, Far East and other parts of Asian countries on the other. Al Qaeda is also imitating the ignoble designs invented by Russian, Japan, Turkey, England, Germany and others for the sake of power. The author invites the readers, scholars and analysts to look into the facts and figures while assessing the plans and strategies made by Al Qaeda with the historical perspective rather declaring it a group that aims to push the world towards medieval times. Gary has indirectly pointed out in details the causes, circumstances and consequences leading towards the enormous disaster that took place in the very beginning of the twenty first century. Gray also indicates the problems and perils the world is facing in such a precarious situation of absolute turmoil particularly in the Middle East, the Gulf and South Asia. Q 2: Answer: The underlying purpose, behind the research under study, is this that both individuals and the nations seek the support of morality or religion to gain power over others. They mistakenly consider themselves justified in obtaining more and more knowledge and make scientific achievements. These scientific achievements and inventions are used for one community or nation, but the same is abused to destroy the rival communities and groups. Taking the example of eighteenth century Russia, we come to know that the Tsars portrayed themselves as the custodians of the Christianity to attack on Ottoman Empire to capture more lands to reach the warm waters. Similarly, the modern USA, under George Bush, raised the slogan of holy crusade against Al Qaeda to protect the Christianity from the threats of Muslim domination. Al Qaeda has also launched its campaign in the name of Islam, though all its activities, atrocities and terror are strictly against the noble teachings of Islam. Thus scientific advancements are not only made to ruin the rival forces, but also these are especially designed to gain power over others leading towards conflicts and turmoil. German philosopher Immanuel Kant has also emphatically submitted that the state of peace among the people living side by side and remaining in constant interaction with one another cannot be remained peaceful, as it is in the nature of man to contain differences with other fellow-beings. It is therefore it is war rather than peace which could be stated as the natural one. The same is the case with individuals, groups, nations and states which are at warring positions in the one way or the other. Many wars took place between the Greeks and the Persians time and again sabotaging the peace and harmony of the countries. “In Ionia (the modern Aegean coast of Turkey) the Greek cities, which included great centres such as Miletus and Halicarnassus, were unable to maintain their independence and came under the rule of the Persian Empire in the mid 6th century B.C. In 499 BC the Greeks rose in the Ionian Revolt, and Athens and some other Greek cities went to their aid.” (Quoted in http://www.crystalinks.com/greeksocial.html) The Persians invaded Greece and captured their territories, but were unable to maintain their position for long. The freedom fighters raised revolts against the tyranny and they had to quit their land ultimately. Moreover, the Persians used to destroy the economic stability of the Athenians and captured their finances resulting into significant losses of economy. The renowned German philosopher Karl Marx maintains some different view in this regards. He considers conflict as the solution of political and social turmoil and predicts the evidence of a revolution in case of anarchical situation in a society, where unequal distribution of wealth and resources create a socio-political turmoil. In the Communist Manifesto Marx and Engels are of the view that the history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles. (Quoted in Adams and Sydies, p 133).Hence, Gray is undoubtedly justified in assuming that fanatical creed, in utter rage of hatred, intends to destroy the very foundation of others. Q 3: Answer: John Gray, in the chapter under study, is of the view that the objectivity of a piece of research could be assessed by the previous researches conducted on the same topic on the one hand, and by applying it to the historical events and developments presenting empirical generalizations on the other. Man’s past history and old civilization reflects on the gradual change that takes place in human life time and again. Positivism also indicates the same that the beginning of human civilization was based on theological beliefs and religious values. Man has witnessed arrival and advent of many religions, and the advent of the religion followed by Al Qaeda has also become the matter of the past. The world has also witnessed the Enlightenment era, where England, Russia and France were ruled by the enlightened despots in their countries. The era introduced significant reforms related to human rights and growth. Since the present era is the era of scientific advancements, which can rightly be declared as the positivism, no group or community push the world towards the cave-age at any cost. Al Qaeda, like other communities, is determined to have its own influence on the world at large within he perspective of modernism without making any plan of destroying the very foundations of the world. The same is the case while studying positivism activities and actions of a group, designed and suggested by Gary. Read More