This article is going to deal with the ideas put forth by the supreme leader in his second letter to the European youths according to which we can overcome the violence and terrorism.
While some of the western powers such as the United States of America are fighting against terrorism in the Middle East and central Asia, the supreme leader of Iran is of the view that terrorism’s roots have taken hold in the depths of western political culture; therefore, the roots of violence should not be searched for in other places. According to him “aggression” and “moral promiscuity” are the two main elements of the western culture that have caused a soft and silent invasion over the course of many years. [1]
Based on the mentioned facts the reaction against this soft invasion could be harsh and severe from the invaded sides. Because, no nation could tolerates the invasion and occupation especially the cultural invasion. That is why the leader tells the western youths that “we have the right to block the flood of impropriety that is directed towards our youth in the shape of various forms.” [2] But it must be noted that this blocking does never mean the total denial of any sort of cultural interaction, rather, the cultural interaction is useful on condition that it is conducted in natural circumstances with respect for the receiving culture, in this case, it will result in growth, development and richness. On the contrary, inharmonious interactions would be unsuccessful and harmful impositions. [3]
From the mentioned part of the supreme leader’s letter to the European youths it can be deduced that terroristic attack on western cities can be the result of colonialism; because, had it been a merely ideological reaction or resist it would have been occurred before the colonialist era. But, the history shows that such groups like DAESH have not been witnessed in the past; that is why, terror and extremism is not rooted in the Islamic teachings rather it is rooted in the misbehavior of the colonialists with the people of the non-European world. Therefore, the western youths should not blame or accuse others of terror and violence and mistreatment, instead, they must try to correct their own policies towards other nations.
Not only the western policies towards other nations have been harmful but also their inner policies have also caused lots of problems for their own people. As a result, "some of the people who are born in Europe and who have been intellectually and mentally nurtured in that environment are also attracted to violence and terrorist groups" [4] such as DAESH. It is logically unacceptable that these people with only one or two trips to war zones suddenly become so extreme that they can riddle the bodies of their compatriots with bullets. The supreme leader is of the view that "maybe a deep hate- planted in the years of economic and industrial growth and borne out of inequality and possibly legal and structural prejudice- created ideas that every few years appear in a sickening manner."[5]
Conclusively, it must be mentioned that no power in the west or in the east can overcome this problem without having a deep understanding of the reality of it. That is why the European youths must study comprehensively about the terrorism and its roots in order to find the most practical and effective solution to the problem. Of course, hasty and emotional reactions towards the problem will lead to more challenges and difficulties for the people if the world including European people.
Notes:
[1] For the detail of the letter see: http://english.khamenei.ir/news/2681/Todayterrorism-is-our-common-worry
[2] ibid.
[3] See: http://english.khamenei.ir/news/2681/Todayterrorism-is-our-common-worry
[4] ibid.
[5] ibid.