Being human

This refers to the article, “Roots of Islamist terrorism in modern times” (December 2) by Anwar Alam. A society can’t advance without cooperation and tolerance. It is the key for existence of everything. Our body could not have functioned had there been quarrel and mutual disrespect among its parts. Unfortunately, inhumanity is not an ISIS monopoly. Cut-throat competition is integral to modern society. Market economy foments footloose hedonism, consumerism and as often as not provokes cruelty. 

The limit of one’s freedom is in front of the other’s nose. But the market players want to stretch it further and break the nose of human values. It has been reported that among the ISIS recruits there are some teens who are eager to get a real feel of bang-bang virtual games. The greed for power, be it political or economic, drives the rabid Taliban and some business tycoons alike. The need of the hour is to cleanse the greed for power and pleasure at the cost of others and to take concrete safety measures to thwart such attacks in future.