The Imperium and Its Discontents: A Few “Metaphysical” Remarks

A Heretic’s Log: A series of philosophical essays written between September 20, 2002 and July 15, 2004.

Usama Bin Laden was a disinherited man. His wealth notwithstanding, his voice was inaudible, his concerns irrelevant, his dreams and aspirations moot. He was not the only one in this position, of course. The world is full of such disinherited and dejected men. But then, not too many of them have had the opportunity to think of themselves as allies to the Powers That Be in this world, joined in a common cause against “Godlessness,” and not too many have had a taste of “victory,” albeit achieved through that old-fashioned, yet not so “honorable,” way that is gorilla warfare. Continue reading “The Imperium and Its Discontents: A Few “Metaphysical” Remarks” →

On the Psychological Underpinnings of Terrorism

A contribution to an electronic forum

Terrorism, in my opinion, has nothing to do with grievances. Terrorists are but nihilistic pariahs that use the “legitimate grievances” of the people to whom they claim to belong in order to justify their own hateful deeds. Terrorism is related more to the personality and character of the terrorist than it is to his socioeconomic and political environment. Continue reading “On the Psychological Underpinnings of Terrorism” →

A Few Notes on Al-Jazeerah’s Role in Covering the War in Afghanistan

Interventions from an international electronic debate

Date: 5 Oct 2001

The recent request by US Secretary Powell of the Qatari Prince to “reign in” al-Jazeerah Network, the “independent” Arab News Network, is rather unfortunate and unwise. Opinions of professional journalists aside, for the average man in the “Arab Street,” al-Jazeerah represents a “democratic” medium through which he can express himself. The sentiments and opinions expressed by the various correspondents of the popular network seem to echo his own. As such, to say that al-Jazeerah fosters or provokes anti-American aggression is really missing the point. It is rather reflecting the anti-American feelings out there. Continue reading “A Few Notes on Al-Jazeerah’s Role in Covering the War in Afghanistan” →