Peace and Security Cluster, 7 Sept. 2004 Asia-Europe People's Forum.

Peace and Security Cluster, 7 Sept. 2004 Asia-Europe People's Forum.

TERRORISM, ANTITERRORISM AND PEOPLE'S RESPONSE

Background
Since 2001, "terrorism" has been
repeatedly projected by many governments around the world as the most
alarming and most dangerous threat to global peace and security. Those who
have lined up to join the "war against terrorism," however, have
increasingly invoked this as a justification to clamp down on legitimate
resistance, as evidenced for example by how Iraqis who oppose the
occupation have been categorized as "terrorists;" to curtail civil
liberties; to channel resources towards increased military spending; and
to justify military intervention by external foreign powers. To what
extent is this war really against "terrorism"? Is it making the world more
or less safe? In what ways is the discourse on "terrorism" used to suit
the ends of those who set its definition? What purposes and what interests
are served by this discourse and definition? What is the impact of these
developments on human rights and civil liberties? What should be the
effective response to "terrorism"? What specific policies should civil
society demand from Asian and European governments on "terrorism"?

Suggested Topics

1. The ambiguous and inconsistent manner by which "terrorism" is
   defined.
2. "Terrorism" as the illegitimate violence of the weak versus
   "terrorism" as the legitimised violence of the strong.
3. The ways and means by which the definition of terrorism is being
   instrumentalised.
4. The objectives and interests for which this threat is used.
5. The ways by which anti-terrorist laws and offensives are leading to
   repression and the violation of human rights.
6. The specific strategies for countering the manipulation of the
   hegemonic discourse of "terrorism," defending the space for legitimate
   dissent and struggle, and protecting people's rights and liberties.
7. The means by which these strategies could be shared and jointly
   carried out by Asian and European activitists.
8. The concrete policies which should be advocated before Asian and
   European governments as well as towards ASEM.

Presenters
Achin Vanaik(TNI fellow, India)
Ben Hayes (Statewatch, UK)
Chandra Muzaffar (JUST, Malaysia)
Abdul Hameed Nayyar (Pakistan Peace Coalition, Pakistan)

Commentators
Swee Sang Yap (Suaram, Malaysia)
Laura Lodenius (Committee of 100, Finland)