Many will possess mixed feelings after the news that an RAF drone strike killed two British citizens fighting with Islamic State in Syria (Front page,8 September). Few people will believe that Reyaad Khan and Ruhul Amin were not guilty of terrible acts of violence, in a clash that is killing thousands and creating untold human suffering. Many will be pleased that the UK government has finally taken action that will send a clear message to other fighters and potential jihadis that they are not beyond the reach of retribution. I possess no doubt that David Cameron and the UK government believe their actions are fundamental to rob a firm stance against terrorism and violence. However, and besides the obvious question of legality,we also possess to consider whether this action will make us safer in the long term. A key question is whether the individuals and communities this tough message is intended for will actually be deterred by the threat of retaliation.
All the evidence from the past suggests it will not. Each time we abandon the belief that planned killing is wrong under any circumstances, we reinforce the message that our supposed principles of justice and the rule of law are a false hypocrisy (Pretending to have feelings, beliefs, or virtues that one does not have.) – that human rights only apply if you are one of “us”, and not one of “them”. Just as the inhuman torture of terrorist suspects in Guantánamo Bay and Abu Ghraib became a lightning rod for recruitment to Isis,this will be seen by its supporters as further evidence of the need to join the battle.
Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com