“Democratic societies have the right to defend themselves against terrorism but must respect laws and human rights in their struggle — or risk endangering the very freedoms they seek to protect” the Pope said on Friday. The Pope did not mention any specific incidences in the War on Terrorism but did go on to say “In democratic systems, the use of force in a manner contrary to the principles of a constitutional state can never be justified”. He admitted terrorism to be a serious problem but pointed out the terrorists often claim to be acting in God’s name. Some terrorist networks say that society has forgotten God and this justifies their actions. If society would counter that accusation by holding a greater respect for religion terrorists would have less justification in their actions. The Pope declared that it is important for society to ensure the safety and security of its citizens while protecting the indisputable rights of all people. The Pope also encouraged politicians to spread values in communities including “opposing abortion, divorce and ideologies that view financial gain as the only good”.
The Pope certainly holds some good points regarding anti-terrorism strategies and keeping all human rights and laws in practice at the same time. The Pope mentions that we can take anti-terrorism into our own hands by practicing more religious sanctity and keep an open mind to all religions, taking away terrorists main motive or justification for their acts. This perhaps, will be harder than keeping politicians and military in line with the laws and human rights because it challenges us to make moral decisions and act on them. Also many people have strong views on abortion rights and marriage and it will not be an easy task to change society’s views on these issues even if the Pope does think this will give terrorists less motive. Going back to protecting laws and human rights in the struggle to fight off terrorism, I believe it will be hard to go back and uphold laws and human rights now because so many human rights violations have been made in this fight so far.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2007-09-21-vatican-terror_N.htm
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