Abstract:
This thesis intends to demonstrate that the so-called 'War on Terrorism" is
used by the United States as an instrument of its foreign policy to promote
changes in the Middle East. The two main pillars of this strategy are: the
promotion of democracy and the fight against terrorism. However, an
assessment of the policy shows that it has failed. It has failed so far to control
and/or eliminate terrorist groups and the Global Jihad. It has failed mainly
because of the lack of a clear evidence to prove the fact that the promotion of
democracy will help to control terrorism or to induce transformation in Middle
Eastern societies. On the contrary, recent elections in Palestine have
demonstrated that groups considered as terrorists by the United States can win
legitimate elections.
One of the main findings of this thesis is that through the "War on
Terrorism", the United States is trying to globalize the Palestinian-Israeli conflict,
gaining support against "terrorist groups", when in reality it has its own agenda.
By labeling Resistance groups from the Middle East with local or regional
vindications as terrorist activities, the US is producing a counter effect: instead of
solving the Middle East peace process they are transposing the way to
Jerusalem elsewhere. Maybe it would be better to separate the war against terror from the Middle East conflict. Attacks in London, Madrid and Bali are clear
evidence that the war is being misconducted.
The other important finding is that this "War on Terro( is weakening the
international system. The unilateralism in the decision-making process and the
evidence of serious violations of human rights and international law are
diminishing the role of international organizations such as the United Nations.
The lack of an internationally negotiated definition of terrorism is a
problem and shows a very complex political situation. This lack of consensus on
a precise definition of terrorism is not only being used by the terrorists but also by
the United States. This ambiguity of labeling regional political groups as terrorist
is used by the US to promote its own interests.
The international community should try to establish cooperation
mechanisms to defeat terrorism and at the same time to preserve and strengthen
the international peace and security system. There exists a consensus in the
idea that terrorism is a flagellum for humankind.
Description:
M.A. -- Faculty of Political Science, Public Administration and Diplomacy, Notre Dame University, Louaize, 2006; "Submitted to the Faculty of Political Science, Public Administration and Diplomacy, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Political Science."; Includes bibliographical references (leaves 152-159).