Daniel Everett | Editing Team
Following the horrific terror of the Paris attacks, widespread concern and mourning has occurred across Europe and, indeed, the world. Many concerned Scots have felt the true vibrations of this attack as it has taken place in a neighbouring country so close to home. However, it is highly important in the aftermath of these events that we examine them in a far wider, worldwide perspective.
Fundamentally, terror attacks have increased drastically over the last year, with 32,658 individuals being killed by terrorists in 2014 according to the latest study. However, it is in nations such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Nigeria where these attacks are most common. Therefore, whilst the events within Paris are devastating, in comparison to the worldwide impact of terror on humanity, it is merely the tip of the iceberg.
Consequently, we can clearly outline that far from being a western issue, terror attacks are a global issue, suffered globally. This is evident through the recent terrorist attack in Mali, where 21 deaths merely escalated the growing hysteria over terrorist activity and the widespread al Qaeda attacks in Yemen, which have spawned a civil war which continues to wage through the nation. As a result, it is clear that terror is causing deep schisms throughout the international community.
Crucially, the recent spike in international terror can be heralded as a third world war. However, this conflict is by no means an example of foreign nations launching an assault on western religions, ideals or culture. Instead, this new world warfare is taking place between those that hate against those that wish for peace. The aggressors include terrorist cells, ISIS and their ilk, alongside warmongering nations, with the U.S.A, U.K and Russia arming all the worlds factions, including ISIS themselves, and launching airstrikes which cause chaos and kill the innocent and vulnerable. On the opposing side we find the peaceful protestor, the innocent child and the vast majority of humanity across the globe that does not dream of hate.
Finally, the suffering and havoc the newfound third world war will cause cannot be measured, for as long as the west retaliates to terror with violence, and hungers for revenge, then the number of refugees will grow, suffering will not be combated and terror attacks will grow. The only hope to defeat this grim cycle, is the dream that the next generation can be educated to rise above all hate, to shrug off the prejudices and grudges of their forbearers and to hope a new world of peace and trade and tolerance will emerge. However, for now we must take shelter from the conflict around us and have faith in our fellow man.
