Bullwark Against Malignant Globalization Waves

Last Updated on Monday, 26 June 2006 15:51 by Hüseyin Gülerce Thursday, 11 August 2005 05:00

New Jersey- Globalization and terror have brought humanity to the point of parting ways. Will the dominant Western world impose force and resort to a "clash of civilizations," or perceiving the calamities and the chaos we are being dragged into, adopt the path of "intercultural dialogue." The terrorist attacks in the United States, Britain, Spain, Turkey, Egypt and many other countries reveal the unjust intention to make Islam and Muslims a party to the "clash of civilizations."

The topics, Islam and democracy, Islam and terror come to the fore in this context. With his clearcut stance on terror, Fethullah Gulen says: "Terrorists with Muslim identities damage Islam more than the foes of Islam. They obstruct ways to convey Islam's message correctly, through dialogue and kindness." The schemes of those who impose globalization as a new platform on behalf of their respective worlds and interests, and wish for a "clash of civilizations," can only be thwarted through dialogue.

One of the other dangers of globalization is its potential to arouse nationalistic sentiments. The possibility of living in a period reminiscent of those of Hitler, Mussolini and Franco is not far-fetched. Against this non-identification brought by the globalization, nations can react radically in the name of preserving their national values. People may not remain silent in the face of the degenerating globalization effects. Those who oppose globalization out of national and religious concerns are not altogether unjustified and should not be ignored.

Undoubtedly some view globalization positively, as long as it is kept under control; a place under a rule in which everyone will benefit from each other on a platform where human rights, freedoms, democracy and the supremacy of the law will reign. These latter have a right point. To remove the anxiety of the former and pave the way for developments conforming to the hopes of the latter, is possible only through dialogue. In fact, nations can get along with each other, because conflicts are generally caused by governments. As a matter of fact, we are acquainted with the positive outcomes obtained by Muslims who have set their hearts on dialogue. These outcomes that we call the "fruits of dialogue," which you follow on Samanyolu TV channel and in our newspaper, are auspicious signs for the future.

You stretch a hand and the souls who feel the indispensability of dialogue immediately respond. What they have been saying about Islam so far is fundamentally erroneous. They are surprised through dialogue. They say, "we did not know it that way." They are impressed by the dependability, humanity, altruism and distinction of those who can adequately represent Islam. Americans were crying as they spoke during "The Fruits of Dialogue" program on Samanyolu Television. Most in the audience also burst into tears. They became so close that they could almost touch each other. Muslims should alter the way they express themselves. We should be estimable. Dialogue and kindness are bulwarks to counter globalization's negative aspects and the global terror wave.

ZAMAN