CDZ Terrorism: Defining Military 'Service'

[Abishai100]

The modern world is plagued by the blight of political unrest related terrorism (e.g., IRA, Taliban, ISIS, etc.).

Terrorists seem unhappy with the Western world's preoccupation with consumerism and capitalism-gauged politics, which is why we saw the Taliban attack the World Trade Center in NYC in 2001.

In this alarming climate, we could consider what defines the boundaries of honor and dutiful service to military causes and how these boundaries help historians differentiate between terrorists and freedom-fighters.

We know that the Indian struggle for independence from the British Empire was largely considered a movement of freedom-fighters, while the Irish struggle for independence from the British Empire has been characterized in many cases as displays of criminal terrorism.

We're fascinated by history, and we see recurring themes in cinema/art that beckon traditions/values of the past; so we see modern-day films being made about the fabled knight and warlord-rich time of Arthur's kingdom of Camelot, bolstered by daring knights such as Lancelot and challenged by fierce warlords such as Mordred.

How would a knight (or a warlord) from the Medieval Ages characterize our modern-day representations of terrorism and terrorists (and freedom-fighters)?

Such questions can help us create beneficial 'prescriptions' for military conduct in times of complete anarchy (e.g., world wars).

So here's a mock dialogue between the two Arthurian knights/warlords Lancelot and Mordred (albeit anachronistic) about the contours of terrorism and what defines 'honorable military service.'



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MORDRED: The Taliban are jihadists who detest Western civilization.
LANCELOT: The attack on 9/11 reveals that terrorism only creates more panic.
MORDRED: When America used nuclear weapons against Japan, the world was horrified.
LANCELOT: Japan considered itself a 'legal' ally of Nazi Germany.
MORDRED: You're a mercenary of sorts, Lancelot, so how would you critique the IRA?
LANCELOT: The Irish are simply unhappy with British rule.
MORDRED: Sometimes communism clarifies; forced military service may be wise.
LANCELOT: Someone has to defend the rights of the meek.
MORDRED: People demand strong leadership more than brotherhood.
LANCELOT: ISIS is not creating favorable reviews of fundamental Muslims.

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[PurpleOwl]

actually medeival knights would have alot in common with al queda

the knights code of chivalry reads like a Bin laden speech

1. Thou shalt believe all that the Church teaches and thou shalt observe all its directions.
2. Thou shalt defend the Church.
3. Thou shalt respect all weaknesses, and shalt constitute thyself the defender of them.
4. Thou shalt love the country in which thou wast born.
5. Thou shalt not recoil before thine enemy.
6. Thou shalt make war against the infidel without cessation and without mercy.
7. Thou shalt perform scrupulously thy feudal duties, if they be not contrary to the laws of God.
8. Thou shalt never lie, and shalt remain faithful to thy pledged word.
9. Thou shalt be generous, and give largesse to everyone.
10. Thou shalt be everywhere and always the champion of the Right and the Good against Injustice and Evil