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Korea must join the collective effort to fight anti-human terrorism

Korea must join the collective effort to fight anti-human terrorism

Posted November. 17, 2015 12:54,   

한국어

The main agenda for discussion at the 2015 G-20 Antalya Summit, which came to a closure on Monday, included joint measures to counter terrorism by sharing information and enhancing border and aviation security. The initial plan for the heads of state was to discuss the theme of "Inclusive and Robust Growth," but the Islamic State’s terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday compelled the global leaders to pool wisdom to tackle the global terrorism that is posing a threat to the international community. Albeit falling short of concrete counter measures, the special communique is meaningful in that it declared that the tragic attack is not a misery that befell only France but a task that requires a collective effort of the international community.

The series of terrorist attacks including the Ankara Bombings on Oct. 10 and the Russian plane crash on Oct. 31 proved that the IS has entered a phase of staging reckless terrorist attacks in earnest against the entire world. The terrorists targeted innocent civilians who were enjoying their free time at the theatre, football stadium, and cafes during the peaceful evening in Paris. They asked the nationality and religion of their hostages before killing them, showing deep hatred towards other races and religions. The brutality of the terrorism of late, which ruthlessly trampled on freedom and human rights, is even more serious than that of Al Qaeda, the very culprits of the 9.11 terrorist attacks in 2001. In fact, the international community is largely accountable for failing to address the giant evil until the terrorist group broke away from the umbrella of Al Qaeda to transform itself into a quasi-country organization armed with massive oil money and social media.

It is a justifiable retaliation for the French military to mobilize fighter jets to launch assault to a command center, a military training facility, and an arms depot in Raqqa, the de facto capital of the Islamic State. Named "Inherent Resolve," the operation involved the allied powers of the U.S., Australia, Canada, and Jordan. Should the international community summon the power to counter the IS, Korea may well be asked to join forces.

When the U.S. waged a war against Iraq in the wake of 9.11, Korea dispatched Seohee (construction and engineering) and Jema (medical assistance) units. It is true that the risk of being exposed to the terrorists will increase if Korea joins the international war against terrorism, but there is no silver bullet to resolve the issue. When it comes to combating terrorism, there is no room for hesitance.

Korea is among the "62 Crusader States" by which the terrorist group threatened to kill civilians last year. There is no guarantee that an atrocity similar to the tragic multiple mayhems in Paris will not happen in Seoul. It is vital that we prepare thoroughly lest any accident should happen while we remain off guard.