Airstrip One

Bali - 24th October 2002

It is unlikely that those tourists who embarked for Bali before the bombing could anticipate the atrocity that was to kill so many without mercy and in cold blood. Bali was seen as a popular tourist resort and the average holidaymaker is unlikely to check the probability of terrorism or political volence before heading out. Moreover, there was a public interest for commercial companies and the Balinese authorities to play down any possible 'events' that could occur and advertise the 'stability' of the island.

Nevertheless, we have seen that this has reinforced the worldview of the 'clash of civilisations' that acts as the foundation for many of those who support the war on terror: a world of bloodfeuds and honour killings, extending the tribal cultures of Pakistan and Afghanistan across the entire Arab World. (Rantburg reference). Islam is represented as an absolute that has never been compatible with the Western Enlightenment.

Whereas, we are dealing with many different countries that extend from a Western ally, Turkey, to an anarchy, Somalia and all republics, monarchies and theocracies inbetween. Whose inhabitants encompass communists, nationalists, pan-Arabists, Islamists and democrats. You can read an Iranian democrat, a very brave one, here. (Adriana Cronin of Samizdata for this).

By invoking the cultural argument, we also contribute to the media misrepresentation that this girl refers to. We represent Islam as an amorphous opponent, the 'other', when we should try to provide more space within our own media for the elements within those cultures that uphold our values, and as a counterbalance to such an oversimplification.