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From the Editor’s Desk
Our Common Enemies
Months after September 11, 2001, we continue to be reminded of that tragic day. Many have said the world changed then.
However, September 11 did not so much signal a new world as it woke us up to the reality of our existing one—and that we are, like it or not, tied to events and circumstances that happen in remote corners of the globe. Marshal McLuhan’s “global village” has never been more tangible.
Our new awareness brings with it the realization that present dangers lie not just in what terrorists might do, but in how we deal with our own fears and prejudices, and the insidious foes that have long been waging a war of attrition against our society. A few blocks’ walk from most homes will bring one face to face with one or more of the predominant ones—crime, drugs, racism, immorality and illiteracy.
A society hamstrung by its internal adversaries is limited in its ability to respond adequately to emergencies or terrorism, and is more likely to collapse under the weight of intolerance, violence and conflict.
Afghan society tried to rebuild after years of war with Russia, only to succumb to the oppressive Taliban regime in 1995.
It was crippled by an illiteracy rate of 69 percent, a life expectancy of 46 years, and drugs—having been reduced to a reliance upon opium as its major cash crop.
While American military power swept the Taliban regime aside, it will only be the resolution of Afghanistan’s societal problems that will bring lasting peace and prosperity.
The same need of solutions exists for every other nation of Earth, no matter how civilized or well off they seem.
It is only through multicultural, multi-institutional campaigns against our common enemies of social ills and human rights violations that we can elevate communities and society to a higher level, guaranteeing long-term survival and the happiness of future generations.
The journalists of our 20 international editions of Freedom have as their purpose to help bring about that brighter future—by uncovering human rights issues and violators who bar the road up, and by reporting on effective solutions to society’s problems.
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