Vartanian 1 Tina Vartanian John Kubler English 114A 10 September 2013 What is the Motivation for Terrorism? Mr.

Hoffman I am writing to you in regards to your article Revival of Religious Terrorism Begs for Broader U.S. Policy. Throughout the article, religion was viewed as a cause for violence and a main cause of terrorism; however I strongly disagree with your views on the relationship between religion and terrorism and the effect it has on others. From reading the article it is my understanding that you believe there are two types of terrorists: secular and religious. You also argue that religious terrorists commit more cruel and murderous acts when compared to other terrorists. So my first question for you is, do you think that if there was no religious diversity, terrorism would stop or even slow down? Though I concede that religion does impact terrorism on some level, I also agree with David Gibson, author of Does Religion Cause Terrorism? Its Complicated, when he wrote ...religion is one of many factors in the explosive brew of politics, culture and psychology that leads fanatics to target innocents -- and take their own lives in the process (1). Gibsons perspective on religion is that although it may be a part of terrorism it is not the only motivation. In fact terrorism consists of several factors including different cultures and views on politics. In your article Revival of Religious Terrorism Begs for Broader U.S. Policy you argue that terrorism motivated by any association to religion tends to be more violent and inhuman because the terrorists do not view their doings as violence but rather ...a divine duty executed in response to some theological demand (2). I strongly disagree with this statement due to the

Vartanian 2 fact that religion ...reinforces the core values necessary for people from different cultures to live in some degree in harmony (Faith and Diplomacy 42). Religion allows society to share morals as well as values and teaches how to respond to other perspectives peacefully. Another idea that confuses me in your article, Mr.Hoffman, is whether or not you believe that religion has some sort of positive effect on society. In Ms. Madeleine Albrights essay Faith and Diplomacy she states ...it is easy to blame religionfor all our troubles, but that is too simple (35). Mr. Hoffman, with all due respect I believe that is exactly the mistake you are making. The relationship between religion and terrorism is in fact true; however, is that even a main problem? There are many different problems besides religion that contribute to the cruel acts of terrorism. These acts include difference in cultures, history, politics, psychology, etc.. Religion is a way to establish some sanity in this world. What I mean by this is that religious people have values that they believe in, that helps them understand the world they live in. In my opinion, terrorism occurs due to jealousy, anger, resentment, as well as being envious of another group. In the article Does Religion Cause Terrorism? Its Complicated Glucklich argues that ...violence comes from a kind of love or desire for ones group and a willingness to do whatever it takes to obtain it. I agree with Glucklichs view on violence because it does not specify on a certain group. Although it may refer to religious groups, it can also refer to cultural groups, political groups, protestants, environmentalists, and the list goes on and on. To conclude, Mr. Hoffman, I disagree with your argument regarding religion being a main factor of terrorism. Terrorism is caused by different factors and religion may be a factor to terrorism but it impacts society in a more positive way then negative. It allows society to have some agreement in their morals and a common ground of respect for one another. Although you had excellent points in your article, I do not believe that you fully acknowledged the relationship

Vartanian 3 between religion and terrorism. My final question for you is whether a diverse culture is the cause for terrorism.