Where do terrorists come from?

By Jerina Zaloshnja
The news that among a group of individuals arrested in the United States charged with preparing to attack a US Military Base, were four Albanians, was a real bolt out of the blue. One of the most vicious manifestations of terrorism in our days has links with Islamic fundamentalism. Al Qaeda, the most organized structure of terrorism today is based on extremist Islamic fundamentalism. However, it is as clear as the light of day that the political organization of the Albanians in their States in the Balkans, has absolutely no links with religious ideologies, and even less so with the extremist distortions of these religious ideologies, particularly those Islamic. Moreover, the social fabric of the Albanians in Kosovo, Macedonia and in Albania too, is not woven around religious beliefs or followings. Secondly, not only the governments or parties of the Albanians in their States, but also the Albanian societies in Kosovo, Macedonia and Albania reflect a genuine ground swell of popular support for the United States and its allies. In particular, for historical reasons pertaining to these last one hundred years, the United States is perceived as a champion of the cause of the Albanians. All the Albanian Governments, ever since the collapse of communism in Albania, and the Government of Kosovo too, within that limited sovereignty it has today, or even the political parties in Macedonia, have all been constantly vocal in their support of the international alliance against terrorism. As is known, Albania has deployed troops in support of the United States and other forces. Other countries are also participants in the international coalition against terrorism. What distinguishes Albania from all the others is the fact that the decisions of its governments to line up alongside the United States, or to send troops to back the forces of the coalition, also enjoy the support of the people of Albania. For example, according to a study of the Albanian Institute for International Studies, the Albanian society regards relations with the United States as the amongst the most important from a strategic viewpoint. Third, there is also another factor which makes this item of news so unexpected and almost unbelievable. The people of Kosovo look upon the United States as their liberator. In Kosovo it is unimaginable that someone might be plotting to attack a US Military Base. Along the same lines, what makes this news item about Albanian terrorists from Macedonia or Kosovo, unacceptable and unbelievable is the fact that the base that had been targeted for this attack, had received and sheltered 400 Albanian refugees during the 1999 war. Ensnared in the trap of this news item, a number of Albanian politicians, including the Prime Minister of Kosovo, hastened to reiterate unconditional support for the US, making a move which if not erroneous, was at least unnecessary. Under no circumstances, and even less so in the case of four Albanian citizens from Macedonia, can these terrorists be considered as representing a state. And most certainly, in no case, in old and new history can terrorists or, evil in general, be identified with a whole nation. There is no reason why the Albanians should feel guilty. But where do terrorists come from? There is no reason for them to come from Macedonia or Kosovo. However, the mere fact that four Albanian individuals are involved in activity that is suspected of being terrorist activity, must serve as food for deep reflection, first and foremost over the manipulative power of the Islamic extremists.