Meaning matters....

The twenty first century has been started with full excitement. But, this excitement has a purpose, the contents of which could only be understood through the historical development of new mind-sets, and a change of attitude.
The world was long ago saturated with the specter of wars, and world wars at that; but, the fear and horror of mutual extinction through the application of thermo-nuclear devices established a desirable barrier to the awful and horrendous dream of such extinction. The logical agreements signed between the then superpowers in this respect, proved to be a meaningful step to this day.
However, formal wars today have given rise to the informal development of terrorism. Wars were waged throughout mankind’s history and conducted by the laws of war and by men and women in uniform and educated in academies of war. But, where are now the laws of terrorism and their academies of excellence? This leads one to believe that the millennium footed on the Gregorian and Julian calendars has given irreversible meaning to the 21st century as a century for search of economic unity, prosperity and understanding among democratic states, nations and peoples. This state of affairs will hopefully establish, in turn, a new strong barrier to discourage the advancement of terrorism through new mind-sets, in whatever form it may be manifesting itself. True, terrorism is the worst enemy of human life, property and civilization.
Terrorism has become, prima facie, a fact of life that is understood by perception. However, while establishing its causes and finding its sources are the concern of all peace-loving nations and individuals as a whole, it would matter a lot if the same forum, says no to such violence in a unified tone. If one nation becomes a target of terrorism, while another nation remains supporter of it, and if one country harbors or aids terrorists, while the other pursue them, sure, there will never be an end to terrorism. Neither any big attempt to find the architects of terrorism at large, behind the great mountains of the Asiatic North, nor in the big cities of the world will prove helpful.
Conversely, confronting terrorism directly with formal and total war machinery may not give the desired answer. If, on the contrary, routing out the authors of terrorism is not a near possibility, counter terrorism measures should be worked out with the target elements, in unison with a unified world front to impose on terrorism moral and other disabilitating sanctions. Nonetheless, to bring about a meaningful stop to this instrument of evil policy, the enlightened sections of society should not make military force their first option; without ruling out recourse to it should the need arise at any time, though. Besides, using disproportional military action for every minor incident could tantamount to a kind of state terrorism and aggravates the situation. Thus, terrorism can be defeated only with meaningful, tactful, and unified front and action. This will give the unified forum the leverage to precisely pinpoint, in the process, who the authors of this evil policy might be.
The adversaries of peace today want to see devastation instead of development, disunity instead of unity, and poverty instead of prosperity. When these factors are added to the degradation of the world environmental conditions, they become authenticated warranty for mankind’s total extinction.
I gather that the 21st century will have much to offer towards the consolidation of our existence; hence the development and prosperity of the third world, if only we pay the necessary heed to giving meaningful accentuation on what we say, do, and act internationally, nationally and climatically.
My sense is that the beginnings of the Ethiopian millennium will give the expression of meaningful and respectful actions. Our achievements under the millennium’s celebrations agenda should be the reflection of meaningful thinking, calculated steps, consistency, sustainability, and peace oriented developmental endevours. I have no doubt, from the little knowledge I have about the all round attempts of the Ethiopian development efforts so far, albeit some difficulties, the positive developmental and peace insuring measures that will be taken in the dawn of the new-millennium will provide meaningful, qualitative, and exemplary lessons for ensuring the stability of the Horn of Africa and beyond.
It is important, therefore, for us, Africans, big or small, to exercise self-discipline in all our moves. Besides, we should re-ascertain remarkable integrity, determination and apply great industry to our efforts. Our leadership quality should always be accompanied by the dignity of statesmanship that people long for and always love and not they abhor. Then we will be able to say proudly “meaning matters” for all what we say, do, behave, and relate with others internally and externally; which will bring about a change of attitude in the right direction.