Terrorism - Public Speaking Speech

On September 11, 2001, 2 planes crashed into the World Trade Center in the heart of New York City, another crashed into the Pentagon. The collapse of the once magnificent architecture alone caused the death of more than 2600 innocent souls and shattered the peaceful living of thousands more.

Why must this tragedy happen? Why must we, the innocent civilians bear the consequence of this never-ending war? More importantly, what has the world come upon?

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Terrorism. What exactly is terrorism? Most of the people comprehend terrorism as a threat of violence and some may even relate terrorism to the Middle East countries. These perceptions are not entirely true. In fact, the history of terrorism dates back to the year 1795 during the post Revolutionary era in France, called the era of “Reign of Terror”. This proves that terrorism happens around the world.

Just now a question surfaced. What is the cause of terrorism during these years? Back in the year 1990, the United States launched an attack on Iraq in the name of liberating Kuwait. But to me the reason the Gulf War took place was because of oil. The Americans wanted oil and the Iraqi had plenty of it and so war began. In the end, America was victorious and Iraq was penetrated. 11 years later, the terrorists took revenge and tore apart the World Trade Center. They attempted this form of unconventional warfare to show their grievances, anger and dissatisfaction over their enemy. At the same time, they wished to gain the support of the people around the world by claiming that they fighting because of religion. According to philosopher Michael Walzer, terrorism is always morally wrong but at the same time those who engaged in terrorism can be morally justified in one specific case. Therefore, they used the fact that U.S. supports Israel against Palestine, to further justify their acts of terrorism, to convince fellow people of the world that they’re just defending themselves. In the end, we can say that indirectly U.S. tasted her own medicine in the 911 incident.

Indeed terrorism had brought many negative impacts on the world in whichever aspect. Hence, pragmatic measures were taken in order to counter terrorism. First, I think that it is brilliant for some countries to tighten its customs law. Strict rules and regulations are implemented in all of the countries’ ports of entry such as airports and sea ports. Let’s take Canada as an example. All visitors must apply for a visa to enter the country including visitors from the Commonwealth nations. This measure is to double check on the visitors’ identities and to further strengthen the security. Some countries also provide counter-hijacking training to the air force and airplane crews. Like in China, even air steward and stewardess are given this sort of training. As we all know, social peace of a country will be affected by terrorism. So, to return the social stability, some countries introduced the counter-terrorists organizations. We have the FBI and the SWAT force in the United States, the Special Duties Unit (SDU) in Hong Kong, and in Malaysia, government formed the Pasukan Gerak Khas as to counteract whenever there is an attack or a riot.

How effective these measures can be, they are only capable of controlling the situation after the happening of terrorism. Can it really cure the impact caused by the terrorists? What about the damage caused? The lives taken? And the trauma in the heart of every citizens? The world has become the political playground for the terrorists, and in this state, this mud war between the greedy and the evil is simply never-ending. If the war is to continue, we the innocent people will only be the victims and suffer endlessly. Terrorism is simply a despicable act against humanity and human rights. I totally reject terrorism and hoped for world peace. What about you, my friends? Have you played your parts?

Thank you.