One year after the terrorist attacks, as we pause to remember the horrific events of Sept. 11, we ask ourselves: How far have we been successful in combating terrorism?

Have we been successful in improving security at home? Yes, and to a great extent. How far did we bring down international terrorism? The answer presents a rather grim picture.

First, Afghanistan. While the Taliban regime is no more, most of Afghanistan is still controlled by warlords.

Second. Where is Osama bin Laden? Where is the Taliban top brass like Mullah Mohammed Omar? We have not been able to get either of them dead or alive.

Third. How far has the anthrax investigation come along? We may be no closer to solving the mystery than we were less than a year ago.

Have we been successful in combating terrorism at its roots? To a large extent-no. Many still believe that in Saudi Arabia, religious schools or Madrasas continue to preach a violent fringe of Islam, sowing the seeds of terror into young minds.

The common man in the Arab streets has to put up with a pompous pro-Western monarchy, strict Islamic laws, no religious freedom and bear mute witness to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

This frustration in the Arab world, which was the root cause of the Sept. 11 attacks, is and could remain a formidable danger to us.

What more needs to be done in fighting terrorism? First, we must gradually reduce our dependence on Arab oil and gas, and exploit out own cornucopia of natural resources and find non-conventional ways to produce energy.

The more difficult task, but perhaps the most rewarding, is for us to promote the wonderful ideals we stand for – democracy and freedom – to the world, especially in the Middle East.

Terrorism can only be stopped when people realize and cherish the immense joy of freedom and democracy.

Prasanna Padmanabhan

Alumnus

Ft. Lauderdale