What are the root causes of terrorism?

I found this question at Madrid11.net, an interesting attempt at a rational inter-cultural dialog based on the values of democracy.

And it's a good question! With mineral water being forbidden as carry-on, it is urgent that we go beyond knee-jerk reactions towards real cures for our problems. Looking for root causes is a good start.

So what would I say the root causes of terrorism are?

Let's start with the obvious: human behaviour is guided by ideas that are implanted in one's brain and that seem to make sense. The less self-aware a person is, the more he will be prone to accept ideas without question. So young, poor, badly-educated people living in dire conditions will be more ready to act as terrorists than others.

But these are the infantrymen of terrorism, not their generals. It's easy to place the blame on them since they commit the obvious damage, but it's hard to imagine a bunch of young men who can barely read and write prepare a plot to destroy the World Trade Center! They are just the symptom of a deeper cause.

Who really stands to benefit from terrorism? Those involved in political struggles and who seek to shift the balance of power to their advantage. If these groups don't possess legal means to claim power - such as a democratic process - they will resort to violence. If violence against the military body is not possible, they will target civilians and sink into terrorism.

That's my take on the root cause. The cure? Since we're so adamant on living in a globalized world, we have to really act up to it. That means globally consistent and fair education, health, economic and political conditions. Only then will young men and women become strong enough to turn away from the sirens of destruction. And although the war-mongerers and power-crazed officials will still exist, they will hold less sway on our future.