Democracy and terrorism are inversely related to each other. More democracy means less terrorism. Democracy and dictatorship being two opposing mindsets cannot coexist. Extremism has been nourished by extra-constitutional regimes led by Generals from Ayub Khan to Pervez Musharraf over a long period of more than fifty years. At the same time, it is heartening to learn that local bodies elections are planned by the present government. They would be held on party basis for the first time. We also need to address the root cause of terrorism in society. A united strategy to win this war must be worked out immediately with the help of think tanks and common citizens. Nothing is impossible if the nation begins to think and practice what it preaches. B A MALIK, Islamabad, November 6.