BLAST FROM THE PAST: HOW CAN WE FIGHT TERRORISM? PT 1.

 

Exactly what is TERRORISM?

-  What are the Goals behind it, and what are the Motivations?

-  Do the Methods Used by Terrorists Work, in Achieving the Desired Goals?

-  Are the Tactics of Terrorists Self- Defeating, always Doomed to Failure, or are They Practical, and Often lead to Success?

-  Should Terrorist Tactics be Answered in Kind?

The First Question that must be Addressed is simply, what is TERRORISM? 

FIRST, Terrorism is not an Ideology, it is a Means to an End. There are no Specific Set of Rules or Written Doctrine that Encompasses all Terrorist Groups and Individuals, and no Identifiable Code of Law or Morality that is Universal in Nature.

To Clarify, I will Define TERRORISM as : THE USE OF VIOLENCE, OR THREAT OF SUCH, TO ADVANCE THE DOCTRINE, IDEOLOGY, RULES, OR GOALS OF A GIVEN AND IDENTIFIABLE GROUP THAT IS NOT GENERALLY REGARDED AS A LEGITIMATE POLITICAL ENTITY, OR THE RECOGNIZED LEGAL AUTHORITY FOR A RESIDENT POPULATION OR GEOGRAPHICAL AREA.

HOWEVER, THE TARGETS OF SUCH VIOLENCE ARE NOT TRADITIONAL, SUCH AS MILITARY INSTALLATIONS AND GOVERNMENTAL OFFICES. CIVILIAN POPULATION CENTERS, BUSINESS AND CONSUMER DISTRICTS, AND PLACES OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP BECOME THE PREFERRED AREAS TO CREATE DEATH AND DESTRUCTION.  THE DESIRE IS TO ESTABLISH A DISRUPTION IN NORMAL ACTIVITIES, AND A GENERAL SENSE OF PANIC AMONG THOSE WHO FREQUENT, OR LIVE IN THESE AREAS.

THE PURPOSE-  CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE THAT WILL CAUSE THE CIVILIAN/MERCHANT POPULATION TO  BECOME SO TRAUMATIZED AND FRIGHTENED, THAT IT FORCES THE POLITICAL/GOVERNMENTAL POWERS RESPONSIBLE FOR ADMINISTERING AND PROTECTING THESE AREAS, TO GRANT CONCESSIONS, ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS, OR AGREE TO THE STATED GOALS AND POLICIES OF THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION. 

The Terrorist(s) are not Interested in the Traditional Types of Warfare and Combat.

WHY?  Because They Usually Lack the Numbers and Quality of Combatants and Armaments to Engage in Set Piece Battles.  So to Attack Military and Civilian Strong Points that are Well Protected would be Useless.  The Terrorists would be going up against Forces Designed and Trained to Meet, Engage, and Defeat Opposing Forces Conducting Normal Combat Operations. 

Is Terrorism a New Phenomena, or can we Find Examples in other Parts of Human History?  Is it an External Threat Alone, or is there an Internal Danger Just as Dangerous and Potentially Destructive.

LOOK FOR PART 2.