Terrorism
What constitutes "terrorism"? How should we go about averting it? What costs (monetary or otherwise) are acceptable in this pursuit? When should we consider our counterterrorism pursuits to be complete?
These arguments are sorted from the most to the least aggressive:
These arguments are sorted from the most to the least aggressive:
Err on the side of aggression.
The FBI defines terrorism as “the unlawful use of force against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population or any segment thereof, in the furtherance of political or social objectives.” I’ll go with that definition, and I’d say that it’s worth any cost in money, as long as the cost in human lives is less than the lives that could potentially be lost to acts of terrorism. Because of the serious political implications of terrorism, when we are in doubt, we should take whatever steps are available to try to avert it. If terrorism is supported by a country, then we should take steps to work with that country, first by discussing, by threatening if discussion fails, and by attacking if threats fail.
The FBI defines terrorism as “the unlawful use of force against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population or any segment thereof, in the furtherance of political or social objectives.” I’ll go with that definition, and I’d say that it’s worth any cost in money, as long as the cost in human lives is less than the lives that could potentially be lost to acts of terrorism. Because of the serious political implications of terrorism, when we are in doubt, we should take whatever steps are available to try to avert it. If terrorism is supported by a country, then we should take steps to work with that country, first by discussing, by threatening if discussion fails, and by attacking if threats fail.
Quietly avert mass-murder.
“Terrorism” is an overly broad term, and it is ridiculous to try to eliminate it completely. Terrorism has existed for as long as our country has. Trying to prevent the types of terrorism that involve mass murder is a good goal, but it is a long-term pursuit. It cannot be fought as a war, unless we are prepared to live in a state of perpetual warfare. I do not think that is an acceptable cost.
Instead, terrorism should be fought quietly, in the short term by following intelligence leads quickly and quietly, and in the long-term working to eliminate the conditions of poverty and desperation that breed terrorism.
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