Should terrorism be considered an act of war or a criminal act?

Question

From an international point of view, how should terrorism be considered?
Is it legal/ethical to start a war because of terrorist activities?
Shouldn't terrorism be considered a criminal action and be dealt by civilian organizations?

Answer 1

Terrorism is a crime, not an act of war.

An act of war is something that is done by a uniformed miltiary force, at least in general. It is clear in its execution that it is aggressive action on the part of a government.

Terrorism, even if it is state-sanctionned, is essentially a crime under several statutes. Most countries have anti-terrorism laws for starters, so an act of terrorism is generally going to violate local laws, and as such makes the perpetrators liable to be nailed as such. Also, according to the Geneva Convention, terrorists fall under the category of Unlawful Combattants, and as such cannot be taken as prisonners of war. That means that they, under that statue as well, liable to criminal prosecution.

As for starting a war because of terrorist activities, I refuse to pronounce myself on that one.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

GOOD QUESTION.
TERRORISM IS A CRIMINAL ACT COMMITTED AGAINST A COUNTRY OR NATION THUS HAVING THE 'CAUSE TO INITIATE A WAR.
WHEN A COUNTRY ALLOWS TERRORISM TO REIGN IN THEIR OWN BACKYARD AND DO NOT STOP IT THEN THEY RISK HAVING OTHER NATIONS TAKE OVER AND DO WHAT HAS TO BE DONE.
THESE COUNTRIES ARE NOT VICTIMS AS OTHERS BELIEVE.
THEY BREED TERRORISTS WHAT DOES THAT SAY ABOUT THEM.
THAT IS WHY THEY ARE CALLED THIRD CLASS COUNTRIES.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SAW A GROUP OF "AMERICAN TERRORIST'S" GO TO A FOREIGN COUNTRY AND BLOW UP THEIR EQUIVALENT TO OUR TOWERS FILLED WITH INNOCENT CIVILIANS, BECAUSE THEY WANTED THE "ATTENTION" OF THAT PARTICULAR GOVERNMENT?
THIS IS RIDICULOUS!!!
I WANT TO KNOW WHY OUR GOVERNMENT CAN PUT A MAN ON THE MOON BUT CANNOT FIND OSAMA.
ANY COUNTRY THAT BREEDS TERRORISM OF THE MAGNITUDE THAT BROUGHT ON THIS WAR SHOULD BE WIPED OFF THE FACE OF THE EARTH,.
EVA

Answer 4

Terrorism is an act of war. When attacked - The United States of America went to war.
We need to find the countries that harbor the terrorists and go after them there so they don't keep coming here.
My President, in all his wisdom, has done just that.
Thank you Mr. Bush for making America safer for me and my family. Thank you to the men and women in the military that "get it". The majority of people support you and what you are doing.
No one likes being at war. We all want peace. Intelligent people just realize some wars are just in order to secure a lasting peace.

Answer 5

Terrorism is a crime in most of the Penal Laws of states. It is considered a crime and war if wage on a large scale under the International Law because it is violence against innocent civilians.

Answer 6

terrorism is a criminal, but terrorist isn't country, they are no country such as terrorist in the world.
an act for terrorism isn't for fight the terrorist, it's make a new global huge terrorist. an act of war is just a mask, it just for "picking" the profit from invased and abused country that they "call" terrorrist.
"AN ACT OF WAR FOR TERRORISM IS THE REAL TERRORISM, IT'S THE REAL TERRORIST"

Answer 7

A terrorist isn't a country! There is no such thing as a war on terrorism! Only stupid people think that there is!

Answer 8

Act of War. Innocent people are targeted simply for the purpose of killing them. In my opinion, that's more than enough reason to start a war. If the government isn't protecting its citizenry, get one that will.

Answer 9

Hands down act of war.

Answer 10

It depends on the circumstances surrounding the acts and activities. Also, the severity and scope of any attacks that were performed.