What is Terrorism?.& how is it different to other kinds of aggression or resistance?

Question

please read the question carefully, and if possible answer the second part as well.

for example, doesn't normal kind of crime, say robbing someone on the streets cause fear..clearly that would not be terrorism..would it?

thnks for all the aswers so far.

Answer 1

In the dictionary, terrorism is defined as "The systematic use of terror, the deliberate creation and exploitation of fear for bringing about political change".

In the UK, under the Terrorism Act 2000, a terrorist, for example, is defined as a person whose "action... or threat of action" is "designed to change government policy" and is done "for political, ideological or religious reasons". This means a peaceful protester on a street corner can, under this law be called a terrorist.

In practice, the definition or terrorism depends on who's doing the defining.

Libyan bombers attack a Berlin discotheque and 2 American GIs are killed - this is called terrorism. The U.S. bombs two Libyan cities in retaliation. More than 60 civilians are killed in the retaliatory bombing, including Libyan leader Muammar Qadaffi's baby daughter. This is not terrorism.

The bombing of Pan-Am flight 103 over Lockerbie is rightly considered terrorism. The Libyan men responsible are tried, conviced and imprisoned
Cubana Airlines Flight 455 is bombed in 1976, killing 73 people. The man suspected of this bombing, Luis Posada Carriles, is given asylum by the US Government despite his porven involvement in the bombing of hotels. They do not acknowlege him as a terrorist - why?

French attacking occupying German soldiers in WW2 - legitimate resistance.
Iraqis attacking occupying US soldiers - terrorism.

A Palestinian attacking an Israeli army outpost is called terrorism. Israeli planes firing missiles into densly populated Palestinian civillian areas - self defence.

The real definition of terrorism seems to be this - terrorism is violence committed by those we disapprove of.

Answer 2

Terrorism is the act of murder and intimidation to sway political views. It can be domestic or international. Take for example Adolf Hitler. He wanted to rule the world and put Germany on top of the totem pole. As for economic stability he brought Germany up to the top of the food chain but his act of genocide against Jews was no more then plain international terrorism, if not everything he did. Another example would be the Allied resistance to Hitlers atrocities. Hence World War Two. As for domestic terrorism Timothy McVeigh is a prime example. He murdered innocent people especially children in the Oklahoma City bombing. I need not mention Bin Laden and his plan on 9-11 clearly an act of terrorism. As for most Muslims Israel and America are the true terrorists, aggressors, and satan. Which by the way I hope you have the common sense to know that is not the truth. Have a good day.

Answer 3

A 1988 study by the US Army counted 109 definitions of terrorism that covered a total of 22 different definitional elements. Terrorism expert Walter Laqueur in 1999 also has counted over 100 definitions and concludes that the "only general characteristic generally agreed upon is that terrorism involves violence and the threat of violence"

Also, terrorists are more likely to use improvised tactics and suicide bombers to carry out their murder. They cause terror by striking targets at random, usually in civilian areas. This has the effect of creating widespread panic with limited means. They are generally not sponsored by a State or Government, and are likely fighting for a political or more likely religious cause.

Answer 4

Terrorism, in the content of what happened on 9/11 is: Organized Crime, but Hidden - these terrorist cells are all over the world, in your country while we speak. That is Terrorism, when you Never Know or When It Will or even Why It Happened. Well that is my take on it anyway.

Answer 5

I guess right at this point it is whatever republicans say it is.They do have very disturbing judgement and distorted image of what evil really is.So most likely their definition of a terrorist is wrong.Especially when under their watch they let the worlds most wanted terrorist out of their distorted view.When they had plenty of money and man power to accomplish this.But it is a fact that the republicans dont truly care about society because they would rather line their pockets with blood money and then tell the moronic people what they want to here.How do you think they got elected in the first place?

Answer 6

Terrorism differs from other forms of aggression in that its goal has little to do with the physical target. Terrorists intentionally kill and maim innocent bystanders that happen to be near highly visible targets in order to:

1) Draw media attention to a cause that might otherwise die out due to lack of exposure.

2) Blackmail the opposition into negotiating (i.e. give us concessions or the baby gets it...)

In short, it is a pretty cost effective way for any piss-ant penny ante organization to gain purchase on a world stage already over-crowded with "worthy causes".

Answer 7

Terrorist is one who brings in terror to people, particularly unconnected and innocent people.

Ordinary criminals could indulge in terrorism. Serial killers and rapists are examples.

Aggression and resistance would qualify as terrorism if and only if they intimidate and instill fear/terror in civilians. US invasion/aggression of Iraq is not terrorism. Except in cases where our soldiers raped, killed, and terrorized. Similarly, the fight of patriotic Iraqis to drive out Americans is not terrorism, unless they involve in intimidation and instill terror, like suicide bombers.

Answer 8

A resistance attacks military targets. Terrorists attack civilians and usually try to maximize civilian casualties.

Answer 9

Terrorism is meant to frighten people. Other types of attacks are to kill people, destroy their stuff, and take over their land.

Answer 10

It is designed to do more than kill your enemy, it is attacking innocent people by design to create fear.

Kind of like a sucker punch in a fight.

Peace!