Is Terrorism a Myth?

Question

One nation's Terrorist is another nation's freedom fighter.

just because a militia doesn't wear a uniform doesn't mean they are the "bad" guys in a conflict.

Answer 1

When they can put the World Trade Center back together again, and return all those civilian lives that were lost, then terrorism can be a myth.. but not before that!

Answer 2

Terrorism is the application of terror.

It has little to do with wearing a uniform. Terror is the application of force (or the threat to imply force) in order to coerce a person or population to act a certain way.

Typically, terrorists attack innocent victims in order to intimidate potential adversaries. Examples of terrorism are putting bombs in grocery stores and coffee shops, car bombs and suicide bombers. These people are certainly not freedom fighters.

Irregular forces such as militia are only considered terrorists when they attack military targets, and then hide as civilians. This is a violation of the rules of war. You can't engage the enemy one minute, and then claim to be in innocent civilian the next.

Governments are frequent users of terrorism. The Nazis and various Communist governments were masters of it.

Terrorism is frequently used by governments to enable them to erode the freedoms of their citizens. Examples that come to mind are the Reichstag fire in Nazi Germany that resulted in the Enabling Act, which gave Hitler vast powers to "protect the German people from terrorism". Also, the PATRIOT Act is eroding the Fourth and Fifth Amendments of our Bill of Rights.

People need to decide what is more important: their freedoms, or the security of living in a police state.

Answer 3

good question.
no, terrorism isn't a myth. but it unfortunately has no set definition.

lots of guerrilla war has been fought for good causes. the line between guerrilla war and terrorism is sometimes very hard to define, even for those fighting. thats why the us mil made up the term "asymetric warfare", a catchall term - and an acknowledgement that pitched-battle warfare a la the world wars has probably gone the way of the dodo. for the serious powers its too dangerous and expensive. Except for a few dinosaurs, the only people that really want to fight wars now don't have real armies, or can't use their official armies for PR reasons (as in Sudan).

but intentionally targetting civilians is still a horrible thing, regardless of why its done. not justified by a 'good cause'.

of course, willfully doing things you know will cause horrible civilian casualties is equally bad, like random or carpet-bombing, such as was done in Iraq and Viet Nam.

To a growing number of people, *no* violence is justifyable.

Answer 4

WHy don't you ask the families of the victims from 9/11.

In your search for something to talk about, keep some compassion for those that have and are dying (soldiers) for your right to sit around discussing a gunman/ bombers choice in clothing.

Terrorists bring conflict where there is non in most cases, leaving death and destruction for unsuspecting victims.

Answer 5

when someone comes inside to other's country with motive of making harm to its citizen then it can't be allowed"" have u seen any terrorist attack $ have ever wanted to know the innocent casuality who suuffer due to this!!! i doubt u don't know it '' $ thjis made u to pronounce terrorism as a way freedom fighting''' no way it will give freedom to anyone!!

Answer 6

Terrorism may be an over-used term, but whatever you want to call it, they are still the bad guys.

Answer 7

where the hell were you on 9/11.terrorists are not militia of any sort! Oh ,sorry you're probably not American anyway.

Answer 8

How many "real" terrorists are there?
Who kill *only* to spread terror and for the sake of killing?

Answer 9

Freedom fighters don't kill innocents (only accidentaly), or their own people. They fight governments, not tourists or worshippers. Thats your difference.

Answer 10

YES, it does. The rules of war and ingagement say they are.