Brady Gambone

01/31/17

Terror, War, or Hate Crime?

            “Terrorism”: committing an act of violence to invoke fear by a non-state actor, that will conclude with a politically motivated decision by the target of the attack. A “terrorist” is someone who commits these acts of “terror”. Although the term terrorism is highly debated among scholars and politicians, this definition covers a broad range of notable acts, and leaves out many others to narrow down the definition, and exclude those who ought to be excluded. This definition can be broken down into a few separate parts. Committing acts of violence, invoking fear, non-state actor, and concluding with a politically motivated decision by the target. These attributes combine resulting in an adequate and valid definition of terrorism.

            Terrorism is committing a violent act. Examples include 9/11, the uni-bomber, and the attack on the U.S.S. Cole. These attacks were meant to kill people and/or destroy infrastructure in an aggressive and destructive way. On July 7^th, 2005, al-Qaeda attacked the train system and a bus in London, blowing it to pieces, and resulting in the deaths of 52 people. (London Bombing Fast Facts) These attacks were violent in nature, and were specifically meant to be. However, the most notable violent act of terror was 9/11. This act resulted in the deaths of around 3,000 people, and resulted in the complete destruction of the twin World Trade Center towers, and a large portion of the pentagon, as well as 4 airplanes. (9/11 Fast Facts) Terrorism cannot be conducted with a peaceful act. Protesting, speeches, demonstrations, even flag burnings are not a terrorist act, as they do not result in death or destruction of property (obviously, this assumes the flag is your own, and a protest does not turn into a riot.) They are not meant to be violent in any way, and are geared toward spreading a message in a peaceful, legal manor. Terrorism specifically uses violence to spread the message they wish to convey, and to get the attention of their target. However, not all acts of violence are terrorism. Encompassing the rest of the definition classifies the act as terrorism.

            Terrorism is carried out by a non-state actor. Non-state means by a country, nation, state, organization, group, or club that is not recognized by the international community. Today, controlling swaths of land does not make one a legitimate state, unlike the empires of the 12^th to the 17^th century’s. Most “legitimate” nations are proven legitimate when the United Nations classifies them as such. However, this method is up for debate. In the definition, I have provided, I want to make it clear that if a legitimate state, however it is defined, commits violence to invoke fear and hope for political repercussions, this is an act of war, civil war, or genocide, not terrorism. Terrorism derives from a group or organization, with no ties to a legitimate state. This means ISIS, the IRA, and Pirates are considered terrorists, but the U.S. military, al-Assad, or Kim Jung-un is not. Any act they commit should be regarded as an act of war, civil war, or genocide and should be handled as such.

            Terrorism is also designed to invoke fear. Each attack frightens more and more people around the globe. “Are we next?” “What if that was me?” “Is my family safe?” The images of the violence that terrorism causes are spread around the globe in an extremely expedient and effective manner. Social media, and news outlets spread the violent terror attacks moments after they take place, sometimes even live, as was the case on 9/11. Not only does the attack itself cause individuals in the situation to be fearful for their lives, but it causes their families, friends, and fellow countrymen and women to also fear the attack, but more importantly, potential attacks to come, and those responsible. The 9/11 terrorist attacks were broadcast live all over the world. Millions of people were watching when the second plane hit the south tower in an antagonizing, and grotesque display of terror. (How TV Broke the News) This was a spectacle that could not be ignored by anyone who could comprehend what was happening on the screen. Fear causes the recipient to do irrational things, and many argue that we rushed into Iraq because of 9/11. Even more agree that that was Bin Laden’s hope.

            The fourth, and arguably the most important part of the definition of terrorism is that it causes a politically motivated decision by the recipient of the attack. The most obvious example of this is the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Osama Bin-Laden made it clear that a reason for his attack on 9/11 was, along with a multitude of other factors, to get the United States to invade the Middle East and enter an unwinnable war. (Bin-Laden’s letter to America) He was arguably successful. Within weeks after 9/11, President Bush had special forces in Afghanistan, and was already planning the invasion of Iraq. Over time, the American public grew more and more restless against the war, and billions of dollars were being spent on a war that seemed to never end. In the years after 9/11, the United States lost an estimated $123 billion dollars in economic losses due to the attacks, and $60 billion in damages. All that from a plan that cost al-Qaeda about $500,000 to plan and execute. (9/11 Fast Facts) This part of the definition is somewhat  difficult to grasp, however, I believe it is exceedingly important. Terrorists do not attack random targets because they genuinely enjoy blowing stuff up. They do it to get a political and international response. That response differs for each attack, but no attack goes unanswered and forgotten.

            Terrorism is committing an act of violence to invoke fear by a non-state actor, that will conclude with a politically motivated decision by the target of the attack. Violence, fear, non-state acts and political motivators alone do not constitute an act of terror. It is when these descriptors are combined and utilized together does an act of terror arise. As I have said before, the term terrorism is highly debated among scholars and politicians. This definition covers a broad range of notable acts, and leaves out many others to narrow down the definition, and exclude those who ought to be excluded. Today, the term terrorism is highly overused resulting in over classification, and therefor, misinterpretation and reaction to each individual act. Having a universal definition reduces the chances for acts of war or genocide to be classified as terror, and each incident will have an appropriate, and legitimate response.

"July 7th 2005 London Bombings Fast Facts." CNN, 29 June 2016, www.cnn.com/2013/11/06/world/europe/july-7-2005-london-bombings-fast-facts/. Accessed 6 Feb. 2017.

"September 11th Fast Facts." CNN, 8 Sept. 2016, www.cnn.com/2013/07/27/us/september-11-anniversary-fast-facts/. Accessed 6 Feb. 2017.

"9/11: How TV Networks Broke the News." Huffington Post, 9 Sept. 2011, www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/09/911-tv-coverage_n_940613.html. Accessed 6 Feb. 2017.

"Full text: bin Laden's letter to America." The Guardian, 24 Nov. 2002, www.theguardian.com/world/2002/nov/24/theobserver. Accessed 6 Feb. 2017.