NCJ Number
191445
Date Published
1998
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This chapter summarizes reasons for using common sense in dealing with politically motivated violence.
Abstract
A democratic nation wants life, liberty, and unity as the products of its policies for dealing with terrorism, not just physical security. Focusing exclusively on a very popular desire for revenge is likely to provide too little liberty and unity to be a sensible policy. A starting point is to recognize that the threat of terrorism cannot be completely eliminated. Nuclear, biological, or chemical (NBC) weapons in the hands of sub-state groups may pose the greatest danger to the national security of the United States in the future. International cooperation is needed in securing and regulating the transfer of the necessary ingredients and knowledge of making NBC weapons small enough to be carried by hand or motor vehicle. Cooperative efforts are needed to determine who is seeking to buy as well as sell the needed material for biological weapons. It must be clear that the United States would hold responsible and retaliate against any country implicated in such actions in support of terrorism. The steps to take in anticipation of an attack on American soil are to gather intelligence about likely threats, and monitor organizations that urge political violence as a tactic with a concern to minimizing the inhibition of free speech and political organization. Information must be exchanged with allies about organizations likely to be engaged in violence. There must be training and the willingness to use immense investigative resources to investigate any terrorist event targeting Americans at home or abroad. Exceptions to the general rule against concessions should be made only when it is clear that there is a disproportion between the danger to the individuals and the demand. If a hostile state is tolerating or supporting terrorist actions against U.S. citizens or interests, there should be military retaliation.