NCJ Number
81145
Date Published
1981
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Focal points for a U.S. strategy against terrorism are identified, and suggested methods for countering terrorism are discussed.
Abstract
Separable focal points requiring U.S. strategies against terrorism are (1) terrorism directed against American officials and other citizens abroad, (2) campaigns of terrorism in the United States, and (3) a terrorist event involving a major direct or indirect threat to public safety. A strategy to combat terrorism against American citizens abroad should include a no-concessions policy by the Government, so that terrorists may not anticipate gains from hostagetaking. The United States should also seek international agreements that will deny asylum to terrorists. This should include sanctions against those countries that provide haven and support for terrorist activity. International cooperation can best be achieved through narrow definitions of terrorism which focus on issues of mutual interest among countries. International agreements to counter terrorist activity, however, should not dominate foreign policy, since the United States must be free to deal with some of the broader international issues that may be prompting terrorist activity. While domestic terrorism in the United States is not currently of a significant magnitude, the potential for the increase of such activity exists. The primary line of defense against such activity is Federal and local law enforcement intelligence work. Restrictive rules on intelligence work should be reviewed, with a view toward balancing the interests of citizen privacy and safety from threats of violence. In focusing on possible terrorist threats of great magnitude which may involve hundreds and thousands of lives, the emphasis should be on assessment of the credibility of the threat, rapid deployment of prevention or mitigation measures in threats to public safety or vital facilities, restoration of services, and recovery.