Actual objectives of terrorism

Submitted by Carolyn Tal (Israel), Apr 22, 2009 at 08:40

Humans are not so completely irrational. If so many terrorist acts are "unsuccessful" according to the defined (articulated) objectives of these groups, then perhaps we are being blind to the actual objectives of these groups. Someone once stated that the objective of terrorism is to instill terror. Presumably these groups feel successful in their ability to instill terror/fear, and in whatever they gain from their ability to instill terror/fear - such as power, status, and recognition. Those attempting to fight terror may do well to consider a broader picture of the objectives and gains of these groups.

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