Terrorism and its paradoxical nature.

One of the leading academics of international terrorism, Walter Laqueur (http://www.policyreview.org/aug04/laqueur.html) argues, rightfully so, that terrorism has a pre-history.

However, it is also imperative to consider issues such as political relationships and international policy implications in the 20th and now 21st centuries.

Accordingly, policy planners (at least from my standpoint) do not appear to be taking into consideration the innate nature of Muslim extremists and it is in this regard that a multi disciplinary approach is required - academically speaking and applied by our policy experts in Canberra - but of course as politicians are involved in the policy process the policy paradox is compounding.

And to be more specific the multi disciplinary approach primarily includes history, sociology, politics, theology, economics and perhaps psychology.

If policy planners can adopt a macro approach we will never truly eradicate suicide bombers and the ideologies of extremist terrorist organisations but we will understand their pursuits and reasons as to why they cause harm on society and individuals.

It is also interesting when one listens to the likes of Messrs Blair, Howard and Bush when they attempt to argue that there are no reasons that justify the actions of terrorists.

Whilst I believe that they are partially correct, there are always reasons despite the conflict nature of policy and the decisions that our Government make or do not make in representing, in this case, Australian society.

Dr Suter, as usual I find your comments educational, factual and enjoyable to read.

Thank you.
Regards,

Brendan

Interesting article -

When someone has decided to follow the path of terrorism it is as if they have contracted rabies.

The only solution to a rabid dog is to kill it.

In this respect, I do agree with the British police strategy when dealing with suspected bombers - do what needs to be done to avoid the bomb exploding.

5 bullets in the head helps prevent any terrorist exploding and harming those in the vicinity.

The other great deterent is the rapid response action and arrest of suspects in London facilitated by good intelligence work and CCTV.

One good way of detering those who attempt this sort of slaughter against a democratically elected government is the certainty of discovery followed by an expeditious termination. Let us all get very real about this - "terrorism" is a deadly act which merits a death sentence - a shame the UK Gov did not have such an option when "negotiating" with the IRA and the Provos.