The failure of international action against terrorism

Abstract

Progress on the so-called ‘War on Terrorism’ is slow. There is no agreed definition of terrorism and no consistent government policy in respect of it. Consideration of terrorism ignores the role of some governments in what could be regarded as terrorist activity, often with the connivance of others for reasons of political expediency. The special case of suicide terrorism is discussed in detail. It is concluded that the world is now exposed to a new form of warfare, and that even with new military thinking this could continue for perhaps decades to come.

Keywords:

• Afghanistan
• al-Qaida
• International law
• Suicide terrorism
• Terrorism
• United States
• Vietnam