Rockridge High School
Teacher: Barbara Downey
Terrorism: Can it be stopped absent a
valid definition and can it be defined?
By Katie Moran
12th Grade
After the September 11th attack there have been many questions asked. Why did this happen? Who would do such a thing? By now we know that the person at the head of this operation was Osama bin Laden. The reason for this attack, however, is still unclear.
The question presented now is: can terrorism be stopped without a valid definition, and can it be defined? Many believe that a final definition of terrorism cannot be made without making the United States look like a villain. However, I believe that the definition of terrorism is clear. What we must do is determine the definition of good and evil and proceed to bring to justice those accused of wrongdoing.
The dictionary defines terrorism as “the policy of using acts inspiring terror as a method of ruling or of conducting political opposition.” Has the United States used terrorism? Using the dictionary definition, of course we have. We have used bombing and other methods to inspire terror in order to achieve our goals. The question that remains is, were we using terrorism for good or for evil?
In World War II the United States warned Japan that if they did not surrender, they would endure complete destruction. Japan refused and the United States followed through on its promise. We bombed Japan in order to “terrorize” them into surrendering. They were in political opposition with us and we used terror to rule over them.
On September 11th three planes were boarded by men who would become successful in their mission. Two of these planes crashed into the World Trade Centers in New York City, while one of the planes exploded into the Pentagon. There were no demands announced to our government. Over 3,000 lives were lost that day. The people responsible gave us no options or forewarning. Their mission was to destroy our sense of freedom by inflicting terror into our lives.
These two historical events were both examples of terrorism. We can clearly see the difference in these two events. The United States was able to end a war that cost six million Jews their lives. The terrorists that attacked us gave us no explanation and started a war for no apparent reason. We must now look at these events and decide what is good and what is evil.
Many people believe Osama bin Laden’s attack on the United States was purely for religious reasons. I totally disagree with this as well. I have read interviews from a number of Muslims who disagree with Osama bin Laden. They testify of their religion as being peaceful while looking forward to the afterlife.
The fact that we are an arrogant society seems to play a key role in this attack. We take for granted the freedoms that we have and forget the bloody battle that raged over two hundred years ago to gain that freedom. America, while imperfect, is the best. We have rights that people in other countries cannot even dream of. People immigrate to this country more than any other country in the world. We don’t hear stories about people wanting to escape America in order to pursue their dream of wealth and freedom somewhere else. We are it.
This is the reason Osama bin Laden, along with many others, hates our society. It is because we are rich and powerful without even knowing it. As statistics have shown, the “poor” in America are doing better than ninety percent of the people living in Afghanistan. We do not even realize what we have.
In his hatred for America, bin Laden has contaminated the Muslim religion. He has used it to gain the followers that he needs to carry out his wishes. He is a coward hiding behind religion, leading innocent people to believe that what they are doing is good. He has convinced many young men that if they will fight the United States and die, they are assured a place in heaven. If he really believes that dying for this cause will send them straight to heaven, why is he in hiding? No, he hates the United States. He wants to destroy our freedom and goodness so he can gain power and authority.
Terrorism cannot be stopped. Even now as we are fighting this war, the enemy is unclearly defined. The problem is that terrorists are not united into a country. We cannot identify them on a map. The United States cannot attack Afghanistan and expect it to be the end of all terrorism. Even if we catch Osama bin Laden, there are groups around the world that we do not even know about that are surely plotting the destruction of one country or another. The only thing that we can do is to control it.
The terrorists are not united into a country, but we are. We have one thing that terrorists do not have. That is a just cause. When we fight, we are not fighting for monarchy or power. We are fighting for our homes and our liberties, our husbands, wives, and children. We are fighting for our freedom and our peace.
As we strive to find a definition of terrorism, the truth is revealed. Yes, the United States has committed acts of terrorism, as well as every other country that has fought in a war. I am not trying to justify terrorism. I am merely stating a fact. It is sometimes necessary to consort with a lesser evil for the greater good of society.
The September 11th attack was a pointless act of murder. It opened our eyes to the evil and hatred that is accumulating around the world. But, as always, something good has come from this that bin Laden did not expect. This is the worst attack that has ever occurred on American soil. Our country is now more united than it possibly has ever been. Americans are starting to remember how privileged we are to be a part of this country. We will fight for our freedom, with or without a definition. Terrorism will continue, but good will continue to fight evil.
Q1-Why, in you opinion, was the United States attacked?
I think the United States was targeted because of severe jealousy. As the author said, there were no demands to meet. The group that attacked us obviously was only out to destroy the United States and make our country suffer. They didn’t ask for anything; they just wanted to hurt us.
Q2-Why is the first question so important to resolve and agree upon?
In order to fight a war, our country needs to know what exactly we are fighting for. We need to know why this happened so we can unite in preventing it from happening again.
Q3-What action or inaction by the United States and its allies, in the author’s opinion, increased the likelihood of chemical and biological attacks?
Saddam Hussein would not allow our government or anyone else to inspect the Iraqi manufacturing facilities. This means there are limitless possibilities at what those terrorists could get their hands on. By not being careful in the past, we must pay for it in the future.
Q4-Why does the author believe the United States is a popular target for terrorists?
Our country can’t seem to mind its own business and we get involved with other people’s wars. We have bombed practically a dozen other countries with no personal conflict except that we need to sort out other nations’ problems.
Q5-What motivates terrorists, in the author’s opinion?
Terrorists are motivated by a number of different reasons, namely our country’s great wealth and prosperity.
Q6-What reasons does the author give for the intense hatred of the United States by people like Osama bin Laden?
Osama bin Laden is a powerful religious man. The fact that a Muslim religious leader does not head our country, and yet we have prospered, makes him look bad and takes away his power to control others.
Q7-How does rule by divine right preclude the reasoned debate that occurs naturally in a democracy?
The rulers can convince the people that anything they say is true because they represent God.
Q8-Qhat evidence does the author offer that the terrorism visited upon the United States on September 11, 2001 was based on religious rather than political fanaticism?
We know that the people responsible for September 11th believe that they are assured a place in heaven. That is dangerous because they fear nothing and are willing to give their lives for their cause.
A fatwah is an explicit religious order, making it the holy duty of Muslims to kill American civilians.
Q10-Why does the author think new attacks are likely and how does he/she suggest we stop them?
New attacks are likely because of the attention and glory the terrorists and their families will receive from the media. These people are not afraid of, but rather consider death a reward, so there is no real way to stop them.
Q11-Why does the author claim that declaring war is futile? What two historical examples does he/she give to back up this claim?
We cannot really declare war because terrorists aren’t united in a country. There is no geographical location. The author reminds us of Vietnam and the Persian Gulf.
Q12-Complete this sentence using the author’s words: “A declaration of war implies…
A declaration of war implies a conflict of limited duration in which one side eventually surrenders or capitulates and the other side wins.
Q13-What does the author suggest we do?
We have the right to defend ourselves.
Q14-Explain the significance of the Coventry story.
The reason this story is important is because it points out that during WWII, Churchill made an important decision that cost many lives. He did not warn the town of Coventry of an air raid, and many people died. But by doing so, he saved many more lives and ended the war. It is important to realize that we may have to make sacrifices, even some lives, for the greater good of not only our country, but for the world.
Q15-Suppose you were a general in a combat situation. Could you “consort with evil to prevent larger evil”? Why or why not?
I think that you would have to in order to win. I would do whatever I could to win a war if I believed in my cause. I think it is better to make a deal with one enemy in order to capture more of the opposing side rather than just capture that one person.
Q16-The author says something is un-American. What is it? Do you think the author is correct? Please write out you own definition of un-American.
The author says that turning our anger toward Muslims because we are not able to catch the people responsible for the attack is un-American. I completely agree. There have been many Muslims interviewed that do not agree with or support Osama bin Laden and the attacks. Their religion is peaceful and does not promote the killing of innocent people. There are many people who use religion as a reason to do awful hurtful things. These people are cowards hiding behind something better than them, because they are not brave enough to voice their hatred, knowing that they are wrong. In the last line of the Pledge of Allegiance we say, “…with liberty and justice for all.” I believe that being un-American is to deny those rights and freedoms that our forefathers fought and died for. Being un-American is to deny others their right to believe as they choose, and even deny the people responsible for the attack a fair trial.
Q17-Do you agree that terrorism must be defined adequately in order to be stopped?
I do not think that we need a clear definition of terrorism to be able to stop it. I agree that it is extremely difficult to define terrorism. I think that people know when acts of terrorism occur and will fight them the best they can with or without a definition.
Q18-How important do you think it is for you to research, discuss and consider the definition of terrorism? Are you willing to spend the time it takes to give your definition your very best effort? Why or why not?
I do not necessarily think it is important to understand the clear definition of terrorism. I think it is important to understand right and wrong, and know when terrorism is being used for a bad purpose. I don’t think that I will research the definition very much because I just don’t think it can help us win or lose this war.
Q19-Were you able to define terrorism in your essay without admitting that the United States has been guilty of terrorist acts?
No I was not.
Q20-Are you optimistic about the future? Will you pledge to do your part in pursuing mutual understanding? Why or why not?
I am completely optimistic about the future. The United States is becoming more cautious of safety and we have all united for this cause. I definitely would like to understand why this has happened and look at things from different points of view. Every story has two sides. In order to better appreciate what we believe in and what we have, we need to see things from other perspectives.