Ambiguity of Terrorism

Persuasive Essay # 103010

Hot Topics > Terror and 9/11
Political Science > Terrorism

This paper looks at the concept of the term terrorism, noting its ambiguity and the implications of this ambiguity.

1,173 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that very few words in the English language are meant to be as intentionally ambiguous as terrorism. To some people it is simply a fighting tactic. To others it is associated with a type of person that is sneaky and underhanded. The writer points out that the term is associated with creating fear, but it also insinuates that the terrorist is immoral and illegitimate. The writer concludes that the United Nations is shortchanging the world by not having a concrete definition of the word terrorism. If they did, they would be able to identify countries that commit acts of terrorism and take the appropriate measures in response.

From the Paper:

"The terrorist group, Al-Qaeda, have committed the most well known examples of terrorism. They engineered the 9/11 attacks on the United States. Their attacks are perceived as terrorism because they attacked the military and economic hubs of the United States. This attack was in response to the group's belief that Western civilization and culture were threatening their way of life.
"Their attacks had a profound impact on the psyche of the United States. It traumatized millions of Americans who either lived in one of the cities or had a connection to someone involved in the attacks. The terrorists instilled fear in Americans by making them realize just how vulnerable the country was. Airplane travel has gone from an ordinary experience to a hassle that is equal parts fear and inconvenience."

Sample of Sources Used:

Find Law for Legal Professionals. 2004. Section 18 of U.S. Code <http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/casecode/uscodes/18/parts/i/chapters/113b/section s/section_2331.html >
Office of the President of the United States. National Strategy for Combating Terrorism. Washington D.C. 2006 September.<http://www.whitehouse.gov/nsc/nsct/2006/nsct2006.pdf>
Office of the President of the United States. Statement by the President in His Address to the Nation. 11 Sept 2001 <http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010911-16.html>