Debate: How should we deal with global terrorism? Lesson 27

What is terrorism? “One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter.” –Anonymous

What is terrorism? “The dividing line between guerrilla activity and terrorism is drawn almost unanimously from international doctrine… The differentiating factor... does not appear to be the instrument used (to attack), but the target in one's sights.” –Italian judge Judge Clementina Forleo in explaining her ruling that militants who attack military or state targets, even with suicide bombers, cannot be considered terrorists in times of war or occupation

Can terrorism be legitimate? “What is legitimate terrorism? It may be [legitimate] when nations defend themselves to restore their rights, to protect their resources, or to liberate their countries and homelands.” –Saudi cleric 'Aed Al-Qarni

Can terrorism be legitimate? “No cause justifies terrorism.” –National Strategy for Combating Terrorism, Feb 2003

What rights do terrorists have? “The Guantánamo Bay detention camp has become a symbol of the US administration’s refusal to put human rights and the rule of law at the heart of its response to the atrocities of 11 September It has become synonymous with the US executive’s pursuit of unfettered power, and has become firmly associated with the systematic denial of human dignity and resort to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment that has marked the USA’s detentions and interrogations in the ‘war on terror’”. –Amnesty International

What rights do terrorists have? “The reasons to deny Geneva status to terrorists extend beyond pure legal obligation. The primary enforcer of the laws of war has been reciprocal treatment: We obey the Geneva Conventions because our opponent does the same with American POWs. That is impossible with al Qaeda. It has never demonstrated any desire to provide humane treatment to captured Americans.” –John Yoo, law professor

Profiling “We’re fighting a war against young Arab male extremists, and yet our government continues to enforce politically correct ‘random screening’ of airline passengers instead of targeting those who look like terrorists….Logic dictates that airport security take a longer, harder look at individuals who have ethnic, religious, nationality, and appearance factors in common with the Islamic extremist Middle Eastern men who have initiated war against us.” –Michael Smerconish, author of Flying Blind: How Political Correctness Continues to Compromise Airline Safety Post 9/11

Profiling “Airport profiling would work. Surely, if the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) were to create a profile of the type of people who are most likely to participate in an act of terrorism they would catch a few of the evildoers and would keep America’s airports safe. However as an African- American male-- the community that has suffered the most at the hands of profiling-- and a United States citizen dedicated to the civil liberties and equality espoused in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, I cannot support any form of racial profiling.” –Larry Harris, CEO of United Leaders

Patriot Act Debate “Freedom and security are always at tension in our society.” –Patrick Leahy, US Senator

Patriot Act Debate “The Bush administration has presented Americans with a false dichotomy that we must choose between being safe or free. We’re saying there doesn’t have to be a choice. We can stay safe and free at the same time.” –Emily Whitfield, ACLU national spokeswoman

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