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Terrorism
Terrorism
Terrorism would appear to be the single most reported and talked about topic on the planet. Yet, there is no single definition of terrorism that bonds the world's nations to deal with the issue.
The reality is that one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter.
Terrorism, in its simplest forms, creates terror and fear in the hearts of the average citizen. Achieving these initial goals leads to public and political pressure on governments that likely supports the terrorist's long term strategies.
The US and Canada have experienced single acts of international terrorism at its worst, 9-11 and the Air India bombing, both of which are well documented and remembered, especially by those directly affected in each of the tragic events.
In addition, there have been other isolated incidents over the years including the post 9-11 Anthrax incidents (still unsolved) and the Oklahoma City bombing in the US, and the FLQ October crisis in Quebec in 1970, among others.
On a comparative note, North America has never been subjected to long term domestic terrorism, such as the Northern Ireland "Troubles", the Middle East conflict, and the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka, to name a few. Living in this kind of environment creates a whole other level of fear and contrasting resilience to get through daily life.
However, whether it is a single act of terrorism or long term conflict, the results are most often tragic as innocent civilians are killed.
With a few exceptions, terrorist strategies have not changed much over time. For example, soft targets such as markets, clubs, hotels, and transportation systems become easy prey for the terrorist organizations. The Bali bombing, London subway, the Madrid and, more recently, Mumbai rail bombings are grim reminders.
In addition, snipers, mortars, car bombs, drive by shootings, kidnapping and roadside explosives (more commonly referred to as IED's - Improvised Explosive Devices) are used with deadly and destructive accuracy. These type of activities, all of which are being used against the security forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, were being used against the police and military security forces in Northern Ireland in the 60's and 70's with one notable exception, suicide bombers, a phenomenon that western civilization cannot fathom.
The global death count continues to grow as a result of terrorism, as nations struggle with how to best counter this most threatening issue to society at large.
This page and the associated sub-topics, we hope will allow you to explore and educate yourself on Canada's position and response to terrorism, as well as that of other nations and the UN.
Canada's Policy and Law | Listed Entities | International Links on Terrorism | More on Terrorism
