NCJ Number
122517
Journal
Terrorism Volume: 11 Issue: 4 Dated: (1988) Pages: 339-342
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The Specter Terrorist Prevention Act, enacted in 1986 has been a significant counterterrorism weapon by bolstering the legal remedies available to the United States to seek recourse for terrorist strikes as well as to deter future attacks.
Abstract
The legislation has been used to extradite and prosecute international terrorists who have attacked American citizens and illustrates the point that terrorists are criminals, not freedom fighters. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been very successful in prosecuting domestic terrorist cases across the political spectrum. Many of the principles in fighting these groups are adapted from prosecuting organized criminal syndicates. The Iran-Contra affair also taught important counterterrorism lessons; governments should never hold open-ended secret negotiations with terrorists or bargain for the release of convicted prisoners. Successful counterterrorism policies will depend on improved and increased internal and international agency coordination. Effective and quiet executive branch enforcement of anti-terrorist legislation has improved the U.S. response to terrorism.