NCJ Number
91784
Date Published
1982
Length
30 pages
Annotation
Liberal democratic governments should counter terrorism with a tough approach which combines harsh and effective temporary measures to isolate and eliminate terrorist groups with a vigorous political initiative to secure popular consent and support.
Abstract
Guidelines for governments adopting this strategy emphasize adherence to law and order with no slippage into indiscriminate repression, no concessions to terrorist blackmail, civil control over antiterrorist operations, and special powers for only limited periods. Governments must first identify and destroy terrorist propaganda bases, locate centers of recruitment, and find ways to help terrorists leave their groups and reenter society. An excellent intelligence service, preferably within the police, is vital to any effective counterinsurgency campaign. The military should advise the police, but be given the task of maintaining internal security only as a last resort. Ways of mobilizing public assistance include police reserves and information programs on recognizing bombs and suspicious movements. Finally, governments may need to enact special powers to expand the police power of detention without a trial and permit deportation of aliens suspected of terrorist activities. The most ambitious attempt at European cooperation to combat terrorism is the Council of Europe Convention, but it contains a loophole allowing states to refuse extradition of political offenders and has been ratified by only a few nations. However, effective efforts against terrorists include multilateral police and intelligence cooperation and bilateral agreements between neighboring states. Impediments to cooperation include extradition issues and the definition of a European judicial area. The paper advocates creating a small international group to coordinate Western cooperation and formation of special hostage rescue commando units for every major region of the world.