NCJ Number
101526
Date Published
1986
Length
28 pages
Annotation
Following a discussion of the moral consequences of terrorist activities, this article examines political, economic, and military sanctions which can be brought to bear on terrorists and those states that support them.
Abstract
The moral wounds that terrorism inflicts on society include shaken confidence in the government and the rule of law, fear, and the conditioning of the public to outrage and lawlessness. By targeting innocent civilians, it also violates some of the most precious moral and ethical boundaries. To counter these effects, it is important that governments develop a sustained and resolute policy of resistance, active pursuit, and retaliation. Such a policy, however, must be reinforced by sanctions against those governments that collaborate with terrorists to wage a hidden war against their adversaries, particularly the West. Three types of sanctions are viable. Political pressures, ranging from international condemnation to severing of relations can be brought to bear. Since most of the countries supporting international terrorism desperately need Western goods, weapons, or credit, economic sanctions also can be effective. These may include trade sanctions, denial of commercial landing rights, or withdrawal of aid. Finally, unilateral or cooperative military action against terrorists and those that shelter them offers a third sanction.