Terrorism is a growing international problem

Why do people resort to such violent acts as bombing, assassinations, and hi-jacking? How do individuals and organizations justify these acts of terror? These acts can be described as terrorist actions. Terrorism is a growing international problem. During the last twenty years, new terrorist groups have sprung up al lover the world. Governments have had little success in their attempts to resolve issues in which terrorism is used.

A major problem in discussing terrorism is establishing a generally accepted definition. Terrorism can be described as the unlawful use of fear or force to achieve certain political, economical, or social aims. Because it is so hard to define, organizations like the United Nations have had great difficulty drawing up policies against terrorism. A single individual, a certain group, or even governments may commit terrorist actions. Most terrorists, unlike criminals, claim to be dedicated to higher causes, and do not believe in personal gain. The methods used in terrorism include threats, bombings, and the destruction of property, kidnapping, the taking of hostages, executions, and assassinations.

There are many reasons why political groups attempt to bring about radical change through terrorism. People are often frustrated with their position in society. They may in some way feel persecuted or oppressed because or their race, religion, or they feel exploited by a government. Any group that uses terrorist actions has very complex and powerful reasons to engage in those activities.

Iraq has been struggling to overthrow the sanctions placed upon it by the United Nations. Iraq’s leader Saddam Hussein has continually pushed his limits and has tried to deny access to U.N. weapon inspectors, in addition to violating the no fly zone and lining up troops on the border of Kuwait. Every time Saddam defies the will of the United Nations, the question arises: How are we going to stop Saddam Hussein for good, and how far are we willing to go? Is this terrorism?

Terrorism by nature is difficult to define. Acts of terrorism conjure emotional responses in the victims as well as in the practitioners. No two writers agree on what is terrorism. Even the U.S. government cannot agree on one single definition. I do not think we will ever know what pushes a person to bombing and killing others. Terrorism will always be something we will not completely understand.