Terrorism: opposing viewpoints

Is terrorism a serious threat?

Terrorism is a serious threat / Bruce Hoffman

The threat of terrorism is overstated / Larry C. Johnson

Weapons of mass destruction pose a terrorist threat / Sam Nunn

Weapons of mass destruction do not pose a terrorist threat / Ehud Sprinzak

Terrorism against information systems is a threat / Matthew G. Devost, Brian K. Houghton, and Neil Allen Pollard

The threat of information terrorism has been overstated / William Church, interviewed by John Borland

What motivates terrorists?

Religious fanaticism motivates terrorists / Magnus Ranstorp

Postwar developments motivate terrorists / Joseba Zulaika and William A. Douglass

Democracy encourages terrorism / David C. Rapoport

Economic distress motivates terrorists / Allen Hammond

Israeli actions motivate Middle East terrorists / Ehud Sprinzak

Palestinian leaders motivate Middle East terrorists / David Bar-Illan

A combination of factors motivates terrorists / Terrorism Research Center

Can terrorism be justified?

Resistance to tyranny justifies violence against the U.S. government / Martin Lindstedt

Violence against the government is not justified / Bill Clinton

Resistance to British rule justifies bombings in Northern Ireland / Mark O'Connell

Bombings in Northern Ireland cannot be justified / Andersonstown News

American policies in the Middle East justify Islamic terrorism / Osama Bin Ladin, interviewed by John Miller

Israeli occupation of Palestine justifies Islamic terrorism / Nidaul Islam

The Islamic faith does not condone terrorism / Seifeldin Ashmawy

How should the United States respond to terrorism?

Tougher aviation security measures will help reduce terrorism / Keith O. Fultz

Tougher aviation security measures will not reduce terrorism / Robert W. Hahn

The United States should retaliate against terrorist groups / Holger Jensen

Retaliation efforts against terrorists are fruitless / Raymond Close

Expanding the FBI's powers is a necessary response to terrorism / Louis J. Freeh

Counterterrorism legislation is a dangerous expansion of governmental powers / Jeffrey Rosen.