Defining Terrorism

Sept. 11 was a terrorist attack. What is with the word games?

[tw]

Originally Posted by rkzenrage

Sept. 11 was a terrorist attack. What is with the word games?

If it was only terrorism, then it did not justify full scale invasion. More died on 11 September than in Pearl Harbor. Those actions exceeded the domain of terrorism. But George Jr's administration knows, for example, if they can call insurgents Al Qaeda, then we will believe that myth. If he labels six misguided mass murders in Cherry Hill as Al Qaeda, then many here will believe that also.

11 September clearly exceeded the definition of terrorism. You might call it terrorism plus just to feel better. But 11 September met a criteria that justifies full scale war - invasion of a sovereign nation. Terrorism would not justify such a response.

If you like calling it only trivial terrorism, then do it. But when it comes to measuring what justifies a full scale war - terrorism does not qualify. 11 September clearly was a smoking gun that justified war.

[xoxoxoBruce]

If he labels six misguided mass murders in Cherry Hill as Al Qaeda, then many here will believe that also.

Minor point. The Cherry Hill six didn't murder anyone nor have they been convicted of intending to, yet. So calling them "misguided mass murders" is the equivalent of calling them Al Qaeda.... which reinforces your point.

[TheMercenary]

Originally Posted by tw

If it was only terrorism, then it did not justify full scale invasion. More died on 11 September than in Pearl Harbor. Those actions exceeded the domain of terrorism.

It most certainly did justify it. It does not justify it because you say it did not? what a crock...


(not talking Iraq here)

[Happy Monkey]

Originally Posted by TheMercenary

It most certainly did justify it. It does not justify it because you say it did not? what a crock...


(not talking Iraq here)

From the same post:

Originally Posted by tw

11 September clearly exceeded the definition of terrorism. You might call it terrorism plus just to feel better. But 11 September met a criteria that justifies full scale war - invasion of a sovereign nation. Terrorism would not justify such a response.

If you like calling it only trivial terrorism, then do it. But when it comes to measuring what justifies a full scale war - terrorism does not qualify. 11 September clearly was a smoking gun that justified war.