Terrorism

Terrorism

Definitions

General Definition

Terrorism is the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion (Merriam-Webster's Dictionary)

Definition of Terrorism under U.S. Law

(1) The term “international terrorism” means terrorism involving citizens or the territory of more than 1 country;

(2) The term “terrorism” means premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by sub national groups or clandestine agents;

(3) The term “terrorist group” means any group, or which has significant subgroups which practice, international terrorism;

(4) The terms “territory” and “territory of the country” mean the land, waters, and airspace of the country; and

(5) The terms “terrorist sanctuary” and “sanctuary” mean an area in the territory of the country—

(A) That is used by a terrorist or terrorist organization—

(i) To carry out terrorist activities, including training, fundraising, financing, and recruitment; or

(ii) As a transit point; and

(B) the government of which expressly consents to, or with knowledge, allows, tolerates, or disregards such use of its territory and is not subject to a determination under—

(i) Section 2405(j) (1) (A) of the Appendix to title 50;

(ii) Section 2371 (a) of this title; or

(iii) Section 2780 (d) of this title.

Explanation

September 11 has brought to the fore the issue of international terrorism and with it the question of its very definition. Malaysian journalist Bunn Nagara of The Star, writing on the Special Session of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) on 1-3 April 2002 in Kuala Lumpur which failed to reach a consensus on the definition of terrorism, said: "For the international community to do anything resolutely against terrorism, policymakers have to move on. And the best step forward is to begin by defining terrorism. This is a logical first step, much as a physician has to diagnose a patient before prescribing the appropriate treatment."

Similarly, the International Progress Organization (IPO), in The Baku Declaration on Global Dialogue and Peaceful Co-Existence ...