Terrorism has been with us since the beginning of civilization. For civilization to prosper, there has to be a deterrent to those who will destroy the peace and freedom needed for it to thrive. Terrorism is the negation of peace and freedom and, therefore, the chief enemy of civilization. Every nation must deal with terrorism, with the exception of totalitarian states that are governed by brutal dictators, because they are the terrorists. Empires and super powers have always had to deal with terrorism. Babylon, Rome, Britain, all had to deal with terrorism. Throughout history, there have been many forms of terrorism. The Babylonians took captives, the Romans killed their enemies in the arenas as sport, and the British banished thousands into exile. Also, the conquering armies of the Greeks, the Arabs and the Mongols, all used terror tactics to win their victories.
Nothing has worked to eradicate terrorism, whether practiced by the enemy or the ruling party. However, after September Eleven, a new era has begun in the battle against terrorism. The United States has reached a level of civilization that its President has concluded that civilization cannot continue its progress unless terrorism is eradicated. This is a brilliant idea. The United States of American is on the brink of changing the world as we know it, by declaring war on terrorism. I think this is the logical conclusion, based on the course of world history. Technology has reached a point that even one individual, with his finger on the trigger of an atomic weapon, can hold the world hostage. Terrorism can no longer be tolerated.
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