ABSTRACT
One of the most crucial and most difficult dilemmas for Western societies coping with terrorism is the democratic dilemma. This dilemma derives, first and foremost, from the desire to reach maximum effectiveness in the fight against terrorism, while maintaining the nation's liberal-democratic character and without compromising on fundamental democratic values—human rights and civil liberties, respect for the rights of minorities, avoiding harm to innocents, and the like. Democratic government is obligated to safeguard liberal values; and damage to those values during the struggle against terrorism is liable to compromise its legitimacy. In the modern age and in democratic society, the path towards achieving the goal is via pressure on public opinion. A study conducted by Asher Arian in 1985 on the topic of public opinion in Israel and the war in Lebanon demonstrated that Israel's political culture tends to give credit to leaders when they are in key positions.
