ABSTRACT
YES: The use of force to combat terrorism
Boaz Ganor
This section of the chapter argues that the proactive use of force is both a legitimate and effective response to terrorism, because it can severely disrupt and degrade the capabilities of terrorist organisations, thereby preventing further attacks. The author suggests that democratic states have a responsibility to respond forcefully to the threat of terrorism against their citizens, and the serious threat posed by suicide terrorism in particular, makes proactive force a necessity. Nonetheless, states must carefully calculate the costs and benefits of force-based counterterrorism operations and always conduct them within the limits imposed by humanitarian law.
NO: Wars on terror – learning the lessons of failure
Paul Rogers
This section of the chapter argues against the recent effectiveness of military force in responding to terrorism by, first, illustrating the negative effects of military campaigns against terrorist organisations during the War on Terror, and in particular, how the initial plans of Western states could not be fulfilled. The author points out the protracted nature of the resulting conflicts, especially in the Middle East, and their metamorphoses and expansion, and emphasises the role of franchising and the export of ideology to other areas and groups.
