ABSTRACT
To counter terrorism effectively the tough-line approach involves waging two kinds of war: a military-security war to contain and reduce terrorist violence. A political and psychological war to secure the popular consent and support which must be the basis of any effective modern democratic government. Police in Western democracies have learned many valuable lessons from their recent experience of terrorism. Truly preventive action against terrorism demands the fullest cooperation of every member of the public. The West German authorities expressed surprise and regret at this decision, and the international community drew the conclusion. That the French government had put its desire for remunerative new commercial agreements with Arab states before its obligations to combat international terrorism. The best advice one can give to democratic governments on international terrorism is not to over-react against this particular menace and to attend to the vital strategic tasks of ensuring economic and political survival.
