ABSTRACT
Since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), terrorist attacks have increased outside the United States. This chapter examines the official mainstream constructions of terrorists, terrorism and counter-terrorism as powerful rhetorical frames used to sell the GWOT and the justifications for initiating and continuing it. The language of counter-terrorism incorporates a series of assumptions, beliefs and knowledge about the nature of terrorism and terrorists. The "Global War on Terror" presents special challenges for mainstream and heterodox ethical traditions. Applied ethics seeks an understanding of the moral dimensions of specific, real-life controversies (such as terrorism and the GWOT) and their potential solutions. The cardinal principles of humanitarian law are aimed at the protection of the civilian and civilian objects. Anti-terrorism is a multilateral strategy congruent with human security. It advocates ethical, legally-sanctioned methods for establishing effective communication and just relations between adversaries, resolving conflicts peacefully, and bringing terrorists to justice.
