ABSTRACT
Terrorists seek to create a climate of fear and insecurity resulting in a lack of confidence in the government and a demand for the government to exercise harsher methods and a stronger resolve in combating terrorism. The implementation of such methods is perceived as leading to a harsher, more authoritarian, and capricious exercise of power, leading to greater misery and an ensuing mass uprising. Terrorism also appeared to create statesmen--albeit those who carry guns to diplomatic gatherings. The media has served as the eyes and ears of terrorists and has inadvertently assisted them during the execution of operations. Terrorism demands media coverage in order to achieve its required impact. Much of terrorism is undertaken solely for dramatic effect. The right of a hostage to survive and the right of a society to self-preservations are also important rights, too important to be left to the media.
