NCJ Number
98740
Date Published
1984
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Terrorists have increasingly targeted diplomats for assaults because of the symbolic value and psychological impact of such attacks; enhanced security measures and international cooperation are needed to deal with this threat.
Abstract
Attacks against diplomats appeal to terrorists because they evoke responses from the highest levels of the governments of the diplomat victim and the host country. Terrorist attacks on diplomats can undermine relations between the involved countries if the diplomat's country believes the host country is not providing adequate protection. Also, sponsorship of terrorist acts by one country against the diplomats of another can seriously disrupt normal diplomatic relations between those countries. The United States has intensified its efforts to increase the security of its personnel and facilities overseas by constructing perimeter defenses for diplomatic facilities, building secure safehavens to which staff can retreat in the event of an attack, improving access controls, and installing nonlethal entry denial systems. In addition to these security measures, nations must cooperate to deter and prevent the escalation of terrorist attacks. Cooperation should include a greater exchange of information on terrorists and their movements, tighter controls on the movement of weapons and explosives, and more efficient extradition procedures for accused terrorists. The international community must also develop a consensus that terrorist acts should be outlawed and that terrorists should be brought to justice. Further, host countries must provide protection for diplomats accredited to them. Five notes are provided.