NCJ Number
137467
Journal
Security Management Volume: 36 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1992) Pages: 27-30
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The level of panic that accompanied Saddam Hussein's threats of terrorism in 1990 and 1991 produced an overreaction that should be avoided in the future. Rather the most appropriate response to terrorism is to consider it a minor irritant to the body politic that can be handled through appropriate channels.
Abstract
The preoccupation with the Middle East and Europe has caused the public, the government, corporations, and other organizations to overlook the reality that the most dangerous places in the world are in countries in Latin America and Asia. Contrary to predictions, terrorism actually decreased in late 1990 and increased modestly in 1991. Although this increase did not approach the peak of the 1980's, major corporations and other organizations panicked and curtailed the travel of their personnel abroad. In effect, this overreaction gave terrorists a small victory. However, by the end of 1991, the incidence of terrorism was slowing due to the defeat of Saddam Hussein, progress in the Middle East peace process, and events in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. No indications exist that the quantity or quality of the terrorist threat in the United States will be any different in the near future than it has been in the past, although the types of groups that become active might change. Groups to watch in the future include animal liberation activists, environmental activists, and Puerto Rican separatists. To respond to terrorism, a consensus is needed that identifies terrorism as the criminal activity that it is. Reductions in individual travel to dangerous locations and improved international cooperation are also needed.