In light of events over the last 4 years, I thought that this was interesting:
Behind all the political rhetoric being hurled at us from abroad, we are bringing home one unassailable fact - terrorism is a crime by any civilized standard, committed against innocent people, away from the scene of political conflict, and must be dealt with as a crime…
In our recognition of the nature of terrorism as a crime lies our best hope for dealing with it…
Let us use the tools that we have. Let us invoke the cooperation we have the right to expect around the world, and with that cooperation let us shrink the dark and dank areas of sanctuary until these cowardly marauders are held to answer as criminals in an open and public trial for the crimes they have committed, and receive the punishment they so richly deserve.
~ Judge William H. Webster, Director, FBI, (15 October 1985).
On the other hand…
10. WHENEVER LEGAL CONDITIONS PERMIT, KILL TERRORISTS ON THE SPOT (DO NOT GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO SURRENDER, IF YOU CAN HELP IT). Contrary to academic wisdom, the surest way to make a martyr of a terrorist is to capture, convict and imprison him, leading to endless efforts by sympathizers to stage kidnappings, hijacking and other events intended to liberate the imprisoned terrorist(s). This is war, not law enforcement.
From the Ralph Peters' book, Beyond Terror
chapter When Devils Walk the Earth
Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Peters (USA, Ret.) was assigned, prior to his recent retirement, to the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, where he was responsible for future warfare. Career and personal travels have taken him to 45 countries. He has published and lectured widely on military and international concerns. His 7th novel, The Devil's Garden, was recently released by Avon Books.
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