changing nature of terrorism
CHAPTER I
CHANGING NATURE OF TERRORISM AND RISE OF NON STATE ACTORS
“Prediction is very difficult, especially about future”. - Niels Bohr
12. Terrorism is by no means a new concept in terms of law; however it is a complex one as no consensus has yet been reached regarding its definition under international law1.There are many definitions of terrorism but the underlying fact is that all of them encapsulate the major elements of threat and act. Few examples of the definition of terrorism are as follows:-
(a) Violent acts aimed against a state and/or that in some way threatens the security of a state most often with a politically motivated purpose.
(b) As per Article 1(2) of Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of Terrorism 1937 acts of terrorism meant “criminal acts directed against a State intended or calculated to create a state of terror in the mind of particular persons, or a group of persons or the general public2”.
(c) Terrorism is the threat of violence and the use of fear to coerce, persuade and gain public attention3.
13. While understanding various definitions of terrorism a common fact emerges which reinstates that terrorism is most often aimed against a state, and if not against a state it most certainly does harm or threaten to harm the general security of the state as it can be intended to create a state of terror in the minds of the general public.
14. One of the reasons why there exists a disagreement of what the term terrorism entails is that some groups claim it has been used as a political label to de-legitimize one’s opponents. Israel has been referenced in this aspect where Israel’s labeling of Palestinians who bomb civilian targets as terrorists is criticized, although certain organizations within Israel might by the Palestinians likewise be considered and proclaimed to be terrorists groups. Not focusing on the specifics of this disagreement there
CHANGING NATURE OF TERRORISM AND RISE OF NON STATE ACTORS
“Prediction is very difficult, especially about future”. - Niels Bohr
12. Terrorism is by no means a new concept in terms of law; however it is a complex one as no consensus has yet been reached regarding its definition under international law1.There are many definitions of terrorism but the underlying fact is that all of them encapsulate the major elements of threat and act. Few examples of the definition of terrorism are as follows:-
(a) Violent acts aimed against a state and/or that in some way threatens the security of a state most often with a politically motivated purpose.
(b) As per Article 1(2) of Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of Terrorism 1937 acts of terrorism meant “criminal acts directed against a State intended or calculated to create a state of terror in the mind of particular persons, or a group of persons or the general public2”.
(c) Terrorism is the threat of violence and the use of fear to coerce, persuade and gain public attention3.
13. While understanding various definitions of terrorism a common fact emerges which reinstates that terrorism is most often aimed against a state, and if not against a state it most certainly does harm or threaten to harm the general security of the state as it can be intended to create a state of terror in the minds of the general public.
14. One of the reasons why there exists a disagreement of what the term terrorism entails is that some groups claim it has been used as a political label to de-legitimize one’s opponents. Israel has been referenced in this aspect where Israel’s labeling of Palestinians who bomb civilian targets as terrorists is criticized, although certain organizations within Israel might by the Palestinians likewise be considered and proclaimed to be terrorists groups. Not focusing on the specifics of this disagreement there