9781422281413

What is Terrorism? Terrorism is the use of violence against civilians in order to achieve political aims. The three key words in this definition are “violence,” “civilians,” and “political.” Terrorism is always violent, which is what distinguishes terrorist groups from other kinds of organizations, such as political parties. A terror- ist attack, unlike most military operations, deliberately targets civilians. Finally, terrorism is always political. Unlike criminal gangs, whose violence is motivated by greed, terrorists attack in order to achieve some political goal, such as overthrowing a government.

A medical team helps a woman who was injured in the terrorist bombing at the Boston Marathon, April 2013. Two bombs exploded near the finish line, killing three civilians and injuring more than 260 others. Two brothers were responsible for the attack; they were angry at US military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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Terrorism