Give war a chance

[vraiblonde]

There were 190 acts of international terrorism in 2003, a slight decrease from the 198 attacks that occurred in 2002, and a drop of 45 percent from the level in 2001 of 346 attacks. The figure in 2003 represents the lowest annual total of international terrorist attacks since 1969.

 

[TWL]

Note

Most of the attacks that have occurred during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom do not meet the longstanding US defi nition of international terrorism because they were directed at combatants, that is, US and Coalition forces on duty. Attacks against noncombatants, that is, civilians and military personnel who at the time of the incident were unarmed and/or not on duty, are judged as terrorist attacks

So, is it really down or just shaded by the ongoing conflict in Iraq? If you were to include the attacks omited, there will probably be a sharp increase.

 

[tlatchaw]

I'm sure that most military folks would rather that the attacks were directed at them, the ones who have accepted the job of defending their nation, than at their families back home.

 

[vraiblonde]

Originally posted by TWL
So, is it really down or just shaded by the ongoing conflict in Iraq?

Really down AND shaded by the conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan. Terrorism is defined as an attack on civilians - if it's directed at military personnel it's considered combat.

My guess would be, #1, they're not so bold anymore and, #2, they're a bit busy fending off the Americans in their own land. Before they could pretty much come and go as they pleased. Now if they pop their heads out, they're gonna get shot.