Definitions - How is terrorism defined?

[Zelena Hracka]

Nowadays it seems that the word terrorism has an ambiguous meaning. It has been used without much thought by most people. Of course certain governments have used the term continuously in order to promote their own interests by manipulating the public's opinions.

Why are members of PKK (Kurds) referred as terrorists while UCK is considered a liberation army? What is the principal difference between these groups that gives them a different label by the Western Media?

You don't have to answer to that, but I want your opinions on how a terrorist group can be defined and what distinguishes it from a liberation army or a revolutionary army.

Cheers.

[canikickit]

I think the generally accepted definition is "someone who deliberately targets civilians" for political or military advancment.

[j]

The US Code Congressional and Administrative News defines terrorism as:

an act of terrorism, means any activity that (A) involves a violent act or an act dangerous to human life that is a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or any State, or that would be a criminal violation if commited within the jurasdicition of the United States or of any State, and (B) appears to be intended (i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, (ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion, or (iii) to affect the conduct of a government by assasination or kidnapping.

This is the definition Noam Chomsky refers to in his book "9-11." He points out that if this is the accepted defintion, the US is a leading terrorist state.

To take it a step further, if this is the accepted definition, pre-emptive war on Iraq is a terrorist act. I say this because pre-emptive war would be illegal in the US if it involved bombing and the killing of civilians AND it is being used to "influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion." Obviously, war is both intimidating and coercive.

j

[EnvelopedInFear]

I think it depends on who is receiving and giving the said act.

If the U.S. ATTACKS Iraq, its DEFENDING our freedoms... you try and figure that one out.

And by the same token, if Iraq attacks us, its terrorism.

Basically, I think its a double standard and an invaluable resource to the U.S.

[Tkinter1]

When you intentionally kill civilians and/or disrupt non-military targets to propagate a cause, it's terrorism.

[canikickit]

So, what you are saying is you support bullshit and lies?

[EnvelopedInFear]

Were you talking to me canikickit?

If you were, I don't support any form of war on Iraq, public or secret.

It seems now that its a publicity stunt.

[canikickit]

I was, yes. I'm glad to hear you do not support the imperialistic war.

i see in another thread you said you are not glad that the US has had to put down other nations to support itself, which addresses my question.

[EnvelopedInFear]

Yeah, I'm not proud of 'my' nation, but this is where I live and will have to live.

Anyway, I just came here cause I think communism is really interesting, and its amazing how smart *most* of the posters here are. Heh, the leftists anyway.
;)

[Zelena Hracka]

So why is PKK a terrorist organization while UCK is not?

I guess, based on one's interests, the definitions can go to hell...........

[Politrickian]

Because the PKK are Commies.

[Zelena Hracka]

Quote: from Politrickian on 4:36 pm on Mar. 11, 2003
Because the PKK are Commies.

Well said.

Precise and into the point.

[Tkinter1]

http://www.ataturk.com/pkk/pictures.shtml