"I regard terrorism as violence carried out by non-state groups seeking to achieve political aims through fear."

What about the ones who kill people because they think it will persuade Allah to send them to a planet full of virgins?
Peter | Homepage | 07.21.05 - 9:44 pm | #

Don't confuse the motives of the footsoldiers with the motives of the people directing them.
wonderdog | Homepage | 07.21.05 - 10:43 pm | #

wonderdog, I like your last comment. That's what I was trying to say!

But, I think today's action in London was a failed act of terrorism because it's pretty clear at this time of the day that's what was the intent.

Also, I favour keeping a more restrictive definition of "terrorism". It's as though it'll become an everyday word, "Oh, it's just the terrorism acting up again", it should be reserved as per what you said.
Canadian Perasma | Homepage | 07.21.05 - 11:16 pm | #

I'm interested in the motives of the autonomous Al Queda cells - namely, shakin' some sheets with heavenly virgins after killing innocents.
Peter | Homepage | 07.22.05 - 1:24 am | #

Peter,

It is possible that Ishrad Manji is right and all they will get is a handful of white raisins.

Wouldn't be the first time a mistranslation has led to some very strange ideas - look up the Aramaic terms barnasha and bardalaha, for instance.
Mike | Homepage | 07.22.05 - 9:27 am | #

I'm interested in Peter's motives.

Well, not really.
wonderdog | Homepage | 07.22.05 - 9:39 am | #

Maybe, maybe not. The point is that when you're dealing with people who murder for the purpose of acquiring virgins or raisins, Skippy's definition of terrorism suddenly becomes a bit generous. Are religious nut-bars who don't give a damn about politics disqualified from being terrorists?
Peter | Homepage | 07.23.05 - 5:41 am | #

Peter, your description of their motives is simplistic.
wonderdog | Homepage | 07.23.05 - 10:58 am | #

And your's are misguided. Would you call someone who bombs because of religious beliefs a terrorist? Yes or no?
Peter | Homepage | 07.23.05 - 7:22 pm | #

Their political and religious beliefs are intertwined in this case, so yes, I would call them terrorists.

But seeing as I was already calling them terrorists, what's your point?

Have you somehow proven that the sole aim of Al Qaeda is to meet a bunch of virgins in paradise? No. Your comments here are still simplistic bullshit.
wonderdog | Homepage | 07.23.05 - 9:43 pm | #

The only simplistic bullshit around here is your flawed definition of terrorism. You're so disappointing, Skippy. Especially since you've been attacking Cherniak lately; I always hold out so much hope for you.
Peter | Homepage | 07.24.05 - 12:00 am | #