Terrorism as a Tool

The primary focus of this column is conflict and, by extension, terrorism. Terrorism, we should understand, is less a horrific phenomenon than simply a handy method for effecting some desired change in others. Each of us, by virtue of our birth into the human race, is eminently qualified to understand much about this despicable behavior that is commonly overlooked in our relentless fight to suppress terrorism.

We will always have some need of combat power, as some adversaries will always threaten us with violence. Some of our combative energy, however, is aimed in the wrong direction. If we can affect the sources of terrorism in proactive ways, we can reduce our dependence (and our expenditures, which represent small victories for the terrorist) on endlessly improved defenses and destructive superiority.

I have spent years engaged in counterterrorism, and have been labeled a “Terrorist Operations Specialist”. In various roles I’ve been tasked with “becoming” our adversary for the purpose of envisioning a stronger defense. I’ve studied terrorists to the point of understanding them as an insider. Terrorists share one thing in common with every other human being on earth: human nature.

Humans naturally seek a secure, satisfying existence for themselves. It is unnatural, exhausting, and miserable to devote one’s life to unconscionable violence…unless some unacceptable imbalance in one’s life compels it.

Whether its intent is to restructure a government, impact a foreign force, or acquire some other accommodation, the currency of terrorism (terror) is merely a method of persuasion; a voice. Some people choose actual words as their voice. Some choose the expression of political power. Some, called terrorists, seek to change an unacceptable situation by force. Behind this choice - in every, single case - is some grievance.

Sometimes the solution to a grievance is within easy reach.  It requires only consciousness of the problem; if I see that ten dollars I will never miss can relieve the hunger of a homeless family for a day, my options are reduced by compassion – to one.

Recognizing that grievances can sometimes be relieved by conscious involvement in the lives of our global neighbors brings responsibility. How many tiny, little needs can be satisfied by redirecting the development costs of one new missile system? How many generations of new missile systems will I buy by disregarding tiny, little needs?

How far might the ripples extend from my best attempts to satisfy tiny, little needs?

I may discover keys to reducing misunderstandings and miscommunications, and thus reduce retaliation that could spring from today handled poorly. If so, how many of my own loved ones will I not cause to be in harm’s way in years to come?