Toward a Better Definition of Terrorism
This one is real short.
Terrorism is a highly charged phrase whose currency is being diminished through many misuses. In order to keep the word strong and powerful as well as enable us to defeat terrorists more efficiently we need a clear limited definition for the word.
Terrorism should only be defined as attacks on inappropriate targets for purposes of causing political change through fear.
So long as unlawful targets are not involved how a lawful target is attacked is irrelevant. What matters is target selection ,not the method used.
Using this definition enables us to clearly separate terrorists from freedom fighters, insurgents, irregulars, militias and soldiers.