Terrorism is becoming more sophisticated than before with the use of mass destruction weapons. This demands a new strategy for the security enforcers in order to counter the threats. Defensive deterrence is no longer the solution to prevent attacks but offensive preemption is needed to counter the attacks. Preemption is a measure that ensures terrorists do not take the initiative and attack different places as they chose. A state of can invoke self measure which according UN charter article 51 is allowed. Preemption of military deterrent preventive measure against terrorism is a principle of war of the permanent members of the UN Security Council. Preemption is not the first option to counterterrorism because it is a complex measure. It is a strategy that is legitimate for preventing of the attacks, stopping terrorist and deterring terrorism.
The US in their counterterrorist policies emphasizes on not making any concessions to terrorists and strikes no deals. It is clear that the security agents in charge can negotiate with the terrorists but they are no deals made with such groups. US and Israel have clearly pointed out that they do not negotiate with terrorists. In some cases negotiation takes place for the intelligence to gather information but not to reach an agreement. Colombia has illegalized any contact with hostage takers. This decision in informed by the fact that terrorists can be encouraged to advance their activities knowing that their goals will be achieved.
Use of force is another method that can be used to counterterrorism attack. This measure is taken when the terrorist attack is visible or damaging. There has been argument that such measure will reduce terrorist activities while others point out that it has no effect or even it increases the attack. An example of use of force is US retaliatory attack on Libya bombing.
Countries that work with terrorists who sponsor them or are located in their jurisdiction are pressured to change their behavior. Organized crime groups can also be combated by disabling their capabilities of attacking or operations. The channel of finance and communication is among the things that are tackled by the security enforces. The operations that raise finances to sponsor terrorist activities are investigated and disabled.
Preemptive measures are used when there are potential terrorist threats against a state. It is a measure that is used to deter terrorist activities and it is taken when the security of a country and its people. Negotiation has been outlawed by Colombia and many other countries worldwide. However, in cases where the life of many people is at stake negotiation is used by security agents to gather intelligence. Negotiation can take place without reaching an agreement but simply stating a firm stand by the security forces. With the increased human rights call for second chance of the terrorists, negotiation is used to offer a surrender chance to the terrorists. The uses of force or retaliatory attacks have been used by some countries especially when the terrorists are known. If a country of a political party if sponsoring terrorist activities, their territory can be hit to send a strong message of their activities.
Reference
Abadie, A. (2007). Terrorism and the world economy. European Economic Review 52 (1), 1–27.
Atkinson, S., T. Sandler, and J. Tschirhart (1987). Terrorism in a bargaining framework. Journal of Law and Economics 30 (1), 1–21
