Introduction
Terrorism has turned out to be a biggest global challenge. The use of violence by some groups of individuals to create fear for ideological, religious, or political reasons have become rampant in many parts of the world. The ethnic/national, political, and religious groups pursue their objectives through resorting to violence. The topic of whether terrorism is justified has been controversial. For this reason, the present paper delves into this debatable topic. In particular, the paper makes two opposing arguments, one that justifies al-Qaeda’s use of terrorism and the other that explains why this group is not justified for targeting the American civilians.
In some instances where the democratic, as well as, peaceful methods to resolve conflicts become futile, it becomes justified and legitimate to use terror as last resort. Bin Laden (1996), implies that the correction and reform movement advocates were ardent on utilizing peaceful means to prevent shedding of blood and protect the unity of the nation, but the regime refused hence they had no other alternative other than resorting to terror. Thus, the use of terror by the al-Qaeda is justified in such cases where the states cause suffering and repression to the citizens and refuses correction through peaceful and democratic means. Additionally, the use of terror by the al-Qaeda is justified if its outcome is an increase in freedom, justice, and welfare.
However, al-Qaeda is not justified for targeting the innocent American civilians even if it has declared America to be enemy number one. Ideally, harming the innocent American civilians is never justified. Smilansky (2004) suggests that al-Qaeda’s ideology opposes the universal human rights. The al-Qaeda’s target of the American civilians is an abuse of the universal human rights hence it is not justified. Even in the cases of human rights deprivation, the al-Qaeda targeting of the American civilians is not justified because these non-combatants do not contribute to the marginalization of the extremists. The American civilians are not complicit in the wrongdoings that the terrorists claim the American government has committed. Consequently, the al-Qaeda demonstrates their cowardice by targeting the non-combatants.
In conclusion, I do not believe terrorism is a biased term that governments in power derive to delegitimize those with little power. In essence, terrorism is immoral and will always be morally unjustified. The use of terrorism fails to constitute a justified form of warfare.
References
Bin Laden, O. (1996). Declaration of war against the Americans occupying the land of the two holy places. Al Quds Al Arabi, 1.
Smilansky, S. (2004). Terrorism, Justification, and Illusion. Ethics, 114(4), 790-805.
