US Policy towards Palestinian Terrorism
Reader comment on item: Are We Safer?

Submitted by Natalie Hassman, US Army (United States), May 2, 2002

A deal brokered by the US to set Arafat free may be great appeasement diplomacy but it makes bad counterrorism policy. It sends a signal to supporters and practioners of terrorism worldwide that terrorist acts can be a subject of normal political maneuvering, bargains and deals. It absolves terrorists worldwide of legal responsibility for their actions by shifting the blame on the military force conducting a counter-terrorist operation. Osama Ben=-Laden wherever he is feels good that one day he may also be part of some political quid pro quo deal. Unfortunately, this sends a powerful message to masterminders of terrorism that they can act with impunity. It does not make America or Europe safer -- quite on the contrary.

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