US, Russia and China: Coping with Rogue States and Terrorists Groups

WHO HAS THE RIGHT TO DEFINE TERRORISM?

November 9, 2013


Just a few days after we analyzed the official Chinese bombing at Tianeman square, yet another more sophisticated bombing occurred in the provincial city Taiyuan, in front of Communist Party headquarters. One person was killed; eight were critically injured. The official blame was placed on the Uighurs. However, human rights activists have not blamed the incident on terrorism because they believe the Uighurs made a justifiable attack on local Communist, anti-human rights activities. This raises the interesting question of who decides what is justifiable terrorism? Naturally, any terrorist group can claim it has justifiable cause, whether to achieve independence, protect itself, or revenge unwanted brutality by another group. How do we define the parameters? Today is Albert Camus´ 100th birthday. He said,¨"There are causes worth dying for but not worth killing for." Was he right?