Terrorizm

Terrorizm is the use of violence and intimidation in order to achieve political aims. They use various methods: plant bombs in public places, release deadly poisonous gases in underground railways, blow up buildings and cars, hijack planes, assassinate presidents, prime ministers, high officials and diplomats.

The question arises whether terrorizm can be in any way justified. Most people doubt it since very often the victims are innocent children, women and defenceless civilians.

However, the worst terrorist strike in history happened on September 11, 2001 in the United States. Two hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York, and yet another struck the Pentagon. The terrorist atack was prepared by an America - hating Islamic extremist Osama bin Laden, the leader of a vast international terror network. The horrific co-ordinated assault on the economic and military symbols of America caused an enormous amount of damage and took a heavy toll on human life - about 6,500 innocent people were killed.

Probably the best known terrorist organization in Europe is the IRA (the Irish Republican Army). Its members are Irish nationalists aiming to establish a united Irish Republic by campaigns of terror. Since 1969 they have been increasingly active in Britain and in Northern Island, and this period of violence is known as Troubles.

Most of us condemn terrorists and wish to stop the wave of terror that is sweeping the world. Let's just imagine what may happen if terrorists gain access to nuclear weapons.

Only peacefull solutions, not violence and terror, should be accepted in the contemporary world.