It seems the left has not yet really articulated a vision on terrorism. So, with bullet points, I figured I'd offer my thoughts:
- Terrorism should be defined as "the purposeful killing of civilians by a non-State actor in order to strike fear into a populace and change a government's policies."
- We cannot prevent all terrorism everywhere, but we can target the largest and most capable anti-American terrorist groups. Al Qaeda is among these.
- We must be willing to use all resources; military, police, first responders, financial institutions in order to cut off major terrorist groups.
- We cannot invade States just because they have terrorist ties. But if a State is haboring and aiding terrorists and refuses to stop, all options must be on the table.
- We must oppose States via multilateral action that threaten U.S. citizens abroad, threaten U.S. allies or interests, or utilize genocide.
- We must use unilateral (or bilateral) action only when an imminent threat to U.S. interests or populations, or aggregious genocide is taking place.