Is the World Trade Centre attack considered terrorism?

  • Context: News 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Adam
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether the World Trade Centre attack is classified as terrorism. Participants explore various perspectives on the nature of the attack, its motivations, and the implications of labeling it as terrorism.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the attack qualifies as terrorism due to its intent to instill fear among civilians without a formal declaration of war.
  • One participant highlights the lack of forewarning for the inhabitants of New York, suggesting that a formal military invasion would have allowed for evacuation.
  • Another participant questions the attribution of the attack to Osama bin Laden, noting the reliance on a video tape as evidence.
  • Several participants emphasize that the attack was unprovoked and carried out by a non-uniformed group, which aligns with definitions of terrorism.
  • There is a contention regarding the term "unprovoked," with some participants arguing it is subjective and requires further qualification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the classification of the attack as terrorism, with some agreeing on its terrorist nature while others challenge specific claims, particularly regarding the notion of provocation.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of defining the attack as terrorism, with discussions reflecting varying interpretations of evidence and motivations behind the actions of the perpetrators.

Was it terrorism when the planes flew into the World Trade Centre?

  • Yes

    Votes: 17 94.4%
  • No

    Votes: 1 5.6%

  • Total voters
    18
Adam
Messages
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Was it terrorism when the planes flew into the World Trade Centre?
 
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I voted yes, because USA inhabitants were not forewarned againshis attack. It was not a formal attack, such a war declaration of another government. If Al Qaeda would send one thousand soldiers to New York like in a formal invasion, then N-Y inhabitants could run away and be prevented. Nobody would be working at that time.
 
Last edited:
I voted Yes, but it is sketchy, as far as I know we're taking it for granted that it was Osama bin Laden that did it, was there any evidence aside from that video tape of him saying it was a good thing?
 
Yes. It was an attack designed to create terror by a small fringe group in order to gain power over another larger more powerful foe.

This attack was unprovoked, the act of war was undeclared, and the perpetrators were not uniformed, carrying insignia or any other signal of affiliation to mark them as an enemy.
 
Artman said:
Yes. It was an attack designed to create terror by a small fringe group in order to gain power over another larger more powerful foe.

This attack was unprovoked, the act of war was undeclared, and the perpetrators were not uniformed, carrying insignia or any other signal of affiliation to mark them as an enemy.

Everything here looks fairly factual, except "This attack was unprovoked". That is your opinion. If you claim it is fact, must qualify it better.
 
I think that...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Gokul43201 said:
Everything here looks fairly factual, except "This attack was unprovoked". That is your opinion. If you claim it is fact, must qualify it better.
Unprovoked is my opinion. In my opinion again I believe they believed that the attack was justified.
 

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