Executive Safety and International Terrorism
This is the introduction to a book I wrote in 1986 – 25 years have passed since the book was first published – has anything changed?
Terrorism is the universally recognized crime. A crime, which at a moment’s notice can reach every facet of our lives, and at times it, can dominate our existence. Not too long ago terrorism was an issue that did not concern the people of the United States or its businesses, or businessmen. It was something that happens someplace else, and to other people. In the past the first image that came to mind when one spoke about terrorism was that of the ongoing Arab, Israel conflict. Today it’s entirely different. From the boardroom of multinational corporations to the farmlands of Middle America, Americans are witnesses to and the subject of the violence and mayhem of terrorism. Every day we read, see or hear about the death and destruction of terrorism. The media brings us pictures of American travelers held hostage at gunpoint, average Americans who are the unfortunate victims of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The news magazines write about businessmen, kidnapped and held in captivity, for no reason other than their American businessmen, on any given night the six o’clock news will bring into our living rooms pictures of buildings in rubble, and the heart breaking sight of flag draped coffins being carried from an airplane the results of one madman, driving a truck load of bombs, all this in the name of terrorism. With one incident terrorists can control the media throughout the world. A hijacking or hostage situation can be presented to viewers around the world as it is happening. A small band of people can enter the living room of every American with relative ease and explain in detail their grievances. Literally hundreds of millions of people are able to watch the mayhem and destruction of terrorism. It is this ability to get the attention of the world that makes terrorism work. Most terrorist attacks are designed as media events. The bombings, hijackings and kidnappings are designed to get the attention of the electronic media, and the international press. They want the attention of those who watch the six o’clock news. Terrorism is changing, terrorism is a theater, and as Americans we are becoming the actors. Terrorism is now wide spread and indiscriminate. Terrorists attack anything and anybody. Terrorists have hijacked airliners, trains and ocean liners. They kidnapped priests and nuns. They blow up nightclubs, department stores, churches, and computers. Nothing is spared. Eventually it strikes close to home, someone from your hometown, someone who went to your school or works for your company is eventually the victim of terrorism.
Again keep in mind this was written in 1986.