U.S. Policy Options to the Hostage Crisis in Lebanon
Abstract
Like a nightmare from which one cannot awaken, Lt. Col. William Higgins' execution has again underscored the power that a handful of Middle Eastern terrorists holds over the United States. The legacy of one presidency destroyed by its inability to free American diplomats held hostage in Teheran and another tarnished by its futile attempt to trade arms for the hostages in Lebanon is a constant reminder of America's failure to loosen terrorism's grip. With the question of response and reprisal being debated with increasing fervor throughout the country as a result of the grisly gallows scene depicted on news broadcasts and the terrorists threatening to execute more hostages if their demands are not met, what should President Bush do? There are no easy answers, but a review of the problems that past presidents have faced in replying to terrorist acts and provocations suggests several approaches.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA218874
Entities
People
- Bruce Hoffman
Organizations
- RAND Corporation