A Counterterrorism Story: A Review of the Counterterrorism Policy of the United States
Abstract
The Special Operations Command forces of the United States are fully capable of conducting hostage rescue operations with a reasonable chance of success; however, the National Command Authorities are reluctant to implement this aspect of our strategy by committing them in this role. A review of the history of combat rescue operations by the United States indicates an invariable lack of success. Yet, other countries have achieved great accomplishments in similar hostage situations. Even though other countries and police departments within the United States routinely do so, our policy does not allow for negotiation with terrorists. This leaves us with no response to terrorism. If the United States is to deter terrorists from taking our citizens prisoner, we have two choices. The National Command Authorities must be prepared either to commit our counterterrorist forces to retrieve hostages or we must be willing to negotiate with terrorists to gain the release of those who have been kidnaped. Both of these options have produced good results when used by others; we should be prepared to do the same.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 20, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA240584
Entities
People
- Douglas E. Macfarlane
Organizations
- Naval War College