Issue What is the appropriate response to terrorism? Starter "We are all determined to fight terrorism and to do our utmost to banish it from the face of the earth. But the force we use to fight it should always be proportional and focused on the actual terrorists. We cannot and must not fight them by using their own methods-by inflicting indiscriminate violence and terror on innocent civilians, including children." Statement by Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations, November 18, 1999 Quoted on the website of the United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention Focus Questions Do you agree or disagree with Kofi Annan's statement about "proportional and focused" anti-terrorism efforts? In the wake of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, how, if at all, has your perspective on, and assessment of, Kofi Annan's statement changed? Why? Do you think it is possible to "banish [terrorism] from the face of the earth"? Why or why not? Suggested Resources Biography of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan Further information on the United Nations BBC News Feature on “What is Terrorism?” More resources for this topic Starters for this topic: 1  2  3  4  All (.pdf) Note: The views expressed here have not been approved by the House of Delegates or the Board of Governors of the American Bar Association, and accordingly, should not be construed as representing the policy of the American Bar Association, nor do they represent the official position or policies of the ABA Standing Committee on Public Education.