(And how many devout Khomeini and Osama Ladin followers cross the Mexico border each day?)
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To that end, Khomeini mobilized the tactics of terrorism: the valorization of suicide ("martyrdom"); the designation of civilians as combatants; the choice of a highly visible and symbolic target; the use of nongovernmental and civilian agents; perhaps above all, the capacity and determination to strike in cities and towns in the very heart of the West.
The message to Westerners, not only to Rushdie, was: You are safe nowhere.
Thanks for the ping!
Terror began in 1989? I disagree. I believe it began when 52 hostages were held hostage in Iran during Carter's incompetant Presidency, and the Marine barrack bombing in Lebanon during the Reagan administration. Those who completely ignored terrorism for two decades woke up on 9/11/01.