Covert taking out of thugs via an operation overseen by the Pentagon under order of congress {on need to know basis} and POTUS would save many of our service members lives. Ford and Carter's EO prohibiting assignations gave a green light to some of the worst dictators from 1976-present. Look at these time-lines and you'll see the connection. Ford's EO was written I think in 1975. Significant Terrorist Incidents, 1961-2003: A Brief Chronology
The heads of state supporting terrorist cells lost all fear of retribution from our government to make THEM personally pay for their actions. The prohibition was a huge mistake and sent the wrong message of do as you please we won't kill you for it.
Can't argue with that.