The Rationale of Terror

"Terrorism is a tactic, a technique, a weapon that fanatics, dictators and warriors have resorted to through history. If, as Clausewitz wrote, war is the continuation of politics by other means, terrorism is the continuation of war by other means."

Yet terrorism -- the killing of innocents for political ends -- can only triumph if the aggrieved play the role the terror masters have scripted for them in their bloody drama. What, then, may we surmise are the tactical and strategic goals of the terror masters of Mumbai?

Terrorism's intent is to goad the victim into senseless and aimless retaliation, thus wreaking havoc on the economy and demoralizing the enemy. The 9/11 terrorists succeeded beyond their wildest imaginations.