Can we conquer terrorism?

Robert Baum Associate professor, religious studies Terrorism is a tactic chosen by desperate people who feel powerless and excluded. It has been used by groups that we are sympathetic to, like the Sons of Liberty in the American Revolution as well as, in horrendous ways, by the followers of Osama Bin Laden. Bin Laden sought to polarize people, forcing the world to choose between America and Islam. We must resist that. Islam is not the problem. If we want to eliminate terrorism in the Middle East, then we must remain united in our commitment to American civil liberties. In the Middle East, we must work to eliminate the poverty and sense of hopelessness that foster terrorism. We need a Marshall Plan for the economic development of the Middle East, support of democratic movements within the region, and a determined effort to achieve a just peace that ensures the safety and well being of Israelis and Palestinians.

Ardith Maney Professor, political science Yes. Governors are tightening driver's license rules and wielding expanded public health and safety powers. President Bush is running a more activist government but hasn't yet gotten agreement about how to pay for it. Bush needs to ask citizens for greater participation. Communicating the need for sacrifice and civic engagement is a vital precondition for successful wartime leadership, as Lyndon Johnson sadly learned. We need to be creatively engaged in the world out of self-interest and to assist people who share our values. ISU can assist this process. We can't leave it to the government, McDonalds and Hollywood.

Richard Mansbach Professor, political science Although there are a variety of steps that we can take that would reduce anti-Americanism and terrorism here and overseas, it is unlikely that we can eradicate the threat. There are several reasons for this. The first is the nature of evolving technology, including the miniaturization of weapons and rapid movement of people, things and ideas linked especially to the micro-electronic revolution. The second is the ballooning interdependence of peoples all over the world and the consequent weakening of state capability and the sensitivity and vulnerability of modern societies. A third reason is the virtual impossibility of eliminating some of the key sources of fanaticism, such as the growing gap in global wealth and the presence of messianic religious and ideological ideas.

Helen Jensen Professor, economics A major concern in Iowa is the threat of bioterrorism on the food and agricultural sectors. The deliberate introduction of an animal or plant disease at the farm level, or a hazard at other points along the food chain, could cause significant health and economic damage, as well as under-mine public confidence in the safety of the food supply. However, increased biosecurity on farms and food production and distribution facilities, and increased aware-ness of the potential for problems by producers and the public can help deter and thwart occurrences. In the longer run, investments in biosecurity systems, including improved testing and food handling, will help to reduce the risks. The bottom line is that we will continue to use our resources to provide a safe and nutritious food supply; however, there is new urgency to reduce poverty and other problems that lead to increased terrorism threats.