For most Americans, terrorism made the transformation from theoretical threat to frightening reality on September 11th, 2001; but America and its people had been the target of terrorist acts for over four decade. The assault began with the hijacking of airliners, but soon included the bombing of embassies, as well as attacks on military units and navy ships. In acts aimed at the US and its people prior to September 11th, terrorists killed at least a thousand people and injured close to 10,000. Piskiewicz tells the history of modern international terrorism from its beginning in 1958 with the Cuban hijacking of an airliner en route from Miami. He recounts the political orientation of the enemy, the growing viciousness of their attacks and the blundering responses by the US government. Terrorism has evolved from a disorganized activity of individuals and small groups, through its adoption of political warfare by nationalists, insurgents and the disenfranchised, to its current incarnation as a weapon of political change used by "rogue" states and radical religious movements.
The United States blundered along for four decades, responding to terrorist attacks with inaction, important verbal assaults, or ill-conceived acts of retaliation. The latter, unfortunately killed more innocents than terrorists. This title highlights the challenges that face America and the community of nations in putting terrorists out of business without adopting their tactics. It includes a survey of major terrorist actions against the US and its interests over four decades; describes major US anti-terrorist actions during the period; and features extensive documentation from contemporary media and US government sources.