Terrorism: A Universal Misconception
             Terrorism is potentially one of the most misunderstood ideologies of modern history. It is such a broad and unique belief system that one could write entire books on it. And due to its distinctiveness, it must be treated very carefully. Contrary to this, "terrorism" continues to be used wherever and whenever it suits an individual, a group or a nation's agenda. This must be stopped in order to resolve terrorism, and the first step in this feat is to understand it. If terrorism continues to be generalized to such extreme levels as it has been, solutions to reduce or eliminate it will never be established. Therefore we must look beyond the common misconceptions and understand what terrorism truly is.
             In a new age of terrorism, where "the term "terrorism" itself has been used in so many different senses as to become almost meaningless," it is absolutely essential to understand what actually constitutes terror. And this understanding is nearly impossible. Terrorism is, "the policy of using acts inspiring terror as a method of ruling or of conducting political opposition" states the Lexicon Universal Dictionary. This definition itself, which should remain unbiased, suggests that political violence is terrorism. In fact, not all political violence is terrorism and this assumption was generated again through neglect and generalization. This topic is an entire argument in itself which will be explored in greater detail.
             Although terrorism is a complex issue for which a proper definition will forever be disputed, the basic tenets of it can be broken down into several key points according to historian Walter Laqueur:
             "1. Terrorism is a new, unprecedented phenomenon. For this reason its antecedents (if any) are of little interest.
             2. Terrorism is one of the most important and dangerous problems facing mankind today.
             3. Terrorism is a response to...