One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter

'Effective antiterrorist action has also been thwarted by the claim that—as the quip goes—"One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter."

That's a catchy phrase, but also misleading.

Freedom fighters do not need to terrorize a population into submission.

Freedom fighters target the military forces and the organized instruments of repression keeping dictatorial regimes in power.

Freedom fighters struggle to liberate their citizens from oppression and to establish a form of government that reflects the will of the people.

Now, this is not to say that those who are fighting for freedom are perfect or that we should ignore problems arising from passion and conflict.

Nevertheless, one has to be blind, ignorant, or simply unwilling to see the truth if he or she is unable to distinguish between those I just described and terrorists.

Terrorists intentionally kill or maim unarmed civilians, often women and children, often third parties who are not in any way part of a dictatorial regime.

Terrorists are always the enemies of democracy.'

Wise words from Ronald Reagan's Radio Address to the Nation on Terrorism from 31 May 1986.

The BBC and other media outlets should pay heed.