Comment on Difference Faces of Terrorism

Gene Doroliat (University of Southern California, USA)

I believe that terrorism is indeed viewed in different ways by different people. The media does not help either. Their sole purpose is to entertain, despite their view that they are 'simply stating the facts'. With regard to the comparison between Hiroshima and the 9/11 attacks, it is important to remember, that 9/11 was a blatant attack by terrorists who refused to identify themselves. Hirosima was an act of war, by a country who was at war with the nation where the bomb fell. Forgetting Pearl Harbor while remembering Hiroshima, well, again that is a matter of who you are and where you live. While one was a disaster for one, it was a triumph for the other.

I also believe that some Japanese people care more about the attacks on 9/11 and the events that are still following than they would lead you to believe. "I do not have an interest", and 'it does not bother me' are interesting to hear. When I talked to some international students from Japan on the matter, they did care, and they were even afraid that their country could be next, because Japan and the US are trading partners. Al Qaeda may believe that Japan, being an ally of the US, shares some of the same views. But again, that is a matter of opinion. These are mine.