Let us never forget that terrorism at its heart, at its evil

In the grand tapestry of human history, there are forces that seek not only to destroy but to break the spirit of a people, to sow fear and despair in the hearts of the innocent. Norm Coleman, in his reflection on the true nature of terrorism, speaks to the insidious psychological warfare that underpins such acts: "Let us never forget that terrorism at its heart, at its evil heart, is a psychological war. It endeavors to break the spirit and the resolve of those it attacks by creating a lose-lose situation." These words echo with the deep wisdom of those who have seen war and strife throughout the ages. Terrorism is not just a series of violent acts—it is a war waged upon the soul of a people, a battle of wills that seeks to undermine the very foundation of hope and resilience.

At the heart of terrorism, Coleman identifies its psychological nature—a war that transcends the immediate violence and seeks to do something far more profound: to shatter resolve, to turn communities against each other, and to make individuals and societies question their very will to continue. When a bomb explodes, when lives are lost, it is not just the physical destruction that lingers—it is the fear that follows, the doubt that creeps into the hearts of those who remain. Terrorism, in its purest form, is not a fight for land or resources, but a fight for the mind. It seeks to make people feel trapped in a lose-lose situation—no matter how they respond, they will lose.

This strategy can be seen in ancient wars as well. Consider the tactics of the Persians during the Greco-Persian Wars, where the Persian Empire used terror as a psychological tool to undermine the resolve of the Greek city-states. The Persians, with their overwhelming numbers, sought to instill fear through acts of brutality, seeking to break the spirit of the Greek people before the first arrow was even loosed. But the Spartans, led by their indomitable resolve, turned the psychological warfare back upon the Persians. The battle of Thermopylae, where a small band of Greek soldiers faced an overwhelming force, became a symbol of resilience in the face of terror. Though they perished, their spirit and courage were immortalized, turning what was meant to be a lose-lose situation into one of enduring honor.

Similarly, in modern times, the horrors of 9/11 created a situation where terrorism sought to provoke fear and distrust. The attack on the World Trade Center was not just an assault on buildings, but an assault on the spirit of the American people and, by extension, the world. It sought to fracture the confidence and unity of nations, to create a world where terror reigned and people were forced to live in constant fear. Yet, in the aftermath, the world’s response was not to break. Instead, it rallied, with a resolve that transcended borders. While terrorism sought to divide, it inadvertently united, reminding us that the resolve of a people, once solidified, is unbreakable.

Coleman’s words remind us that terrorism is not simply an attack on life, but an attack on the spirit itself. It is an ancient strategy—one used by conquerors and tyrants alike—to manipulate and control through psychological means. By creating an environment where no choice seems safe, where every action seems to lead to more destruction, the perpetrators of terrorism hope to create a world where fear governs all. But history teaches us that fear, while powerful, cannot easily break the resolve of those who hold true to their ideals. When communities unite, when they hold fast to their values, they can withstand even the most harrowing of trials.

The lesson that we must take from these reflections is clear: terrorism succeeds not because of its immediate violence, but because of the fear it seeks to implant in the hearts of the people. We must remember that in the face of such tactics, our resolve must be stronger than ever. We cannot let ourselves be consumed by fear or doubt. Like the ancient warriors who stood in the face of overwhelming odds, we must stand firm, our minds unyielding, our spirits steadfast. The true victory over terrorism is not found in defeating it with weapons alone, but in maintaining our humanity, in refusing to let the psychological warfare change who we are at our core.

Let us, therefore, take action in our lives. In moments of personal or societal crisis, when the forces of fear and uncertainty threaten to overwhelm us, let us remind ourselves that we have the power to choose our response. We must resist being trapped in a lose-lose mindset, for that is where true defeat lies. We must seek the path of unity, compassion, and courage. The battle may be psychological, but the strength to face it lies within us, in our ability to hold fast to our values, our compassion, and our resolve. In this, we find not just survival, but the true victory that no enemy, however powerful, can ever take from us.