| ID | 072121 |
| Title Proper | Decision to begin talks with terrorists |
| Other Title Information | lessons for policymakers |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Byman, Daniel |
| Publication | 2006. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Governments have many means to begin a dialogue with terrorist groups. The offer of talks may lead terrorists' constituents to reduce their support for violence, and moderates within a group itself may also turn away from violence. Despite these potential benefits, even the consideration of entering discussions carries many risks. Talks with U.S. officials do indeed reward the use of terrorism, tangibly demonstrating that groups can kill innocents and yet become legitimate interlocutors-a reward that is costly both in terms of reducing the prevalence of this tactic worldwide and because it inevitably angers local allies fighting the groups. Moreover, talks often fail in a variety of ways, giving the terrorists a breathing space to rearm and organize and leaving the government looking foolish. Because talks often fail, policymakers should carefully explore whether the conditions are right for any hope of success before they begin a dialogue. |
| `In' analytical Note | Studies in Conflict and Terrorism Vol. 29, No. 5; Jul-Aug 2006: p403-414 |
| Journal Source | Studies in Conflict and Terrorism Vol: 29 No 5 |
| Key Words | Terrorists ; Policymakers ; Talks |