'Who defines terrorists? Today's terrorist is tomorrow's friend. We were the ones that worked with Saddam Hussein. The United States worked with bin Laden.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker points out that definitions of terrorism shift over time, noting past US alliances with groups later labeled terrorists.
- In plain terms
- Who calls someone a terrorist today may have been an ally yesterday.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize the fluidity of political labels.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do changing definitions affect current security policies?
Another view
The claim simplifies complex geopolitical relationships.
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