The Cycle of Retaliation

September 11

Traces the mechanism by which civilian violence, vengeance, and recruitment can reproduce the very threat retaliation claims to defeat.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Demand for Revenge The Demand for Revenge from "September 11". The Demand for Revenge After the attacks, grief and anger generate strong calls to punish those responsible.

The Demand for Revenge from "September 11". The Demand for Revenge After the attacks, grief and anger generate strong calls to punish those responsible.

The Demand for Revenge After the attacks, grief and anger generate strong calls to punish those responsible. Understandable Emotion Chomsky does not dismiss the desire for justice or sympathy for victims. The Strategic Question He asks whether revenge can identify perpetrators and prevent another attack, or merely expand the conflict.

Warnings Against an Assault Warnings Against an Assault from "September 11". Warnings Against an Assault European leaders and regional specialists warn that a massive attack on Muslim populations could serve militant objectives.

Warnings Against an Assault from "September 11". Warnings Against an Assault European leaders and regional specialists warn that a massive attack on Muslim populations could serve militant objectives.

Warnings Against an Assault European leaders and regional specialists warn that a massive attack on Muslim populations could serve militant objectives. A Predicted Trap Civilian deaths may validate militant claims and attract new recruits. A Choice Still Open Chomsky treats escalation as a political decision, not an unavoidable response.

Civilian Harm Begins Civilian Harm Begins from "September 11". Civilian Harm Begins Restrictions on food and fuel threaten Afghan civilians before bombing starts.

Civilian Harm Begins from "September 11". Civilian Harm Begins Restrictions on food and fuel threaten Afghan civilians before bombing starts.

Civilian Harm Begins Restrictions on food and fuel threaten Afghan civilians before bombing starts. Punishment by Association The measures place a population already suffering under Taliban rule at further risk. Escalatory Meaning Such policies can turn a campaign against a network into a wider assault perceived by civilians as collective punishment.

Bombing and Recruitment Bombing and Recruitment from "September 11". Bombing and Recruitment Military strikes and interrupted aid intensify civilian hardship in Afghanistan.

Bombing and Recruitment from "September 11". Bombing and Recruitment Military strikes and interrupted aid intensify civilian hardship in Afghanistan.

Bombing and Recruitment Military strikes and interrupted aid intensify civilian hardship in Afghanistan. Propaganda for Militants Chomsky warns that the visible suffering can help recruit people to the very cause the operation targets. Conflict Deepens The policy may enlarge the social base of violence instead of eliminating its sources.

A Different Direction A Different Direction from "September 11". A Different Direction Chomsky argues that legal accountability and attention to underlying grievances can interrupt retaliation.

A Different Direction from "September 11". A Different Direction Chomsky argues that legal accountability and attention to underlying grievances can interrupt retaliation.

A Different Direction Chomsky argues that legal accountability and attention to underlying grievances can interrupt retaliation. A Practical Alternative Suspects can be investigated and tried without treating whole populations as enemies. Prevention Through Restraint The aim is to reduce the conditions that make further violence likely, not to deny the original crime.

September 11–12, 2001

September 2001, before military action

September 2001, as supply restrictions are sought

After October 7, 2001

In the postface