Page 82 - Encyclopedia Of Terrorism

A-Kushner.qxd 29-10-02 3:20 PM Page 55

Asymmetrical Warfare———55

The 19 flag-draped coffins containing the remains of the U.S. soldiers killed in the bombing of Khobar Towers, Saudi
Arabia, on June 25, 1996. The coffins lie in a transport at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, awaiting a memorial service.
Source: Defense Visual Information Center.

“asymmetrical” threats, particularly from terrorist casualties or inflict civilian casualties. Asymmetrical
groups. Military authors and experts have variously strategies that could be used against the United States
defined asymmetry, including conflict between dif- include limiting the fighting to urban areas, attacking
ferent types of forces, for example, air force versus the homeland, engaging in political activity designed
navy, and “not fighting fair.” War involves little that to discourage potential allies, and using antiaccess
could be considered fair: classic war strategists strategies, for example, targeting bases, thus limiting
including Carl von Clausewitz (1780–1831) and ability to mobilize forces.
Sun Tzu (6th century B.C.) have stressed the Guerrilla warfare is a particularly good example of
importance of taking advantage of the enemy’s asymmetry; indeed, the word guerrilla means “little
weaknesses. war” in Spanish. Guerrilla fighters are generally fewer
In a 2001 report for the Strategic Studies Institute, in number and possess fewer and less powerful
Stephen Metz and Douglas Johnson suggested that the weapons than does the opposing force. Guerrilla tac-
United States is susceptible to asymmetries of tics include ambush, avoiding open battle, cutting
patience, preferring not to fight long wars; asymme- communication lines, and generally harassing the
tries of will in situations not involving vital national enemy. Guerrilla warfare has been practiced through-
interests; and asymmetries of values, as the United out history, and includes both military operations
States tends to be unwilling to accept military carried out against the rear of an enemy’s army and