With a helmet or a badge : is the counter terrorism effort more effectively undertaken by the military or the police?

Abstract

The event of September 11, 2001 has captured the world's attention leaving the image of the burning twin towers as a stark reminder of the horror of terrorism. Yet terrorism, as a phenomenon is not new to modern history. The British had its share of "The Troubles" in Northern Ireland and the Israeli are still trying as hard as ever to grab a handle on the Palestine terrorist problems. Some resolve the terrorist problem with police power while others relied on the military might of the Armed Forces. Who is right and who is wrong? Is there ever a right answer at all? This paper seeks to unpack the complex phenomenon of terrorism and counter terrorism. In doing so, attempts answer the question of who is more effective in countering the terrorist threat, the military or the police? In the fight against terror, should we do it with a helmet or a badge?