Analysis & Opinions - Foreign Policy

Don't Give ISIS What It Wants

Author:

Stephen M. Walt

| November 16, 2015

Ensure that cooler heads prevail after an attack, resist the urge for retribution, and other ways to make sure the terrorists don't win.

When a shocking event like the Paris attacks occurs, we know how the world will respond. There will be dismay, an outpouring of solidarity and sympathy, defiant speeches by politicians, and a media frenzy. Unfortunately, these familiar reactions give the perpetrators some of what they want: attention for their cause and the possibility their targets will do something that unwittingly helps advance the perpetrators' radical aims.

What is most needed in such moments is not anger, outrage, or finger-pointing, but calm resolution, cool heads, and careful thought. What happened in Paris is an untold tragedy for the victims and deeply offensive to all we hold dear, but we must respond with our heads and not just our hearts....

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For more information on this publication: Belfer Communications Office

For Academic Citation: Walt, Stephen M..“Don't Give ISIS What It Wants.” Foreign Policy, November 16, 2015.

The Author

Stephen Walt

Stephen M. Walt

Robert and Renée Belfer Professor of International Affairs; Faculty Chair, International Security Program
Member of the Board, Belfer Center
Faculty Affiliate, Future of Diplomacy Project
Faculty Affiliate, Middle East Initiative

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