Description
Book SynopsisThis book is a highly original analysis of terrorism and its implications for international law and politics. Terrorism has introduced an explosive element into international politics. It can trigger crises which strain the relations between states a strain which can reach breaking point if states allow their national interests to prevail.
Cassese focuses on the Achille Lauro affair and uses this as an episode to illuminate the behaviour of modern states in response to terrorism. On 7 October 1985, four members of the Palestine Liberation Front hijacked an Italian transatlantic liner, the Achille Lauro, as it was sailing on a pleasure cruise off the coast of Egypt. In the days that followed, one dangerous and unforeseen event followed another, and the lives of the hostages hung by a thread. As states hastened to respond to unanticipated events they hovered on the brink of crisis and conflict. The United States was first swept by fury at the murder of one of its
Table of Contents
The International Community and Terrorism; The Exemplary Value of the Achille Lauro Incident; Facts and Issues; The International Agreement to Give the Hijackers a Safe Conduct; The Attitude of the American Government; The Attitude of the Italian Government; The Italian Judges Verdict; The Lessons of the Achille Lauro Affair. Appendix: Documentary Sources.
