The very fact that terrorism is still a significant issue in our modern society is a testimony to its resilience. Although abhorrent and immoral, its effectiveness in spreading fear and destroying the foundations of a society makes it inviting for use by the unscrupulous.

The following quotes embody the inherent difficulty in defeating this elusive enemy, this absolutist, extremist crime, which by fighting in the conventional sense, we only make more powerful:

How can you wage a battle against something as intangible as fighting jealousy? ~Anonymous

"Wanton killing of innocent civilians is terrorism, not a war against terrorism." ~Noam Chomsky, 9-11

"It's not right to respond to terrorism by terrorizing other people. And furthermore, it's not going to help. Then you might say, "Yes, it's terrorizing people, but it's worth doing because it will end terrorism." But how much common sense does it take to know that you cannot end terrorism by indiscriminately dropping bombs?"
~ Howard Zinn, Terrorism and War

In spite of the difficulty, many have risen to the challenge, and through various means.