Number: RS20598
Title: NATIONAL COMMISSION ON TERRORISM REPORT: BACKGROUND AND ISSUES FOR CONGRESS
Authors: Raphael F. Perl, Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade Division 
Abstract: On June 5, 2000, the National Commission on Terrorism (NTC), a congressionally mandated bi-partisan body, issued a report providing a blueprint for U.S. counter-terrorism policy with both policy and legislative recommendations. The report could be significant in shaping the direction of U.S. policy and the debate in the 107th Congress. It generally argues for a more aggressive U.S. strategy in combating terrorism. Critics, however, argue that NTC conclusions and recommendations ignore competing U.S. goals and interests; i.e., that a proactive strategy might lead to the curbing of individual rights and liberties, damage important commercial interests, and widen disagreements between the U.S. and its allies over using the "stick" as opposed to the "carrot" approach in dealing with states that actively support or countenance terrorism.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated February 6, 2001