Larry C. Johnson

The prevalence and lethality of terrorism is decreasing, maintains Larry C. Johnson in the following viewpoint. Johnson claims that, compared to terrorist acts from the 1980s, terrorism in the 1990s is less deadly and involves fewer groups and countries. He asserts that the decline in incidents and fatalities is due to tougher government policies, more powerful law enforcement, and the fall of communism. Johnson is a former employee of the CIA and an expert in terrorism and aviation security.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In Johnson’s view, how does the bombing of Pan Am 103 demonstrate the limits of law enforcement?
2. According to statistics cited by the author, what percentage of international terrorist attacks in 1995 was directed against the United States?
3. How many terrorist hijackings have occurred since 1985, according to Johnson?

If...