The definition... 11/24/2004

Behind all the political rhetoric being hurled at us from abroad, we are bringing home one unassailable fact-- [terrorism is] a crime by any civilized standard, committed against innocent people, away from the scene of political conflict, and must be dealt with as a crime...
In our recognition of the nature or terrorism as a crime lies our best hope of dealing with it...
Let us use the tools that we have. Let us invoke the cooperation we have the right to expect around the world, and with that cooperation let us shrink the dark and dank areas of sanctuary until these cowardly marauders are held to answer as criminals in an open and public trial for the crimes they have committed, and receive the punishment they so richly deserve.

--William H. Webster, Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation, October 15, 1985