Insurgent vs Freedom Fighter
Why not throw in 'guerrillas' also?
In the technical sense of the term and definition, they are essentially both the same depending on the source used to gain the definition.
Basically, as i see it, a:
terrorist is someone who employs terror as a political weapon.
an:
insurgent is someone who takes part in an armed rebellion against authority.
The difference comes into play once
terrorism is defined.
As defined and implied, terrorism is a means and freedom is a goal. If defined and implied correctly, then the analogy of "one man's terrorist is
another man's freedom fighter," would be false. It would be false because it is the methods used that are thought of as terrorism (ie: terrorist),
not the goals (ie: freedom fighter).
Some here may state that if terrorist methods used are a means to freedom, then they are legitimate. Well, they are not, and if using such methods
achieves freedom, they are in no way legitimate.
In the applied case of Iraq, the freedom fighter (ie: insurgents, guerrillas) are deemed, claimed, and asserted to be 'resisting' occupation or
whatever else they are doing, and yet, they are doing so by targeting innocent civilians, police officers, recruits, and anyone else that they
essentially can. In fighting a "war," freedom fighter (ie: insurgents, guerrillas) should be fighting the army that is doing the occupying. By
targeting and killing innocent civilians, they are engaging in acts of terror, as is the goal of terrorism. If your not buying this or simply wishing
to debate it, then keep in mind that during the Revolutionary War, those men who also claimed to be freedom fighters, and were likewise labeled
terrorists and insurgents by the British, targeted only the British Army, not innocent civilians.
Other than what I have mentioned above, the label freedom fighter and insurgent are simply terms used in media political correctness and personal
political correctness word play/games.
This (linked below) may or may not give illustration and clarity to what I mention?
On the Difference Between Murderers and Freedom Fighters
seekerof
[edit on 28-2-2005 by Seekerof]