Published July 1985 — Download PDF of the original newspaper column
Byrd's-Eye View By U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd Striking Out against Terrorism Most of the hostages have returned home safely, but the recent hijacking of TWA Flight 847 in Lebanon remains a reminder that the United States and its citizens are not immune from worldwide terrorism. The fact that one passenger on that flight, a young American Navy man, was brutally beaten and murdered and that seven other Americans are still held hostage in Lebanon is evidence enough that we cannot simply wish terrorism to go away. Our nation must redouble its efforts to combat terrorism, to obtain the freedom of the remaining hostages in Lebanon, and to bring to justice the murderers and the hijackers responsible for the seizure of Flight 847. Although American leadership cannot eliminate the threat posed by international terrorism, the U.S. can help steer an international course of action to address this threat more aggressively. As a starting point, I have asked the President to initiate an international convention directed at reaching agreements or treaties that would increase protection against terrorism for innocent citizens, foster cooperation among nations to prevent terrorist acts, and ensure punishment for terrorists. Incentives can be established to encourage nations to move against terrorists, and sanctions should be imposed on nations that refuse to cooperate. I have further asked the President to review all the international air transport agreements signed by the United States to determine whether any should be renegotiated to emphasize increased airport and in-flight security; I have requested that Congress be provided the identity of any nations where airports represent security risks to Americans, and what actions are being taken to increase security at these airports; and I have suggested that further improvements to U.S. intelligence activities be considered to target terrorism. Terrorism possesses no one nationality, and no nation is safe from this threat. The past several weeks have been filled with talk about how we should fight terrorism. It is time now to undertake the leadership role expected from the United States in forging a worldwide movement to combat terrorism before it strikes our citizens again. July 17, 1985