"whether or not one uses 'terrorist' to describe violent acts depends on whether one thinks that the acts are warranted. to a large extent the use of the term depends on one's world view: if the world is perceived as peaceful, violent acts appear to be terrorism. if the world is thought to be at war, violent acts may be regarded as legitimate. they may be seen as preemptive strikes, as defensive tactics in an ongoing battles, or as symbols indicating to the world that it is indeed in a state of grave and ultimate conflict."