The fog of terrorism creates an environment in which decision-makers are forced to act under conditions of fear, uncertainty, ambiguity, incomplete intelligence and severe time pressure. Terrorists use deception, surprise, misinformation, coordinated attacks, cyber propaganda and psychological operations to prevent authorities from obtaining an accurate understanding of the situation. Consequently, political leaders, military commanders, intelligence agencies and law enforcers often make critical decisions before all relevant facts are available. In such circumstances, perception frequently replaces reality, and assumptions become the basis of policy and operational responses. This increases the likelihood of strategic and tactical mistakes that may ultimately serve the objectives of the terrorists rather than state's.

One of the principal effects of the fog of terrorism is misperception. Decision-makers may overestimate the strength, capability or reach of a terrorist organisation after a high-profile attack, leading to unnecessary delays or wrong........

© The Express Tribune