"Terrorists always have the advantage of surprise"
- Gijs de Vries
About this Quote
This quote by Gijs de Vries speaks to the power of surprise in the hands of terrorists. Terrorists are able to use surprise to their advantage in order to achieve their objectives. By striking without caution, they can wreak havoc and worry in their targets, making it hard for authorities to react in time. The component of surprise likewise allows terrorists to acquire the advantage in a conflict, as they can introduce attacks without offering their challengers the opportunity to prepare. Additionally, surprise attacks can be used to get publicity and spread their message, as the media frequently covers such occasions. In conclusion, surprise is a powerful tool in the hands of terrorists, and it can be used to destructive effect.
"In order to govern, the question is not to follow out a more or less valid theory but to build with whatever materials are at hand. The inevitable must be accepted and turned to advantage"