This study, using the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as an illustrative case, investigates whether terrorism has been used to achieve political goals. The study is important because if terrorism has been used in this manner successfully, it may be emulated by others attempting to achieve similar goals. The study begins with a generic discussion of terrorism and its growth from a national to an international problem. The PLO is then used as a case study to address how successfully terrorism has served as a tool to advance organizational goals from the PLO's formation to the end of the 1980's. The case study discusses the history of the PLO. Then it examines specific terrorist acts aimed at achieving recognition of the organization as the sole representative of the Palestinians by the Palestinians, Arab States, the international community, and --as a Key element of PLO strategy--the United States. Conclusions and implications are drawn from this examination. In light of the recent Gulf War and its impact on the PLO, an epilogue is included.

ADA 240132 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)