There is no good answer. After terrorist attacks, chaos, fear, mourning, anger and resolve follow. This is the natural sequence of human reactions to inhuman acts. We then offer all manner of contradictory calls for a response—vengeance, tolerance, security, freedom, airstrikes, negotiation, war, peace. But really, what can and should we do?
We cannot make ourselves invulnerable to such amoral acts of barbarism, because vulnerability is an inherent part of civilized society. No multitude of security services, eavesdropping agencies or intelligence-sharing efforts can stop every attack. Obviously.
And no military effort alone can eradicate this cult of death that has spread like a virus. It will take a multinational and multifaceted mobilization of resources—military, yes, but also poli...