--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We have to fight the terrorists as if…" description: "\"We have to fight the terrorists as if there were no rules and preserve our open society as if there were no terrorists.\" — Thomas Friedman" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ca/thomas-friedman-1784_fighting_we-have-to-fight-the-terrorists-as-if-th_1186359.png" --- # We have to fight the terrorists as if there were no rules… ![“We have to fight the terrorists as if there were no rules and preserve our open society as if there were no terrorists.” quote by Thomas Friedman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ca/thomas-friedman-1784_fighting_we-have-to-fight-the-terrorists-as-if-th_1186359.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ca/thomas-friedman-1784_fighting_we-have-to-fight-the-terrorists-as-if-th_1186359.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ca/thomas-friedman-1784_fighting_we-have-to-fight-the-terrorists-as-if-th_1186359.png) > “We have to fight the terrorists as if there were no rules and preserve our open society as if there were no terrorists.” [Thomas Friedman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-friedman/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Balancing security and liberty requires fighting terrorism without abandoning legal norms, while protecting open society without conceding to fear. **In simple terms:** Fight terrorism lawfully and protect freedoms. Key Takeaway Uphold rule of law while defending liberty. Themes security vs liberty terrorism open society legal norms Mood cautious urgent Type ethical political When to use this quote - policy making - law enforcement - public debate - education campaigns Key Concepts rule of law civil liberties counterterrorism strategies Questions to Reflect On - Can security be ensured without compromising freedom? - What safeguards protect open society? A Different Perspective Security measures can infringe on rights if not carefully checked. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Israel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/israel/) [Open society](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/open-society/) [Terrorists](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/terrorists/) ## Related quotes > [There are many who lust for the simple answers of doctrine or decree. They are on the left and right. They are not confined…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-bartlett-giamatti/there-are-many-who-lust-for-the-simple-answers-of-doctrine-or-decree/) [A. Bartlett Giamatti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-bartlett-giamatti/) > [The terrorists' only rules? 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