Who is the terrorist? Who is the freedom fighter?

August 7, 2026

The old adage… “one person’s terrorist is another person’s freedom fighter” highlights the double standard that a group may be seen as violent criminals while others perceive them as liberating heroes. Perception and position is the determinant. The power of definition lies with the dominant party, political power and media narratives. This double standard along with international alliances and geopolitical interests dictate which groups receive recognition as legitimate resistance movements and which are condemned. Ruling powers use the “terrorist” label to avoid addressing the political grievances or injustices that cause insurgencies. The use of the word “terrorist” by both sides of the current conflict between Hamas and Israel underline its ambiguity. It is worth remembering that Hamas won a majority in the Palestinian parliamentary elections of 2006 securing 76 out of 132 seats effectively running the Palestinian territory for decades defined by sieges, crippling blockades, neighbouring conflict and domination. So, yes, John Menadue, is correct the word “terrorism” is applied selectively to enemies of the US and its allies, turning a legal and moral category into propaganda that obscures state violence and normalises genocide. We must ask who is the terrorist and who is the Freedom Fighter in this case.