Negotiating with terrorists: A comparative analysis of three cases

This article examines three hostage taking incidents which marked the beginning of an era in the war against international terrorism. These cases are unique because all three were carried out by the same group, the Black September Organization (BSO), occurred within a nine month period, and were of the Barricade/Siege type. This study attempts to explain, by focusing on the Bargaining and Negotiations stages, the processes and outcomes of these events. The comparative analysis yields three findings: (a) There is an evolutionary process in these related cases, and all actors learn from their own and others’ mistakes; (b) Information is important but it is not always available, and it does not dictate the outcome; and (c) All cases involved pre‐determined operating guidelines for the perpetrators, permitting very little space for the actors to maneuver.