What's the difference between a terrorist and a freedom-fighter?

[petera1987]

This might actually be the answer

Seriously, I'd like to know. Isn't there an expression that goes, "One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter"? Wasn't Nelson Mandela considered to be a terrorist by the South African government back in the 1980's? Now he's seen as a hero. Then there is Che Guevara. Terrorist or freedom fighter?

[Anonymous]

No. Terrorists attack civilians to spread fear and chaos. A freedom fighter fights the system the actual people responsible for them not being free. You can never be considered a freedom fighter if you attack innocent people. Especially not if you go to other countries to do terrorism for your religion when it’s not the religion of those countries.

[purplepoppy]

The target. A freedom fighter engages in direct with his military or political opponents while a terrorist hits soft public targets. A freedom fighter would keep within International law as not to diminish his argument.

[Blueeyes81]

Perspective. If it's in your self interest they are freedom fighters. If it's someone else self interest then they are terrorists.

[jahaims]

When terrorists control a region they take away freedom. When freedom fighters control an area they given freedom

[Anonymous]

The difference is seven characters, nothing more.