However, the recent operation has already had a very real effect in disrupting terrorist plans and degrading terrorist capabilities.

"By definition, it's just a pause, leaving terrorist capabilities in place, and letting them continue their planning for more attacks when the cease-fire ends."

"All concerned agencies share concern that exports not enhance Iran's military or terrorist capability," it says.

"But the Iraqis also have their own terrorist capability," he added.

Israel should not seek to take back the administration of Palestinian cities, but it must dismantle the terrorist capabilities located in these areas.

"They will have to get rid of all their terrorist capabilities," he said, acknowledging this could take years.

Other extremist groups, unrelated to the Northern Ireland situation, may aspire to campaigns of violence but lack developed terrorist capability.

"Israel is not looking for a Palestinian civil war, but expects to see real change - real action to halt terrorist capabilities."

Military-to-military contacts can help make HN officials advocates of potential operations against terrorist capabilities.

"Each scenario generally reflects suspected terrorist capabilities and known tradecraft," the document says.