from The Utility of Terrorism, Considered with Respect to the Usage Made of It By Gianfranco Sanguinetti

Thanks to terrorism, the State and its political beneficiaries can, as if by magic, become “good” because – after sacrificing a small portion of the population – they can bravely, proudly and virtuously set themselves up as the protectors of the remaining people. Thus terrorism becomes the long-sought-after Philosopher’s Stone, something capable of sanctifying power, edifying politicians and whitewashing the Mafioso “protection” of their subjects, which is what all States hope to obtain.

http://www.notbored.org/utility.pdf