Specials Can Attack

The original rules are usually taken to read that an attack is something made by a basic combat card and that special cards do automatic damage as opposed to attacking. This becomes particularly relevant when, for example, one of the characters in a duel has a special card that prohibits another character from attacking.

Specials Can Attack I – Specific Specials

Only the special cards that specifically use the word "attack," such as Boba Fett's THERMAL DETONATOR are to be considered as attacks. All other special cards, such as Emperor Palpatine's FORCE LIGHTNING, are not to be considered as attacks and may be played even if that specific character may not attack.

Specials Can Attack II - All Specials

If one character may not attack another character,. for example as a result of Yoda's FORCE LIFT, that character may not use any combat or special cards that result in the other character taking any damage.

Examples

Yoda and another character vs Boba Fett and Darth Vader. Yoda plays FORCE LIFT against Boba Fett and Darth Vader.

Under SCAI above, Fett may not play WRIST CABLE or THERMAL DETONATOR since both cards specify that they do "damage to any one chaacter Boba Fett can attack." Vader, on the other hand, may still play WRATH against Yoda and his colleague, causing 2 damage, or could THROW DEBRIS for 4 damage against Yoda. He could even CHOKE an opposing minor character for 6 damage. 

Under SCAII above, none of these cards could be played since they are attacking another player. Vader and Fett can draw cards or heal but may not cause damage to Yoda and his colleague in any way.

SCAII, therefore, makes cards such as FORCE LIFT significantly more powerful and understands the word "attack" to mean anything that causes damage.