...Terrorism has been a focal point for the United States (U.S.) in the 21st century because of the threat terrorist organizations pose on homeland security. Since September 11th, 2001 (9/11), the U.S. has been on the offensive against certain foreign terrorist organizations, with a large focus on al-Qaeda. After a decade of fighting al-Qaeda, the U.S. felt as if it’s efforts in Iraq had been successful in terms of reforming the Iraqi government into a democracy, setting the country up to effectively combat al-Qaeda threats without the help of the U.S. However, upon the departure of the U.S. from Iraq, the tumultuous relationship between Shia and Sunni tribes escalated and soon a civil war was underway. This conflict gave rise to a new Islamic...
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...Terrorism as a true threat to national security in the United States Terrorism as a true threat to national security in the United States Terrorism is a true threat to national security. It brings human distress and goes beyond the direct suffering by causing fear in the population as a result of its cruel and unsystematic nature. It can be defined as the use of violence by a group or an individual to create tremendous worry and panic within a target population. The group undertakes the violent actions with the aim of compelling the target population into agreeing with their demands. It does this by targeting symbolic buildings and/or places (Ervine, 2010). It is extremely difficult to argue that terrorism is not a threat to the state and that the US has overly focused on it. The threat is true and has become more evident due to the increasing attacks that have claimed a lot of lives. It is covered extensively in the media and every US citizen lives with fear. It is a threat to innocent residents conducting their daily routines as the terrorist activities are aimed at them and not necessarily at the government (Wilson, 2010). Terrorism influences and is influenced by the political arena. It is linked to the government and has a wider scope of effects that reach beyond the targeted individuals. It mainly depends on the fear of the state’s general public and tries to achieve precise goals such as the freedom of political prisoners. A small group of individuals can...
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...create an effective counterterrorism grand strategy, states and governments need to identify what the aim of terrorism upon their state is, the terrorist’s goals and ultimately what they aim to achieve with these acts. Without identifying these areas states can’t introduce and effective counterterrorism strategy. This essay will focus on the policy objectives of the Australian government with their counterterrorism strategy, predominantly the changes made over the last decade as a response to new international terrorism threats. This essay will also look at the United States Counterterrorism policies and their objectives, as they have made some of the most influential decisions regarding counterterrorism over the last decade. In Australia the Criminal Code Act 1995 states that a terrorist act means an action or threat of action where the action causes certain defined forms of harm or interference and the action is done or the threat is made with advancing a political, religious or ideological cause. (Government, 2004) From this definition counterterrorism can be defined as the tactics, practices strategies and techniques used by governments and law enforcement to counteract terrorism acts. States use a variety of goals and subsequently sub-goals that determine their counterterrorism policies. These can vary greatly depending on the state’s political situation. Some of these goals can include getting rid of terrorism and the motivations and causes for it, preventing attacks...
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...on Terrorism When researching the world's current affair concerning terrorism, it is hard to say whether or not the global war on terrorism has been an effective one. Since the attack on the World Trade Centers in New York City on September 11, 2001, former president of the United States George W. Bush, vowed to defeat terrorism. Years later, this pledge has yet to be fulfilled, and even with the assistance of many countries worldwide, the threat of terrorism is still noticeable more than ever, which debate whether the global war on terror is achieving success. Besides, to entirely retain the topic, one must be knowledgeable with the definition of terrorism and it can be describe as an act of violence or threatened violence intended to spread panic in a society, and to bring about political changes. Terrorists do not actually live in their resident or native states, they also roam or wander to neighboring countries, and cities abroad and often go undetected. The organizing logistics and man power it takes to combat terrorism is massive, and it seems more obvious that the global war on terrorism is not succeeding due to the necessary three factors. First, that The United States has generated a terrorist haven in the Middle East. Second, international help for the global war on terrorism is diminishing. Third, since September 11, terrorism has been on the constant increase. Former American President George W. Bush on March 19, 2003, publicizes to the world that the United States...
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...Abstract Terrorism is a very complex term to define, and means different things to different people depending on the person you ask. For the purpose of this assignment the author will use the following definition for the term terrorism which is when individuals or groups/organizations use illicit force/violence or the threat of force/violence in an attempt to progress their personal or organization’s objectives with the government. There are multiple forms of terrorism including international and domestic. The author will analyze domestic terrorism, why in recent years there has been an increase in domestic terrorism, and how domestic terrorism has impacted the criminal justice system in America. Domestic and Foreign Terrorist...
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...A Historical View on Terrorism and Terrorist Ideologies A Historical View on Terrorism and Terrorist Ideologies Terrorism is a unique and frightening form of violence. Terrorism does not care if it is a time of peace, conflict, or war. One can never escape the threat of terrorism and it will most assuredly happen when one least expects it. A terrorist act is committed to bring down a great deal more than just a few buildings. Terrorists have what they believe with all their hearts to be a purpose behind their actions. Quite often there is such a deep rooted hatred imbedded into their souls that they feel they must act against the evils that haunt their lives (U.S. Army, 2000). The Department of Defense defines of terrorism as "the calculated use of violence or the threat of violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological" (U.S. Army, 2000). To put it into more simplistic and understandable terms, terrorism is committed for generally three main reasons: 1. Terrorist are against multi-party governments such as in the United States. 2. Terrorists are against specific religious groups. 3. Terrorists are against a person of a specific race. Terrorists come in every shape and size and terrorism is a tactic that may be used by any philosophy or by people with no philosophy at all, only objection. To assume there is a terrorist handbook that...
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...Effects of Terrorism HIS/ 145 May 08, 2013 Dr. Fontenot Effects of Terrorism Terrorism has become a global epidemic for communist and non communist countries. This paper will discuss what terrorism is and what effects it has on the American society. Terrorism is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as systematic use of violence to create a general climate of fear in a population and thereby to bring about a particular political objective. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation there is no single, university accepted definition of terrorism, terrorism is defined in the code Federal Regulations as Retrieved from (www.fbi.gov › Stats & Services) Reports and Publications “the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives” (28 C.F.R. Section 0.85). The F.B.I. states that there are two types of terrorism domestic and international while both definitions differing somewhat in opinion it can be said that terrorism is intended to create violent intimidation. Terrorism has affected not only Islamic countries, but it has brought America into its deadly realm as well. Leaders around the world are trying to find ways to comfort his or her citizens that their government is doing everything in his or her power to keep them safe from terrorist acts. The question remains unanswered as to how the United States got involved...
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...Terrorism is a very scary thing to experience and in the United States we have experienced it all too well. Terrorism is when someone or a group of individuals use the unlawful violence or force towards a person or their property in order to try to intimidate the government or to gain power. Terrorism is no stranger in America it didn’t recently start happening terrorism has been happening throughout modern history. When Americans think of terrorism they can relate to one big attack and that was 9/11 which left many American people afraid, hurt and even dead. After this major attack the FBI took a stand to protect the United States this is called the War On Terrorism in this paper the summarization of the goals of War On Terrorism in the criminal justice system will be explained and also the effective and ineffective initiatives that are associated with war against terrorism as well as the historical significance that it may impact. The effective initiatives associated with the War on Terrorism are that it has four goals to protect the United States and prevent further attacks. These four goals are defeating terrorist organizations, the denial of any other further sponsorship support, diminishing the underlying conditions that terrorist seek to exploit and at last defending U.S interest against terrorist attack. When most people think of terrorism they think of the 9/11 attack on the twin towers in New York where many Americans lost their lives. Since that attack the United...
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...Gordon October 7, 2010 Terrorism in America On September 11, 2001, Americans began their day as any other. This day started as an ordinary business day in the United States. However, on this day a deadly fate was placed on many American lives. At about 8:45am the World Trade Center was struck by a 747 commercial aircraft. At about 9:03am another plane was reported to have struck the south tower. The towers fell approximately an hour after the planes crashed into them. An estimation of approximately 3,000 lives was taken that day. This was labeled as a freak accident at first, but later relabeled as an act of terrorism. Terrorism is the use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, especially for political purposes. This act of terrorism has been the largest attack since Pearl Harbor. Many individuals can remember what they were doing when this tragedy took place. This disastrous event was just the beginning affects of terrorism on America. Terrorism has reached the top of the list on issues discussed amongst the news, radio, internet and even the ordinary citizens of America. The media especially, thrives on terrorism as if it is the only news available. The media’s focus on terrorism ranges from the Iraq bombing to new captures of Al Qaeda members. Individuals’ fear of terrorism draws their attention towards these topics. However, attention and focus on terrorism was not the only outcome of this event. The loss of revenue in the United States and the world has reach...
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...Terrorism The United States has opened the eyes of the global community to terrorism after the attacks of 9/11. These attacks, by terrorist group Al Qaeda, were aimed at the United States and the allies of the country, which is a little recognized fact. On September 11, 2001, more than 80 countries lost citizens in the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and one aircraft which thanks to its brave passengers would miss its intended target, undoubtedly saving many lives while unfortunately taking some of much value. After the world opened its eyes to this impending threat, it then responded with support for the United States in its newly forged battle. Because of this, the United States should show other nations the same support; terrorism, no matter where it takes place, is a global battle, and should be treated as such. Terrorists can attack anywhere at any time, so to sit back and not take action when another faces such ordeals as those taking place on 9/11 would be wrong, but not just that-it would also almost ensure that these acts continue on and on, never ending. It will take the combined efforts of nations to destroy terrorism. Counter terrorism is how a country responds to stop terrorism, and here too the international community is working together identifying and locating terrorists residing in varied places all around the world. The FBI, CIA, Department of Defense (all US organizations) are also aiding in the search. The United States leads the...
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...Homeland security is often something taken for granted by United States citizens and policy makers. Many felt that the United States was inherently immune to acts of terrorism until the tragic events that occurred on 9/11. Though time has elapsed since then, the impact of terrorism on the nation must not be forgotten. The importance of Homeland Security must continually be emphasized in order to make it a top priority for governing officials and citizens of the United States for the safety of its citizens and the ability to thrive as a nation. Now, more than ever, United States policy makers play a drastic role in Homeland Security. The threat of various WMD proliferation is growing exponentially with the numerous technological advancement...
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...Law 10 – May – 2010 Terrorism Is No Longer A Threat To The U.S. Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, many experts claimed that it only proves the vulnerability of the United States to big and devastating terrorists attacks. This means that even the United States is considered as the most powerful country in the world not only in terms of economic sustainability but also in military and intelligence capabilities, terrorists still can able to do terrorism acts to the country (Scheppler, 2005). Despite of this factor, it leads to the conclusion during those times that terrorism becomes a big threat to the peace and order, and security of the people of the United States. Generally, the even wanted to show that terrorism is a big threat that needs to be addressed by every country in the world. Today, due to the different efforts and actions made by the United States government since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, it was been claimed that terrorism is no longer a threat for the country. The different laws, programs, and the way the laws were implemented was claimed an effective effort to proactively avoid and eliminate the risk to once again attacked by any terrorists groups. This study will discussed and give points about the different efforts made the United States government in order to eliminate any threat of terrorists attacks in the country. Different points will be discussed and how it contributes to the conclusion that terrorism is no longer a threat to the country. ...
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...The History of Terrorism This comprehensive description for the history of terrorism analysis provides insight into the French and Russian revolutions expanding the terrorism knowledge to the Irish revolutionaries for political changes. The change of faces in terrorism activities shows as the left wing extremists slowly faded away with the collapse of the communism. The modern right wing extremist have an old history of using religious aspects as an excuse for killing innocent people to gain the political advantages. The future of terrorism takes a newer turn with the introduction for the weapons of mass destruction causing deaths of millions of innocents for the terrorist's statement, and mission. The development of the Department of Homeland Security and United States Patriot Act helped the Intelligence community, government agencies, and law enforcement departments provide viable information toward modern terrorism tactics. The fight for everlasting freedom becomes a combination of information resources working together toward the same objectives. Terrorism Phenomenon According to Jacqueline Carberry (1999), "the global terrorism phenomenon used for political aspirations, sometimes as freedom from oppression, and changing of governmental politics" (685). This phenomenon affects everyone in any city in the United States, and international world. The term terrorism has no boundaries or respect for the national and international world. Every government across the global community...
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...SEC/460 Introduction The purpose of this essay is to review and calculate the risk for bombs, sniper attacks, biological weapons, and cyber viruses and identify existing countermeasures in the State of Florida. Being a highly susceptible region for illegal immigration coming across the border, Florida has a close watch for terroristic threats. The following pages will review the threats and measures taken in the State of Florida. Domestic Terrorism Domestic terrorism can be defined as a threatened use, or unlawful use, of violence or force by an individual or group that is operating without any foreign direction within the country and as an act that is violent and dangerous to human life and also against the jurisdiction of the country (Terrorism, 2005). Explosives, weapons, and chemicals are common means of violence in terrorist attacks. As the appendix lists, there are several types of terroristic attacks that must be watched for such as bombings, sniper attacks, biological weapons, and cyber viruses and counter action and safety measures must be planned. Victims can are defined as society. This includes civilians, government workers, the military, first responders, or any stakeholder within the region being terrorized. While reasons for attacks can vary, political motivations along with religious differences and social ideas are the main culprits. When terrorists are planning attacks...
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...has helped remove many of the restraints that state sponsorship once imposed, terrorists can still enjoy the funding and protection that sponsorship provides”. The control of communication lines, extensive military capabilities, command of infrastructures such as pipelines, sophisticated military operations, management of complex administrative structures by the terrorist entities result of the terrorist group’ abilities to build a self-sustaining financial model. Recent terrorist attacks in Lebanon, France, Belgium and other places have demonstrated the ability to challenge the current international order, which already faced confidence and conscience crisis. Since the globalization has defied...
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