Terrorism in America Position Paper 1 CJUS 380 Kenton Shatzer ✓ Solved

Have you forgotten what happened on 9/11 and do you ever wonder what the United States could have done to ensure that the terrorist attack did not happen on that faithful day? 9/11 was not the first terrorist attack on the United States and it was not the last. On April 14, 1972, in New York City, “ten members of a local mosque phoned in a false alarm and then ambushed responding officer, killing one.” (TheReligionofPeace.com, 2015). In Moore, OK on September 25, 2014, “A Sharia advocate beheaded a woman after calling for Islamic terror and posting an Islamist beheading photo” (TheReligionofPeace.com, 2015.). So what is terrorism? “There are more than 100 definitions of terrorism in the literature. The United Nations defines terrorism as 'an anxiety-inspiring method of repeated violent action, employed by clandestine individual, group or state actors, for idiosyncratic, criminal or political reason, whereby- in contrast to assassinations- the direct targets of violence are not the main targets” (Bullock, Haddow, & Coppola, 2013, Pg. 490). The problem with terrorism is that terrorists want to attack when their target is not ready, but also when there is a large crowd that will be watching and knowing that the attack will kill and injure many innocent people. So how can terrorist attacks be stopped or be limited? Can countries stop terrorists from attacking their countries? The learner of this paper firmly believes that countries can limit and stop terrorist attacks.

Like stated above, terrorism has been around since the first attack in 1972 and has continued to present day when the last terrorist attack was in September 2014. “The largest act of international terrorism occurred on September 11, 2001, in a set of coordinated attacks on the United States of America, where Islamic terrorists hijacked civilian airliners and used them to attack the World Trade Center towers in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, DC” (Terrorism Research). Since 9/11, the United States has cracked down and created new laws to help protect American citizens. The learner firmly believes that the laws have enhanced the security and protection of the United States and the citizens. The United States government created a new policy after 9/11 known as 'Homeland Security,' and in this new policy is an act called the USA PATRIOT Act. The Bush Administration passed this act and also updated electronic surveillance rules which allowed “warrants to intercept individuals even if they frequently changed phones, and to grant access to internet communications on the same basic terms as applicable to traditional telephone communications” (Chertoff, 2011).

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its many partners across the federal government, public and private sectors, and communities across the country and around the world have worked since 9/11 to build a new homeland security enterprise to better mitigate and defend against dynamic threats, minimize risks, and maximize the ability to respond and recover from attacks and disasters of all kinds (Department of Homeland Security, 2011). Since 9/11, the DHS has changed and updated air travel in order to prevent terrorist attacks, and they have also improved passenger screening. DHS has created a database where passenger information and name record data to help keep out terrorists and this program has “denied entry to the United States for having ties to terrorism” (Department of Homeland Security, 2011.). Before 9/11, there were limited requirements for explosives screening, but that has changed. Today, 100 percent of all passengers’ baggage and carry-ons are checked before any bag or person can enter the main part of the airports. “Through the Recovery Act and annual appropriations, TSA has accelerated the deployment of new technologies to detect the next generation of threats, including Advanced Imaging Technology units, Explosive Detection Systems, Explosives Trace Detection units, Advanced Technology X-Ray systems, and Bottled Liquid Scanners” (Department of Homeland Security, 2011).

The new policies, acts, and laws do not stop at the federal level of government, but they extend to the state and local governments. All levels of government agencies have been trained in case of an attack would happen and have been trained to prevent attacks. The learner believes that with all levels of government being ready to prevent terrorist attacks, then attacks on America will decrease which means that the protection has increased. The learner also believes that everyone should stand together to prevent attacks against the U.S. and should follow all laws and guidelines that the government has set forth.

On Tuesday morning at 8:45 a.m. on September 11, 2001, a 20,000 gallons jet fuel, Airline Boeing 767 loaded crashed in the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. Eighteen minutes later, another airplane crashed into the south tower near the 60th floor. Both of these planes instantly killed hundreds of people while injuring thousands and trapping hundreds of people. Once the towers hit the World Trade Centers, Americans knew that the United States of America was under an attack, but this was not the end of this attack as two more planes crashed. This terrorist attack has forever changed the lives of everyone in the United States and has changed the United States government. Laws, policies, and upgrades have been put in place since 9/11 in order to prevent any more terrorist attacks. The learner believes that the United States has set forth strong laws and policies that will enhance the protection of the citizen of the American people.

Paper For Above Instructions

Terrorism continues to be a significant threat to nations worldwide, especially in the United States, as highlighted by historical events and the ongoing evaluations of counter-terrorism strategies. The United States has experienced numerous terrorist attacks throughout its history, with the most pivotal being the September 11 attacks in 2001. Understanding the nature, causes, and consequences of terrorism is fundamentally essential in order to develop and implement effective prevention strategies. This paper purports that while terrorists attempt to infiltrate nations, countries can utilize proactive measures, legal frameworks, and public awareness to significantly reduce the risks and impacts of terrorism.

One of the notable features of terrorism is its multifaceted nature. The United Nations has established a broad definition of terrorism, which encompasses violent acts intended to cause terror and instill fear among populations (Bullock, Haddow, & Coppola, 2013). This definition emphasizes that terrorism can originate from various actors, including individuals, groups, or state-sponsored agencies, thus complicating counter-terrorism efforts. Moreover, terrorism is often a tactic used by non-state actors to challenge established political systems, sow discord, or achieve ideological objectives. The incessant evolution of terrorist patterns necessitates an adaptive and responsive approach from governments and law enforcement agencies.

In response to the threats posed by terrorism, various policies and strategies have been implemented in the United States since 9/11. The establishment of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was a significant milestone in the nation's fight against domestic and international terrorism. The creation of the USA PATRIOT Act enabled authorities to enhance surveillance and monitoring capabilities, thus providing law enforcement with tools necessary for preventing terrorist operations (Chertoff, 2011). The risk assessment strategies and threat detection systems have been upgraded to ensure a broader reach and impact in counter-terrorism efforts.

Moreover, community engagement and collaboration have increasingly been recognized as pivotal in the fight against terrorism. State and local law enforcement agencies are now empowered to work closely with community organizations to foster trust and gather intelligence. This collaboration is vital, as it encourages individuals to report suspicious activities that may indicate the planning of terrorist attacks. Efforts to engage and educate communities about the signs of radicalization and the importance of public vigilance cannot be overlooked (Department of Homeland Security, 2011).

The augmentation of security measures at transportation hubs is a direct response to the vulnerabilities exposed by the September 11 attacks. Increased passenger screening processes at air travel checkpoints and the implementation of new technologies, such as body scanners and biometrics, have significantly heightened security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has played a vital role in establishing these new standards and continuously upgrading them in line with emerging threats (Department of Homeland Security, 2011).

In conclusion, the United States has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in its counter-terrorism endeavors following the devastating attacks on September 11, 2001. By understanding the evolving nature of terrorism, enhancing legal and operational frameworks, and fostering community partnerships, countries can effectively mitigate and respond to the threats posed by terrorism. Moving forward, cultivating a culture of vigilance, awareness, and coordination among various stakeholders is vital for enhancing national security and safeguarding the American people's values and way of life.

References

• Bullock, J., Haddow, G., & Coppola, D. (2013). Introduction to Homeland Security (4th ed.). New York, NY: Elsevier.
• Chertoff, M. (2011). 9/11 Before and After. Homeland Security.
• Department of Homeland Security. (2011). Preventing Terrorism and Enhancing Security.
• Terrorism Research. (n.d.). International terrorism and security research.
• TheReligionofPeace.com. (2015). Islamic terror attacks on American soil.
• Worley, D. (2003). Have you forgotten?
• Department of Homeland Security. (2011). Ongoing Efforts in Securing the Nation.
• American Civil Liberties Union. (2012). The USA PATRIOT Act: A Brief Summary.
• National Institute of Justice. (2015). Best Practices in Counter-Terrorism Deployments.
• Congressional Research Service. (2020). U.S. Policy on Terrorism: Overview and Analysis.