Abstract This paper is an examination of the topic of terrorist assassinations and the advantages of assassinating terrorists rather than using military force to seek them out and bring them to justice. The writer presents the need to use assassinations as a measure for counter terrorism only and not as a preventative method. It gives a history of the use of terrorist assassinations, offering an exploration of state sanctioned assassinations. The paper analyzes support in the US for this policy and concludes that there is a place in US policy for counter terrorist assassinations in light of the new era of terrorism.
From the Paper "The world watched in hopeless horror when the WTC came down on 9-11-2001. When it was over thousands of innocent civilians were dead, billions of dollars in property damage was done, the Pentagon had been hit, and the nation's confidence had been shaken to the core. The terrorist attack on America triggered a worldwide hunt for the perpetrators and other terrorists who may threaten the nation in the future."
Abstract This paper looks at the assassination of prominent American figures, as well as terrorist attacks of Middle Eastern origin, such as 9/11. This paper also takes a look at the word 'assassin', its origin and its meaning.
Contents:
Assassinations A problem of Middle Eastern Origin
Could George Do What He Did?
Assassination Prior to 1975
Non-state Threats to National Security: Assassinating Thugs?
Assassination as "Alternative Justice
Conclusion
From the Paper "That was almost a decade ago, and terror suicide bombing had not stopped or even slacked off until the recent accords. So it must be asked whether assassination is ever truly fruitful in terms of diminishing attacks and enhancing national security. Silverstein offers another more extensive 'assassination' scenario to attempt to prove that it is.
During the Vietnam era, the United States CIA and South Vietnamese agencies ran a program to uncover and neutralize members of the Viet Cong who were "secretly directing subversion and terror campaigns in South Vietnam--communists who aimed to undercut the stability of South Vietnam's evolving proto-democracy" (Silverstein, 2001, p. 36+). It was regarded as a success, with about 33,000 Viet Cong incarcerated, 22,000 'turned' to another way of thinking, and 26,000 killed. Despite the fact that it offered options other than assassination, the program "turned out to be highly effective in eliminating terror and subversion in South Vietnam...[and] "The ranks of Viet Cong terrorists were thinned so drastically that the war became less of a counter-guerilla battle and more a struggle against invading regular North Vietnamese troops" (Silverstein, 2001, p. 36+)."
Abstract The paper states that the act of murder in any form is a tragic and often gruesome event. However, when it is a political leader whose life is taken, the incident acquires particular resonance. The paper explores some significant political assassinations which have occurred within the past 200 years. Specifically, time is devoted to a discussion of the assassinations of Abraham Lincoln, Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand and much more recently, the assassination of former Israeli leader Yitzhak Rabin in late 1995. In each instance, this paper examines why these killings took place, as well as the repercussions of these seemingly senseless murders.
Abstract This paper describes how Lyndon B. Johnson, with the help of J. Edgar Hoover and mob boss Carlos Marcello, was the only person with the motive, means and opportunity to assassinate John F. Kennedy.
From the paper:
"Just as with any other murder investigation, to uncover President Kennedy's killer, one must find the person(s) with the motive, means, and opportunity to commit the crime. As presented in class, Lee Harvey Oswald had none of these. Oswald possessed no motive. Despite his "defection" to the Soviet Union in 1959, Oswald bore no malice toward Kennedy or his administration. Oswald did not have the means to commit the actual murder, especially on his own. The official records of the assassination state that three shots were fired in 5.6 seconds from 60-80 yards away."
Abstract This paper discusses the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the prosecution of James Earl Ray The author includes recent evidence that sheds doubt on Ray's trial and conviction. The paper relates the impact of the assassination on the African-American community and American society.
From the Paper "The full page banner headline in 'The New York Times' the day following the assassination of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr read as follows: "MARTIN LUTHER KING IS SLAIN IN MEMPHIS. A WHITE IS SUSPECTED."
Tags:assassination, civil rights, racial discrimination, government, Jessie Jackson, James Early Ray, politics, protest, African Americans
Abstract This paper examines the John F. Kennedy assassination. The paper explains that the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963 has been shrouded in controversy for the past forty years. The paper discusses, however, that many researchers have concluded that the Central Intelligence Agency, or rogue elements within the CIA, were responsible for the murder of this popular American president. The paper explains that conspiracy theorists have been unable to provide conclusive proof of CIA responsibility, but they have been able to offer a significant amount of circumstantial evidence that seems to implicate the CIA.
From the Paper "The assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963 has been shrouded in controversy for the past forty years. But many researchers have concluded that the Central Intelligence Agency, or rogue elements within the CIA, was responsible for the murder of this popular American president. Conspiracy theorists have been unable to provide conclusive proof of CIA responsibility, but they have been able to offer a significant amount of circumstantial evidence that seems to implicate the CIA. In order to ascertain whether a CIA conspiracy to kill JFK is credible, it is necessary to examine a number of issues and to ask some pertinent questions. For example, did the CIA have a motive to assassinate President Kennedy?"
Abstract The paper discusses the assassination of John Fitzgerald Kennedy and examines the possibility of either the Mafia or the CIA to conspiring to kill President Kennedy. he author writes that the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald, discrepancies in the Warren Report, use of different firearms and ballistic information and key things missing in autopsy photographs all suggest a cover-up.
From the Paper " On November 22, 1963, the thirty-fifth President of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated. Seven days later on November 29, 1963, the newly sworn in President, Lyndon B. Johnson, formed a commission that would investigate the assassination. The Warren Commission, as it would later be known, was to evaluate all leads and facts surrounding both the assassination of the President and the assassination of his alleged assassin. After the investigation was complete, the information found was to be reported to the President. The Commission gave their findings to the President in the form of the Warren Report, as the chairman of the Commission was Earl Warren. President Johnson had appointed Warren, the former chief justice of the United States, to head up the Commission. The Commission was able to compile much of its information with the help of Federal agencies, the city of Dallas, and thousands upon thousands of testimonies from people associated with the case. The Commission concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald was the lone assassin of President Kennedy and that Jack Ruby had killed Lee Harvey Oswald."
Abstract This paper analyzes America's position regarding global terror and questions whether U.S. wars foster worldwide hatred of Americans. The writer of this paper contends that the ongoing U.S. war on terrorism is misguided and can only promise more terrorism as a result. This paper examines the fundamentals of terrorism, which need to be understood as a means of waging warfare, usually adopted by those who possess significant strategic and militaristic shortcomings. This paper details President Bush's stance on terrorism, which became clear at the September 2002 national debate. In his speech, of which various portions of the text are cited in this paper, Bush laid out what he believed to be the primary function of the U.S. government. While many people have applauded Bush's active policy against terrorism and supported his reasoning behind the war in Iraq, there are those, like former president Jimmy Carter who feel differently. This paper touches on Carter's 2002 speech in which the former presidents brought up a number of problems he had with the movement towards Iraq. This paper also discusses the manner in which the Bush administration has chosen a particular perspective, that is intended to justify the employment of the U.S. military as a tool in rooting out terrorism.
From the Paper "Not everyone has been as enchanted by Bush's war on terrorism as Charles Colson. Jimmy Carter, in his speech to the Nobel committee in December of 2002 brought up a number of the problems he sees with the movement towards Iraq as an aspect of the war on terrorism. He quotes Ralph Bunche as having said, "To suggest that war can prevent war is a base play on words and a despicable form of warmongering." A more concrete objection is the continued unilateral actions of the United States under the Bush regime. He states, "If we accept the premise that the United Nations is the best avenue for maintenance of peace, then the carefully considered decisions of the United Nations Security Council must be enforced." This is a criticism of Bush's continued assertion that the United States needs to continue working through the United Nations, while simultaneously operating without its support."
Tags: u.s., america, war, terror, terrorism, iraq, jimmy, carter, government, political, military
Abstract This paper attempts to take an even-handed approach to understanding international terrorism. The author presents three examples of terrorism and shows why an organization would resort to terrorist activities. The types of terrorism discussed by the paper include ideological terrorism, terrorism for the liberation of an oppressed minority and state sponsored terrorism. The author concludes that international terrorism is motivated by an organization's inability to use traditional, accepted, and legitimate channels of activity to accomplish the political, ideological, or religious goals of the group.
From the Paper "An example of ideological terrorism, the Baader-Meinhof group in Germany became a leading left wing group in West Germany. As West Germany was dominated by United States notions of democracy, the left wing Red Army Faction was thus going against the grain of society. Described by government forces as a terrorist group, it saw itself a military group who was forced to rely on urban guerilla tactics to achieve their aim. The roots of the organization were those who were originally students, but the opposition grew as Communism was outlawed and many ex-Nazi right-wingers came to assume political office. This growing threat of right wing influences in the government motivated the youth as did a series of inciting events including a death of a student, shot by a member of the military. The rising tension led to a strong left opposition and a right counter-response which led to the formation of the Red Army Faction. After training with the PLO, the Red Army Faction returned to stop the urban imperialistic course of Germany instigating a series of bank robberies and arson attacks. The actions of the Red Army faction culminated in the German Autumn in 1977 in which there were substantial amounts of deaths, an important hi-jacking with Arab ties, and the ultimately resulted in the death of many of the key members of the Baader-Meinhof Group. This time was a time of fear among Germans after World War II. The objectives were never clear, but the group was in opposition to the right wing tendencies of West German and was in support of a more leftist government. Thus it was an ideological war being fought that resulted in failure as there was fear, but not substantial gains made by the Red Army Faction. "
Abstract This paper addresses the problem in creating a comprehensive definition of terrorism, noting that defining terrorism more clearly is a beginning point for further discussion. How the term is defined can determine what solutions are offered. International terrorism creates particular problems because what is seen as terrorism in one context or by one particular observer may not be seen that way by another.
From the Paper "Terrorism is a label for various forms of political violence directed at a civilian population by a non-military group trying to spread terror in order to force some political end. Americans more and more use the term as short-hand for attacks by Muslim groups, but terrorism around the world may have nothing to do with a specific religious group or political structure at all. The target of terrorism has often been the West, but terrorism can be directed at any regime that some group wants to influence. The approach taken is to frighten the populace in order to force the government to capitulate to some demand, even to the extent of demanding a complete change not merely of leadership but of the very form of government and of political ideology."
Abstract This essay deals with the topic of terrorism, with focus on the events which occurred on September 11th. The author looks at topics such as the United States' role in the war on terror, the Palestinian perspectives as well as the impacts of such terror on the world. Includes various world leaders' viewpoints on the terror attacks.
From the Paper "Terrorism is a topic that has many different viewpoints. One group's actions can be considered a terrorist act to some while others perceive it as a fight for freedom. Terrorism has become a major world issue that has affected all nations in light of the September 11 attacks. To deal with such a broad issue, many opinions must be heard in order to have any chance at resolving the problems that terrorism causes us to face. This report investigates the different perceptions and views that world leaders, ordinary citizens, as well as the various militant groups have on this controversial subject. "
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the topic of terrorism. Specifically, it defines terrorism, how it occurs, what happens when it occurs, and the results of terrorism. In the discussion of terrorism, the author uses various examples of terror and terroristic acts.
From the Paper "Terrorism has a long and varied history, and political murder occurs as far back as the Bible. "The assassination of individuals has its origins in the prehistory of modern terrorism, but it is of course not quite the same. Historical terrorism almost always involves more than a single assassin and the carrying out of more than one operation" (Laqueur 10). Historically, groups have also engaged in terrorism since at least Biblical times. The "sicari," were an extreme group of Jews active after the Roman occupation of Palestine, who gave us the word "zealot." Secret terrorist societies have also existed in China and India since before recorded time. Clearly, terrorism is not a modern invention. It has existed for thousands of years, it has become more prevalent in modern times because terrorists have access to much more modern weapons, and can wreak extensive havoc, leaving their mark on thousands rather than just a few."
Abstract The writer of this paper details the large gap between what terrorists can do and how legitimate armies respond to terrorist actions. The writer contends and explains why the main goal of terrorist organizations are to destroy fighting units and lower the morale of citizens around the world. This paper examines the difference between terror and crime while citing the importance of labeling terrorism as warfare. This paper details the manner in which armies have had to alter their operations when dealing with terrorist organizations. The writer illustrates the emergence of terrorism which grew with the end of WWII. The writer delves into the issue of North Korea, which could be labeled as a terrorist nation, due to its nuclear capability. This paper also details the various offensive tactics available to the U.S army to combat terror, by way of technology and weapons. One useful vehicle in combating terror is the UCAV, Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle. This vehicle is essentially a fighter and bomber drone, that costs less to manufacture than manned fighters. Another example of warfare equipment is the Land Warrior, which is a digital system for infantrymen that combines a portable computer, GPS location finding equipment, laser range finder and communications network access.
Table of Contents:
The Modern Terrorist War
The Best Offense is a Good Offense
Conclusion
Endnotes
Works Cited
From the Paper "While the Vietnam war was an example to the American people, if not also the military, of how not to conduct a war in the age of terrorism, the Gulf War "was a supreme example of the power of superior technology. It was indeed the first war where, as one scholar puts it, 'brilliant munitions arrived'." But it was not a complete exercise in total war. It still pitted large masses of men and heavy munitions against each other on open ground. It looked much like a World War II battle, except for the equipment. Shortly after it, one critic noted, "America's fighting forces are still organized and armed to fight hard, fierce battles from fixed bases against an enemy that no longer really exists." The current war in the same region is proving that insight to be more accurate than not. In 2001, immediately after the terrorist attacks on New York City, Hinkle wrote that the nature of foreign threats was changing."
Tags:terror, war, north, korea, history, vietnam, world, war, two, combat, military
This in-depth paper analyzes the changing role of law enforcement administrators and agencies around the world in the face increasing global terrorism.
Abstract This well-researched paper opens with a comprehensive and historic look into both the American and British law enforcement agencies. The writer of this paper traces the origins of the British Sheriff's office back to the Norman Conquest which took place in 1066. This paper delves into the significant increase of international terrorism while focusing on the effectiveness of various law enforcement agencies in America and around the world in combating this growing problem. This paper discusses the views and opinions of several historians regarding the increase and decrease of crime and terror from the medieval times and up to the present. The writer of this paper examines specific historic events and their resulting impact on global terrorism including the fall of the Soviet Union, the Cold War and the 9/11 terror attacks. This paper analyzes the manner in which the Bush Administration moved to establish additional intelligence and enforcement cooperation among the existing agencies in order to more effectively face terrorist threats such as al-Qaida. This paper contains detailed and in-depth historical facts and dates relevant to this particular topic. This paper also examines the manner in which recent advancements and progress in technology are assisting law enforcement agencies around the world to thwart off potential threats of terror.
From the Paper "Various historians have offered various different reasons for the unexpected decrease in the crime rate during the comparatively modern times, and there were some who assumed that perhaps it was industrialization and urbanization and modernization that contributed to this phenomenon. There were some other scholars and researchers who theorized that in actuality crime had not diminished, but had in fact shifted form bodily assaults that were popular in those times, to crimes that were more or less closely related to property, which also indicated that the nature of crime had shifted from an innate scarcity and paucity, to a greater prosperity as well as a free availability of material goods and possessions during modern times. There is also another form of opinion, which states that the decrease in crime seemed to have happened irrespective of industrialization and urbanization."
Abstract The writer of this article discusses that the war on terror waged primarily by the United States against a variety of Islamic radical groups is arguably the dominant issue in the global community in the present day. The writer notes that while this war is conducted largely through the use of military forces there exists considerable debate whether this is the best means of combating terrorism. The writer points out that Benjamin Netanyahu in 'Preparing for the War on Terrorism' can be seen to argue that military means are the best way of defeating terrorism, while Bill Christison in 'Why the War on Terror Won't Work' argues that the military option will not work.
From the Paper The "War on Terror" - waged primarily by the United States against a variety of Islamic radical groups - is arguably the dominant issue in the global community in the present day. While this war is conducted largely through the use of military forces, there exists considerable debate whether this is the best means of combating terrorism. Benjamin Netanyahu, in "Preparing for the War on Terrorism," can be seen to argue that military means are the best way of defeating terrorism, while Bill Christison, in "Why the 'War on Terror' Won't Work," argues that the military option will not work and that we instead need to examine the "root causes" of terrorism.
