This paper examines the Counter-terrorismOffice of the United States Government - an office which goes by the title, Office of the Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism.
Abstract This paper looks at the directives which guide the actions of the Office of the Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism, as well as its strategies and tactics, its various functions and programs and how the office is organized. The paper highlights how much changed in America after 9/11, especially for a government branch devoted to intelligence-gathering and to security. The paper discusses how the Counter-terrorismOffice has grown, with its associations with other government agencies, increasingly complex and involved.
From the Paper "Whatever the criticisms leveled against the Bush Administration's "War on Terror" by its critics, few can dispute that the United States must pursue a forceful policy against terrorist activities if it is to secure its safety at home and abroad. Certainly, recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the attention granted to anti-terror measures and institutions in light of the fact that 9/11 proved, once and for all, that America too is vulnerable to terror assaults. In addition to the heightened interest surrounding the anti-terror tools America had in place prior to 9/11, the last five-and-a-half years has borne witness to the creation of new institutions geared expressly to fighting terrorism - the National Counter-Terrorism Center chief among them."
Abstract The paper discusses the issue of terrorism as being the most stringent aspect of international politics, since the events of 2001 proved that terrorism is by no means a conventional threat and a conventional war cannot be waged against it. The paper states that it is important that a comprehensive approach on the matter be taken into consideration. The paper further discusses that the United States has been promoting a complex counterterrorism policy which includes the combination of various aspects of foreign policy. The paper focuses on the fact that pursuing a military unconventional warfare strategy in a diplomatic environment will only work, if there is synergy within the United States Government.
From the Paper "One of the first aspects to be taken into account is the issue of the global nature of the terrorist threat. In this sense, the United States has been widely considered a worldwide approach on the matter. This method of dealing with terrorism is obvious in the 2006 National Strategy for Combating Terrorism. More precisely, the document drew the guidelines for the activities of the US Government in its attempt to address the issue of terrorism. In this sense, among other aspects, the policy considers that action must be taken in order to "advance effective democracies as the long-term antidote to the ideology of terrorism; prevent attacks by terrorist networks; deny terrorists the support and sanctuary of rogue states; deny terrorists control of any nation they would use as a base and launching pad for terror; and lay the foundations and build the institutions and structures we need to carry the fight forward against terror and help ensure our ultimate success" . All these measures are taken in relation to two distinctive paths of action which in order to be effective, must be interlinked and combined. These two directions are the military and the diplomatic one."
This paper examines the article "The Lessons of International Cooperation in Counter-terrorism: Address to RUSI Conference in Transnational Terrorism, A Global Approach" by Anthony Cordesman.
Abstract The paper reviews "The Lessons of International Cooperation in Counter-terrorism: Address to RUSI Conference in Transnational Terrorism, A Global Approach" by Anthony Cordesman that discusses the need for international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. The paper looks at how Cordesman focuses on instances of cooperation and the lack of it in the past. The paper then points out that although Cordesman's work is logical, it is still merely the opinion of one expert on this subject.
From the Paper "Cordesman's article clearly addresses experts in the field of counterterrorism, through a developed set of points regarding historical lessons that have been learned with regard to the need for international cooperation in counterterrorism efforts and future suggestions about such communications. The author first points out discrepancies in the definition of terrorism that are dependant upon the intent or view of the individual or organization, then moves on to discuss seven points about international communication on counter terrorism."
A study of the development of international terrorism and counterterrorism, both in general and specifically, since the events of September 11th, 2001.
Abstract This paper focuses on the way counterterrorism and terrorism have changed since 9/11 and the growing role of the U.S. It also looks at the development of 'modern' terrorism and the possible consequences of the continuing War on Terror. It debates whetherr or not September 11th, 2001 can be seen as a day that changed the face of terrorism. It also discusses how since the invasion of Afghanistan, terrorist attacks have become more numerous and high profile although their basic purpose remains the same, to gain attention. It puts forward the view that what has changed about terrorism since 9/11 is the amount of media attention it now controls.
From the Paper "As well as presenting a recent point of reference for terrorist activity, the conflicts in Palestine and Northern Ireland also show two different ways of dealing with the problem, certain aspects of which have been adopted by the United States. In the case of Britain and Northern Ireland, the conflict is one of territory and security for those who want British rule. In Palestine and Israel however, the situation is based purely on territory. This difference in the foundation for the terrorist action seems to have dictated the way in which terrorism has been dealt with. Because of the presence of British citizens in Northern Ireland, and the small section of society that is involved in the unrest , it has been British policy in recent years to try and settle the situation through political sanctions and increased security measures to prevent terrorism."
This paper addresses the domestic measures and policies that have been taken to ensure the continued safety of American citizens against terrorist organizations.
2,150 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 7 sources, 2002, $ 80.95
Abstract This paper addresses the domestic measures and policies that have been taken to ensure the continued safety of American citizens against terrorist organizations. Overt aggression such as the war in Afghanistan shall not be a focus of this paper, for while such actions can indeed be termed as a counter to terrorism, they are not designed to directly counterterrorism but rather to remove the threat entirely in addition to acting as retribution. A focus shall be on the efficiency of the INS and on airline safety, for these two areas are believed to have been the greatest contributing factors to the events that occurred on September 11th. APA style.
Tags: POLITICAL SCIENCE / TERRORISM, counteringterrorism airports
Abstract This paper discusses possible strategies to counter the threat posed to the United States, by Osama Bin Laden. It describes the danger that Bin Laden poses in relation to his influence and his organization, Al Qaeda, and discusses previously used strategies and their success. It then goes on to discuss the option of using counter-terrorism to combat terrorist activities and reduce the risk of terrorism that Bin Laden poses.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Osama Bin Laden
From the Paper "Osama Bin Laden is the head of one of the most dangerous terrorist organizations; namely The Al Qa'ida organization. This organization is difficult to fight in conventional terms as it is characterized by its networking style of operation which makes the organization difficult to track and combat. (Al-Qaeda. Wikipedia.) Another factor which makes conventional military actions difficult is that the organization is also obscure in terms of its membership and leadership hierarchy. While Osama Bin Laden is the ostensible leader and symbolic head of the organization, the actual leadership structure is largely unknown. This leads to the realization that combating and countering Osama Bin Laden cannot be adequately achieved through formal military strategy."
Abstract The paper examines the article "Winning the "War on Terrorism"; The Need for a Fundamentally Different Strategy" that is a detailed analysis of the counterproductive nature of the current state of international counter-terrorism. The paper explains Cordesman's assertion that the struggle against terrorism is not military or secular, but is a war that must be fought from within Islam at an ideological level. The paper notes that this work is limited since it presents logical findings of just one expert on the subject.
From the Paper "Cordesman's article is a detailed analysis of the counterproductive nature of the current state of international counterterrorism. The work stresses that the current aggressive actions of the West coupled with the inaction of the Middle East create a counterproductive strategy that intensifies terrorism, rather than reducing it. The first point made by Cordesman is that the West identifies terrorism as a global situation, while in reality there are several smaller regional situations, that have little international effect and that any kind of terrorism that can be correctly labeled as global, in its effect is that that is spurned on by Islamist extremism, which he even more specifically identifies as neo-Salafi Sunni Islamist extremism."
Abstract This paper asserts that homegrown or domestic terrorism is the greatest challenge for American counter-terrorism policy. The paper argues that there needs to be a greater focus on homegrown terrorism in light of the evidence of this growing threat. The paper begins by defining domestic terrorism and then goes on to explore the main reasons that this threat is growing.
Table of Contents:
The Threat Of Domestic Terrorism The History Of Homegrown Terrorism Conclusion
From the Paper "However, as we explore contemporary history we find that evidence of domestic terrorism and the aims of the homegrown groups and individuals are not diminishing. In fact instead of domestic terror decreasing in the aftermath of 9/11, there are many experts who are of the view that domestic terror groups are in fact learning from and emulating eternal groups like al-Qaeda; and are in the process of becoming an even greater threat than before. "Experts say domestic terrorism is becoming more dangerous as groups adopt looser organizational structures similar to that of the al-Qaeda network, plan larger attacks, and consider turning to weapons of mass destruction." (American Militant Extremists)"
Abstract This paper discusses several of the problems in the Middle East which are related to politics, violence, terrorism and leadership. It specifically focuses on the concept of counter-terrorism and if it can be successful in promoting peace in the Middle East. The paper concludes by discussing what the writer believes can be done in that area of the world to promote peace.
From the Paper "While making peace with the organization may be possible at a future date, I believe there is currently too much hatred by the members towards Americans for that to be possible. Also, as long as bin laden is alive and not captured he will continue to pump up anti American sentiment. Once he is captured however, and sent to prison I believe there will eventually be a chance to make peace with that organization and perhaps turn it toward positive community actions on a worldwide basis and affecting changes through non violent and legal methods."
Abstract After the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the United States went on the offensive against Afghanistan, its Taliban leadership and Al Qaeda. Since then, the "war on terror" has expanded to include Iraq, despite the lack of evidence of weapons of mass destruction on their part or of a link between Al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein. The paper shows that, although as an American it is easy to see why the government would want to combat terrorism, the policies and actions taken by the United States have not been the best for reducing the threat of counter-terrorism
From the Paper "The most obvious place for improvement in the United States counterterrorism policy is in the dominant position that the United States insists on taking in such situations. Such an attitude limits the ability of government officials to understand the underlying causes of acts of terrorism against the United States. While it would not necessarily improve the state of affairs to negotiate face to face with terrorist groups, it would certainly be useful to carefully consider the background and experiences of those groups that choose to terrorize the United States."
Tags: Bush, propaganda, hostages, troops, World, Trade, Center
Abstract This paper argues that the U.S. Department of Defense and other branches of the federal government capitalized on the fear of another terrorist attack, by erecting a series of security measures since September 11. The most notable of these is the USA PATRIOT Act (HR-3162), passed in October of 2001 which stands for ?Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism.? The paper explains that the USA PATRIOT Act permits wiretapping without judicial orders, deportation of legal residents of the United States based on suspicion, secret searches of citizens? offices and homes and measures. The paper argues that many of the permissible acts included in the USA PATRIOT Act are discriminatory and that there is nothing "patriotic" about violating Fourth Amendment rights or stripping ordinary citizens from their basic civil liberties. The paper shows that these bills and laws offer a lot of power to the FBI, the police and to other governmental bodies. millions of Americans are still willingly surrendering their personal rights and freedoms in favor of a false sense of security. Finally, the paper argues that the aura of paranoia that currently pervades the United States fuels the fascist-like measures supported by Attorney General Ashcroft, measures which have far-reaching implications for American citizens.
From the Paper "The problem with this approach is that the civil rights of American citizens, legal residents, and visitors is violated. Most Americans would be willing to undergo enhanced security checks at airports. In fact, Gore Vidal, in his article ?The New War on Freedom,? cites a CNN/Times poll conducted a few days after the terrorist attacks of September 11 which showed that 74% of people believe ?it would be necessary for Americans to give up some of their personal freedoms,? (Vidal). However, in the wake of the terrorist attacks, the federal government was able to sneak the USA PATRIOT act by Congress and the American people. Without protest, Americans are giving up their power to law enforcement agencies, under the assumption that some loss of freedom is necessary."
Tags: death, penalty, Muslim, Department, of, Justice, INS
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the issue of the new terrorism threat. Specifically, the paper examines the strategies implemented to counter the new terrorism threat (post 9/11) and whether these strategies have been successful. It also looks at many possible long-term strategies to counter this new terrorism.
Outline:
Protections Already in Place
Protecting Internal Hubs
Target Hardening and Displacement
Chemical and Biological WMDs
Container Security
Future Strategic Theories
From the Paper "One way to do this is to enlist the aid of other Middle Eastern nations and their moderate populations. Mockaitis states, "Finally, the moderate majority in key Arab states must be persuaded to support the war or to at least stop supporting Al Qaeda. This last task will be the most difficult to achieve since it requires some significant changes in US foreign policy." So far, gaining the support of other Middle Eastern countries has not been accomplished, and those that do have good relations with the West often suffer attacks inside their borders from terrorist organizations. This is true of Saudi Arabia, who Osama bin Laden feels has turned its support to the West and so has become a nation of infidels. Many experts recommend a change in U.S. foreign policy to gain more support from Arab nations and their populations, rather than driving them away with actions such as the invasion of Iraq, which has resulted in animosity toward the U.S. by many nations around the world, including the Middle East neighbor, Iran."
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 counterterrorism 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 In this article, the writer notes that the September 11th attacks on United States soil affected all levels of law enforcement including the private security sector. The paper asserts that, since 2001, many changes have been made but there is plenty of room for improvement, especially in the private sector of security. The writer notes that as all levels of law enforcement continue to receive training on how to combat terrorism, the security industry continues to lag behind on both the training side and the wage level side. The writer maintains that the security industry is often over-looked when it comes to the discussion of combating terrorism. The writer concludes that if a security officer were to receive the proper training similar to what some police officers receive, it could increase the effectiveness in combating terrorism.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Private Security on the Front Lines
Administrative Change in Private Security
Cost of Policy Implementation
Support Needed for Policy Recommendation
Conclusion
From the Paper "Unfortunately such recommendations would not come without a cost increase. Contract security officers usually receive a percentage of what the client pays the company for security services. So for example, if a client pays a security service $23 an hour per head (if the site had multiple officers working at once), a security officer most likely is to make around $9 - $10 an hour. The other issue that often arises in terms of training for contract security is what is known as billable and un-billable. There are only certain services that a client is willing to pay for which is known as billable. Anything additional is known as un-billable and comes directly out of the pocket of the security company. In terms of training, most security companies are reluctant at the expense because it erodes the bottom-line."
Abstract This paper explains that many companies have developed counter-terrorist technology for commercial applications to government, airlines, shipping ports and other easy and potential targets; two of the biggest ideas in counter-terrorist technology include biometrics and nanotechnology. The author points out the PACE project shows that biometrics may be the way to keep countries safe from known terrorists by utilizing technology such as facial scans, which work by measuring distances between lips, nose, eyes, and other features to determine whether someone's face actually matches a scan previously taken. The paper states that nanotechnology has not really taken off, but efforts are being applied to make some commercial applications using this technology.
From the Paper "One of the companies that is working hard to bring biometrics to the forefront of counter-terrorism technology is Fingerscan Pty Ltd, which is a subsidiary of a larger identification and biometrics company based in California. Fingerscan is working toward using fingerprint recognition technology to identify and authenticate individuals. Most of this technology would apply to banks and other high security areas where fraud and deceit can sometimes be problematic. However, after the terrorist attacks, it is clear that this type of scan will likely be utilized in even more commercial applications to ensure that individuals who come into a country are who they claim to be. This could be vitally important and have far-reaching applications for the counter-terrorism concerns that plague many countries today, and could keep many safer."
Tags: fingerprint, nanotechnology, biometrics, scan, face
