Abstract
The paper discusses how terrorism has become an international phenomenon due to modern means of technological and digital communication. The paper then explains the need to create a counterterrorism strategy that is defensive but also includes a proactive and integrated approach to the causes that motivate terrorist actions.

Outline:
Introduction
Understanding Causes and Communication
Technology and Counterterrorism
Conclusion

From the Paper
"It is true that terrorism is not a new phenomenon in human history. Terrorist acts and tactics as a means of attaining social and political ends have been recorded throughout human history. There are however a number of critical differences between the terrorism of the past and modern terrorism. One of these differences is that modern terrorism makes use of contemporary technology, such as computers and the Internet. As one commentator on terrorism states; "....while terrorism has a long history; the current wave of this form of violence has been given impetus by a series of new developments in the post-World War II period. Any analysis of terrorism in the contemporary world must begin with a discussion of these developments" (Evans, 1979, p. 11)."

Tags:terrorism, jihad, cyber-terrorism, communication

Abstract
The paper discusses the targeting of Arab organizations by law enforcement and relates that, depending on the nature, imminence and potential severity of documented terrorist threats, national security concerns may ultimately outweigh aspects of due process. The paper then looks at the rights of an American citizen captured in the United States in the act of perpetrating terrorist violence and explores the concept of just war with respect to terrorism. The paper discusses the government's authority to conduct criminal investigations of educational, religious and charitable organizations and concludes with a criticism of the Patriot Act in its current form. The paper argues that in light of its overbroad provisions allowing unconstitutional acts by government authorities under the guise of counterterrorism, the Act requires significant revision.

Outline:
Infiltrating Arab Organizations
Balancing Civil Rights and Protections in the Age of Modern Terrorism
The Concept of Just War in the Age of International Global Terrorism
Balancing National Security Concerns and Constitutional Rights
The USA PATRIOT ACT

From the Paper
"The mere fact that the greatest terrorist threat to the United States comes from radical extremists within the Arab world does not, by itself, justify indiscriminant law enforcement attention to Arab-Americans or the widespread targeting of Arab-American institutions for law enforcement infiltration efforts. However, the overwhelming evidence establishes without doubt that financial support for al-Qaeda and various other terrorist groups with express intentions to perpetrate large-scale terrorist acts against the US homeland and US interests abroad is rampant throughout the American Muslim community and its social and religious organizations (Evans, 2007; Larsen, 2007)."

Tags:Constitution, security, just, war, Patriot, Act, Muslims, radicals

Abstract
The paper looks at how the US Food and Drug Administration has on its website a counterterrorism initiative that admits that there are five critical challenges that need to be met effectively in order to protect Americans from the threat of bioterrorism. The paper explains that rapid response and increased security of food and drug imports are the main goals of the FDA's initiatives. The paper also discusses how the FDA has plans to step up the monitoring of import procedures and increase inspection of the food and drugs imported into the US.

From the Paper
"The importation of drugs into the U.S. after they have been exported is an unsafe practice because it can provide an opportunity for terrorists to organize an attack. The possibility of terrorists utilizing internet drug companies to create an avenue for an attack is a realistic concern. The unpredictability and wide variety of ways that potential acts of terrorism can be devised complicates preparedness and the ability to quickly and effectively respond to such an attack (Counterterrorism, 2004)."

Tags:safety, bioterrorism, counterterrorism

Abstract
This paper evaluates the historical development of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The paper highlights the limitations of the Act and suggests that without recent legislative changes--such as the Patriot Act (2001) and the Terrorist Surveillance Program of 2006--the Act was significantly deficient in providing useful intelligence for counterterrorism efforts.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
What is FISA?
Olmstead v. U.S. (1928)
Katz v. U.S. (1967)
U.S. v. U.S. (1972)
1994 Amendment
PATRIOT ACT
NSA Surveillance Program
Conclusion

From the Paper
"There can be little doubt that FISA must be changed and modernized, in order to more effectively combat the threat of international terrorism and ensure the security of the nation. Dra-matic changes in communication technologies in the last thirty years have made many of the pre-conceptions FISA was based on utterly obsolete. Without adapting to the changes in technology, as well as changes in the sources of threats to national security, FISA might be reduced to little more than another anachronistic law. It is important, then, that FISA be critically examined and updated so that it can better respond to the threat of international terrorism and the means of communication that terrorists will inevitable utilize to further their goals."

Tags:NSA, Patriot, surveillance, authority

Abstract
This paper takes a look at U.S. efforts to fight domestic terrorism and contends that there are good reasons why no law enforcement agency should lead the counterterrorism effort in this country. With a critical view of the FBI's role in counterterrorism, the paper notes that the crucial constitutional rights protecting against unwarranted searches and seizures and compelled testimony against personal interests specifically prohibit any government entity with punitive responsibilities from conducting thorough investigations of the type required to prevent terrorism before it happens. Meanwhile, the paper continues, as the wrong type of agency has been in charge of the counter terrorism element of homeland security, the federal government appears completely unprepared to provide effective emergency management and critical assistance in times of need, the effort to protect commercial aviation reflects a critical waste of resources in relation to its benefit, and the nation remains increasingly vulnerable to a nuclear holocaust, because of several key aspects of a conceptually flawed approach to counterterrorism. The paper concludes with the hopes that the new presidential administration might consider reevaluating the choice of the FBI as lead counterterrorism agency, tighten security at airports in more meaningful ways, and abandon the nonsensical focus of border interdiction as pertains to nuclear material in favor of more sensible measures designed to reduce more dangerous existing vulnerabilities in that regard.

Outline:
Introduction
The Federal Bureau of Investigation as Lead Counterterrorism Agency:
Commercial Aviation
Border Protection and Radiological and Nuclear Material Interdiction Strategy
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"Since its inception, the FBI has featured a decentralized structure, whereby approximately fifty individual field offices distributed throughout the nation with equal authority and operational responsibilities conduct independent investigations in all fifty states. Whereas this design is well suited to the retrospective investigation of local criminal activity for the purpose of apprehending and successfully prosecuting criminals after the fact, it is the wrong type of organization for leading a national effort of
preventing terrorism (or any other crime) before it happens."

Tags:counterterrorism, intelligence, fear, government

Abstract
The paper examines the roots of radical Islamism and the goals and objectives of al Qaeda. The paper discusses the counterterrorism effort to deal with al Qaeda and describes how many of the manifestations of terrorism fall squarely within the parameters of civilian law enforcement authority. The paper points out, however, that even the best-designed law enforcement response to the current radical Muslim/al Qaeda terrorist threat requires military readiness and response to eliminate the terrorist training facilities and the international weapons black market.

Outline:
The Roots of Radical Islamism
The Goals and Objectives of al Qaeda
Dealing with al Qaeda Appropriately

From the Paper
"This is understood even in the West where many analysts hold differing views on the specific reasons that militant Islamic radicals have such hatred for the West and for the United States in particular. According to some observers, militant Islam has no interest in the way Westerners live their lives in this part of the world, provided we do not interfere with Middle East affairs through our foreign policy. In that view, Islamic radicals do not hate us because of who (or what) we are, but only what we do in their lands (Scheuer, 2004). Other Western observers believe that view is naive and that while radical Islamists certainly do hate us because of what we do, they also hate us for who we are because the typical Western way of life if offensive to God and to good Muslims regardless of where it occurs in the world."

Tags:counterterrorism, military, law, enforcement

Abstract
The paper explains the fundamental legal problem with police profiling but illustrates when profiling is certainly a legitimate policing tool. The paper then explores the problem of racial and ethnic profiling from the perspective of counterterrorism. The paper explains that the justification for infringing on the due process and equal protection rights of Islamic individuals is that there is a logical basis behind the increased focus on such people.

Outline:
Background and History of the Problem
The Fundamental Problem with Police Profiling
Profiling as a Legitimate Policing Tool
Racial Profiling and Domestic Terrorism in the 21st Century
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Due process of law is one of the most fundamental concepts in American constitutional law. The right of citizens to live free from the threat of arbitrary or partial enforcement of law by government authorities was foremost on the minds of the Founding Fathers (Dershowitz 2002), inspired by the Colonial experience under British rule preceding the War of Independence. It is expressed in the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution with respect to the federal government and, since 1914, has been applied to the states through the Equal Protection Clause of Fourteenth Amendment (Friedman 2005)."

Tags:civil, liberties, due, process, counterterrorism, Muslims

Abstract
This paper explains that, since 9/11, the U.S. law enforcement agencies, especially the American intelligence gathering organizations, have been given unparalleled powers to curb extremism and to prevent another terror attack. However, the author relates, the Congress and Senate have done little to create a complete counterterrorism policy for the country. The paper recommends some constructive policies for establishing comprehensive counterterrorism laws and procedures.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Counterterrorism and Intelligence
Defining Terrorism
Policy Considerations
With Regards to Preparation
Working towards Change That Begins from Bottom-Up to Encourage Incubation
Strong Insight
Evaluation of Policy Success
Elaborated Counterterrorism Policy Analysis
Resourcefulness in Policy Making
Support from the Top Management to Execute Policies
Training of Intelligence Officers
Promotions, Compensation and Rewards
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The US Congress and senate have played the role of more or less a spectator throughout this debacle. Seven and a half years have passed since 9/11 and US still does not have a comprehensive policy with regards to how terrorism should be tackled institutionally both within and outside United States. The Supreme Court who has the power to interpret the constitution states very strenuously, "Congress has an indispensable role to play in establishing democratically legitimate policy in counterterrorism." In addition, Anderson (2006) critics the manner in which counterterrorism has been handled by the law making body in America."

Tags:database, legal hurdles, preparation incubation enforcement

Abstract
This paper focuses on the comprehensive changes to U.S. domestic security that were inspired by the 2001 terrorist attacks of September 11th, including the establishment of a new agency headed by a new presidential cabinet, and a restructuring of more than a dozen intelligence agencies. The paper asserts that the response of the Bush administration to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 may have reduced the threat of domestic terrorism in various narrow areas, but at unjustifiable expense, especially in light of better uses of the same funds and resources in the interest of national security. The paper also explains that commercial aircraft are better protected against similar attacks, but gaping security lapses still exist in many U.S. airports and constitutional limitations compromise the effectiveness of more appropriate passenger screening criteria and guidelines. The paper concludes that creation of JTTFs and law enforcement fusion centers was worthwhile, but many other aspects of U.S. counterterrorism efforts instituted since 2001 have not actually enhanced domestic security substantially, particularly in proportion to their costs.


Outline:
Background and History
Enhanced Security Since September 11th 2001
The Fallacy of Border Protection-Based Domestic Security Efforts
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"Finally, the focus on physical borders is no longer appropriate in the 21st century information age. It is no longer the case that enemies of this nation need to cross a physical border to accomplish their mission. In the information age, cyberterrorism poses a tremendous threat to every facet of domestic security and to crucial elements of ordinary business operations and municipal functions and services. Particularly in light of several disturbing indications of existing vulnerabilities of private-sector, government, and even U.S. military computer networks to malicious intrusion (Evans, 2007; Larsen, 2007), the funding and other resources dedicated to other components of border security would be much better spent on safeguarding crucial computer infrastructure and networks from cyberterrorism that recognizes no national borders."

Tags:terrorism, war, twin, towers, 2001

Abstract
The paper refers to the September 11, 2001 terror attacks to show how the terrorism today is characterized by increased sophistication, mainly in terms of technology and communications. The paper then discusses the counterterrorism process that likewise must involve communications and communications-related technologies as well as human resources. The paper emphasizes that by understanding the political and ideological motives behind terrorist groups and their methods, Americans can be prepared to address possible solutions and their efficacy in a wide range of scenarios.

From the Paper
"Terrorism reached a new low the morning of September 11, 2001 when perpetrators used three hijacked commercial jets as weapons of mass destruction. Yet terrorists had been plotting against the United States and its allies long before that date and continue to plague freedom-loving citizens of the world. What the events of September 11 marked was the beginning of a new war on terror, a new definition of warfare that would rely less on traditional battlefronts and more and more on technology and advanced intelligence-gathering. The terrorist attacks of September 11 also brought to attention the severity of the threat that fundamentalist Islam had been posing for decades. Until September 11, 2001 that threat had been underestimated or at least it had been in the mainstream media. The new terrorism is characterized by increased sophistication, mainly in terms of technology and communications."

Tags:technology, communications, cyberterrorism, propaganda