Abstract This essay discusses the role of media in the war on terrorism. The paper asserts that media provides a pre-packaged hysteria that has dominated both U.S. rhetoric and mainstream media, who, at times, are joining forces to create cynicism about the global war on terror. In short, it is a business, a product. If people are scared, they are going to want to know what is going on, driving both the medium and the message; even if it is, at times, difficult to tell exactly who is wagging the dog.
From the Paper "At a media event last fall, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld told soldiers at a Florida base how to combat growing confusion about the war on terror. Acknowledging that soldiers could find themselves fielding queries about America's goals, Rumsfeld briefed soldiers like a spin-doctor, printing off a figurative sound bite to keep handy in their hip pockets. "Tell those who ask such questions that you...are standing on the front lines to protect them and to safeguard their freedoms... And you can tell them something else: America is not what's wrong with this world."
Abstract This paper examines terrorism and argues that media coverage of terrorist acts inevitably leads to more terrorism, for global media coverage of terrorist attacks wins worldwide attention for terrorists, and this attention motivates them to launch more attacks. The paper argues that terrorism thrives on media coverage, and fades in influence and significance when media attention is diverted elsewhere. Subsequently, terrorist tactics and strategy are very media-oriented, for the mass media is seen by terrorists as a long-range weapon that can strike fear into their enemies, regardless of where they live.
Abstract This paper examines Middle East terrorism. It looks at how ever since the emergence of Middle East terrorism in the nineteen-seventies, it has become increasingly evident that terrorism thrives on media coverage, and tends to fade in influence and significance when media attention is diverted elsewhere. It discusses how subsequently, radical Islamic terrorist tactics and strategy are very media-oriented, for the mass media is seen by terrorists as a long-range weapon that can strike fear into their enemies, regardless of where they live.
Abstract In this 15 page paper the author takes a look at the attacks on the World Trade Center. He begins the examination by looking at how the media dealt with the event and the effect that this has had on people ? was it really necessary to show so much detail? Was the media coverage sensationalizing? The author moves on to examine the ethics of reporting and looks at the various debates that are currently going on concerning this issue. The author concludes with a specific look at the way the media works during times of war and makes reference to the Gulf War, The Israeli/Palestinian Conflict and Afghanistan and talks of the media acting as a visual conduit.
From the paper:
"Who can forget the graceful turn of the massive jet as it turned to slam into the second tower, and the massive fireball that plumed outward" There are some pictures that change the world, like the photograph of Kim Phuc at My Lai?a little girl in flames and running. The image of Americans leaping to their death from the upper floors of the towers is like that, and the chilling choreography of their free fall was captured on film as they plummeted to their death rather than endure the agony of burning up.?
Abstract In this article the writer discusses various ways that the media and the Goverment use language to describe terrorism and the war against it. The writer studies language used by the Bush Administration to enlist Americans in his war on terrorism.
From the Paper "While no single definition of terrorism has gained universal acceptance, terrorism can be defined as the use of violence or the threat of violence against civilians as a political social religious or ideological weapon to change the status quo through fear or coercion. Terrorism can be state sponsored or can be committed by non-government sponsored individuals or groups. William Greider suggests in 'The Nation' that when President Bush called Americans to enlist in the war on terror, very few Americans understood the consequences of this call to ... "
Abstract This paper provides a critical analysis of two articles printed on the subject of prevention of future terrorist attacks, in the New York Times and the St. Louis Dispatch. The author discusses the effects of the media, and their methods of reporting, focusing on the events of September 11, and prevention of terrorism.
From the Paper "If we desire to analyze a current issue being represented in the media the one that comes to mind is the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center , (WTC) NY. The terrorist attacks that slammed two jet planes into the WTC and killed more than 5000 people and shook the nations around the world is the event some say of the century. But as the shock wears off and nations determine how to put forward a long-term strategy that will control terrorism the media becomes divided. Playing the role of a forum the media around the world is the integral factor in the presentation of the information---for that is what will determine public opinion.. How to prevent future attacks like that of the WTC is being presented in two aspects. We will study through an analysis of two media articles; one in the Times and the other, The St. Louis Dispatch the strategy, which will be most effective in combating terrorism.".
Abstract The paper explores how international terrorism is related to and often dependent on modern communications technology and the connectivity in our social, economic and personal environment. The paper looks at cyber-terrorism and shows how the spread of terrorism is an almost unavoidable result of the proliferation of electronic media and technology.
Outline:
Introduction
Extremist Groups and Technology
Divergent Groups and Communication
Varieties of Cyber-Terrorism Conclusion
From the Paper "The growth of terrorism in our contemporary world is a fact that is without doubt one of the greatest threats to peace and civilization today. The question that may be asked is why has terrorism become such a global and international threat to the world? Terrorism as a style of protest and even warfare, characterized by the aim of instilling fear and terror in certain countries or people is not something new in history. Terrorism in some form or another is evident, even from a brief glance at human history. However, in our age, terrorism is international and is often coordinated between different countries and regions of the world."
Tags: cyber-terrorism, hackers, Internet, extremist, groups
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of the media's role in time of national crisis. The writer explores what occurs in a national crisis and argues that the media has a duty to exercise caution when reporting during times of national crisis.
From the Paper "When there is a national crisis the media takes a lot of heat. If it reports everything without holding back it is accused of sensationalism and drama seeking antics. If it holds back information it is accused of slanting the news and of political motivation . Regardless of what angle the media takes there will be someone to say it was the wrong one. In the end the media can only follow an ethical and professional path and let the chips fall where they may. One of the most hotly debated topics in recent years regarding media coverage is national crisis. When a national crisis occurs, such as 9-11 or the Iraqi War the media has to make some extremely tough decisions. Should it present everything it finds out, because the public has a right to know? Or should it be ever sensitive to national security temper its desire to uphold the first amendment with the desire to provide national security some latitude?"
Abstract This article looks at the history of terrorism from ancient to modern times. The writer defines terrorism and its roots. The writer also discusses different types of terrorism: state terrorism and non-state terrorism. The paper looks at the many forms of terrorism.
Brief Historical Overview of Terrorism Introduction and Purpose
Definition of Terrorism Purpose
Brief History of Terrorism Roots of Terrorism Ancient History
Modern History
Types of Terrorism State Terrorism Non-State Terrorism Responding to Terrorism Identifying Proper Targets
Conclusions
Works Cited
From the Paper "Any academic definition of terrorism would refer to a violent act omitted by individuals or a group not during a war undertaken in order to achieve a political goal. Modern forms of political terrorism became popular ... "
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
