How has the impact of terrorist organizations and terrorist networks and their activities evolved and changed their objectives over time and why?
Consider some of the following points (but you are not limited to this, you can seek to answer your own questions on the topics)
a. Describe, broadly, what terrorism means in the modern world (what is the official definition from a Western perspective)
b. What are some of the difficulties in tackling this type of criminal activity, which is often global in scale and constantly morphs. Consider the many organizations which are considered/labeled to be terrorist – Al-Queda, El-Shebab, Boko Haram, Black September (in the 1960s and 1970s), PLO, IRA and others
c. What are some terrorist networks of interest to the US and its national security?
d. What are some of the challenges concerning civil liberties in the US, as was evident with the Patriot Act and other policies which have targeted private citizens for the purpose of combating terrorist activities.
e. What is US policy regarding this issue and how is that impacting US relations with the world?
f. Discuss at least two proposals for combating terrorism and analyze which, in your opinion, would be more effective.
Terrorism is broadly defined as the use of violence and intimidation to achieve political, religious or ideological objectives. Terrorism in its modern form has evolved over time and has become more complex in both structure and tactics as well as global in scope.
There are numerous terrorist organizations around the world of varying sizes and capabilities that have different goals and motivations. One of the most well-known terrorist networks is Al-Qaeda which operates mainly throughout the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Central Asia, and even Europe. This network was responsible for conducting multiple large scale attacks such as September 11th attacks on US soil. Other notable organizations include El-Shebab in Somalia whose aim is to overthrow government institutions; Boko Haram in Nigeria that seek to impose Sharia Law; Black September (in 1960s/1970s) who were responsible for a string of high profile assassinations; PLO who wants an independent Palestinian state; IRA which seeks independence from Britain etcetera. These organizations have not only changed their targets over time but also adapted their strategies based upon local conditions making them difficult to combat through traditional counterterrorism methods alone.
The US response to terrorism has been largely shaped by post 9/11 policies such as the Patriot Act which increased surveillance measures on its citizens significantly while infringing upon civil liberties such as freedom of speech among other things. This approach however led to criticism from many quarters about its effectiveness due it often going too far or being used indiscriminately without proper oversight or accountability measures put into place leading some experts questioning its efficacy arguing that it simply increases public fear rather than providing real security benefits for American citizens.
To tackle terrorism various proposals have been suggested ranging from improved intelligence gathering against terrorist networks worldwide coupled with specialized training systems for law enforcement officers tasked with countering these groups domestically combined with targeted economic sanctions against countries harboring terrorists groups particularly those funding them financially etcetera . Another proposal suggests investing heavily into humanitarian aid projects so they can provide relief while weakening support base available to extremist organizations thus creating stable environment needed prevent formation of new ones thereby reducing probability future attacks occurring within certain region all together.
In conclusion there are numerous ways tackling this issue however none are easy both require substantial investment as well dedication addressing deeper structural issues underlying causes preventing hostilities between two parties engaging each other just like improving foreign relations same time bolstering security infrastructure simultaneously provides protection citizens homeland ultimately giving peace mind knowing threats posed by international terror organization minimized greatly if not eliminated altogether eventually restoring sense normalcy amongst population affected particular area again once again..