Al- Qaeda, Homeland Security, and US Patriot Act

Terrorism was viewed in the early days as an prompt of abandon against a limited gathering of individuals. The chips then were consisted of bom hive awayg, puss, cleaning prominent public officials, and former(a)s. The employment of staging the terrorist locomote was to catch the political sciences attention with the want that the g overnment whitethorn give in to the terrorists demands. The demands may be considered political, economical, or ideological. However, no matter the purpose is, the regime activity usu each(prenominal)y do not listen the terrorist groups for they crap been considered as a mere hatred of the society that finish easily be eradicated finished military force.Additionally, terrorist groups were likened to a group of rebels operating as a group of limited members. The terrorist groups were not considered as a major curse to the nations tribute. But then, the horrifying 9/11 terrorist approach path stick unwrap drastically and light-colored ly changed the worlds perception most terrorist act. the States, on the separatewise hand, has greatly changed in its broadcasting with terrorist act and terror groups. The external Community alike realized that terrorism is a real holy terror to the worlds trade protection. The queer 9/11 has indeed revealed the true construction of terrorism.In rejoinder to the terrorism, the States hunted all those responsible for(p) for the bom storeg by declaring an all out contend against terrorism. Concomitant to the contend is the enactment of all that would pardon the political sympathiess acts against terrorism. The government has enacted the U. S. nationalist shape and the motherland protective covering. The president has rapidly heightened all measures to plug security and to pursue all those responsible for the 9/11 and those who argon connected with terrorism. in spite of criticisms on the effect of the legislations to civil liberties, the government has been ada mant on its stand to battle terrorism.The vengeance has lastly resulted to the war in Iraq and bombardment of Afghanistan. Likewise, the head of terrorism, Osama salt away laden and Sadam Hussein were apprehended and punished accordingly. Despite the tell death of the prominent architects of terrorism, the participation against terrorism even-tempered continues beca expenditure of the belief that terrorism is still alive. The police forces be as well controlling deep d profess the nation. In extraction with this, the discover will explore the scheme of radix and at the same time present an evaluation of the counterterrorism police forces. BodyThe fix al-Qaida started to reverberate at the very(prenominal) flack of the 9/11 terrorist bam. The horrifying bombard of the very symbol of economic and military prowess of the States, the population Trade sum, was rapidly relate to the home and Osama bin Laden. Right later the assault, the government of the United S tates and irrelevant allies has united to condemn the unjustified act of terrorism. basal was believed to grant been established in 1988. The home was the by-product of the Muslims retaliation against the Soviet Union that intermeshed Afghanistan in 1979 by 1989 (Katzman).During the war against the Soviet Union, group of Muslims kick in started to recruit jihadis to fight against the Soviet Union. The recruiting and bread and butter of the jihadis or fighters were initiated by Abdullah Azzam and his former student, Osama bin Laden, by shewing the Maktab al-Khidamat which manner Services Office (Katzman). This was to a fault known as or Al Khifah. Notably, the Maktab al-Khidamat was believed to be the forerunner of alkali. After the war with the Soviet Union, bin Laden and Abdullah Azzam established the Al-Qaeda in 1984 (Katzman). Al-Qaeda is an Arabic word which means the base (Katzman).Purposely, Al-Qaeda was established as a rapid chemical re meet force avail able-bod ied to intervene wherever Muslim were perceived to be affrightened (Katzman). Al-Qaeda is alike defined as a secret, almost practical(prenominal) organization, one that denies its own knowence in line of battle to remain in the shadows (Atkins, 2004). The Al-Qaeda which was jointly founded was eventually controlled by Osama bin Laden as a result of Abdullah Azzams assassination. Mean plot of ground, the assassination of Azzam was linked to Osama bin Laden. Remarkably, Al-Qaeda came to be known worldwide right after the 9/11 attack.The firmness of the organization of Al-Qaeda was believed to confuse been founded on ideology. at that place has been both(prenominal)(prenominal) controlling ideology of Al-Qaeda. Aside from be a religious craft, the Holy War has been viewed as infallible for the salvation of ones soul and a means of defending the Muslim nation (Martin, 2006). instant, peace treaty with the West is impossible and the only course of action in defending Islam is by violence (Martin, 2006). Third, the Al-Qaeda considers Muslim government as apostasies and is violently overthrown when they stand by with the West (Martin, 2006).Fourth, the Al-Qaeda believes that only two sides exist and that no apocalyptic conflict in the midst of Islam and forces of repulsiveness exist (Martin, 2006). From the time Al-Qaeda was founded in 1989, some(prenominal)(prenominal) terrorist activities were perpetuated in some other parts of the globe. In October 1993, the World Trade Center was attempted to be blown by Ramzi Ahmed Y determinationf (Katzman). In June 25, 1996, US Servicemen were killed patch hundreds were wounded when a bomb exploded alfresco the Khobar Towers in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia (Martin, 2006).Then in August 7, 1998, a onslaught was in like manner planned n the US Embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Tanzania that caused almost 200 innocent people. The USS simoleons was as well dishonored by suicide bombardment in October 12, 2000 wh ere 17 sailors were killed (Martin, 2006). The most damaging terrorist action was the terrifying 9/11 attack. The 9/11 terrorist attack has totally crashed the World Trade Center in unfermented York. The third plane was say Pentagon killing hundreds of people and the fourth plane crashed in the Pennsylvania field (Martin, 2006). The 9/11 terrorist attack has drastically changed the worlds perception on terrorism.Likewise, the attack has changed the worlds perception about Osama bin Laden. Primarily, the target of Al-Qaeda is the US government and the the Statesn people. America has been considered as the rival of the Muslim nation because of the wars perpetrated against them. The economic embargo and the control over the worlds economy have been super criticized by the Muslim nation. Eventually, the perception that the West is the enemy to Muslim nations has been shaped. Since the West is considered as the enemy, the Al-Qaedas target has been the American people.It is notewort hy that all the attacks have been perpetrated against US embassies and US nationals. Aside from the Americans, the terrorist withal targeted citizens of Europe, Israel, Russia and other allies of America. Likewise, the 9/11 is a bring message or expression of hatred of terrorist against the Americans. In rove to send a clear and besotted message, the terrorist has implemented high-profile target. In addition, they select the suicide outpouring as a means of carrying out their designs because it is simplify and a means of eliminating last minute brochureableness (Mannes, 2004).In addition, they targeted high officials and use the media in enjoin for the government not to undermine the target. Al-Qaeda excessively adopt the unconventional means of acquiring data by means of an extensive research and contacts of professionals. Internet has been ingrained for Al-Qaeda in penetrating the security, intelligence, and military organizations of other countries. Notably, the inf ormation the Al-Qaeda has gathered were used in prep their attacks in several countries. Additionally, Al-Qaedas primary goal was to obtain nuclear apparatus (Mannes, 2004).The Al-Qaeda has success to the full created their own bomb by means of the documents they have captured. Besides, professionals were excessively recruited and being turned into a radical in order to obtain materials from the outside. Interestingly, the group was able to create a biological weapon through the extensive research done by Ayman Zawahari, a medical doctor (Mannes, 2004). The group withal examine in order to create their own weapons. some other tactic of the Al-Qaeda in carrying out their explosive charge is to at least impair the economy of other ground.This has been done by terrifying tourists through kidnapping of foreign nationals visiting a particular nation. Furthermore, bombing of public places has withal threatened tourists from visiting places occupied by terrorist groups. In asses sing the Al-Qaeda organization, it can be observed that the group has been patient and enduring in order to succeed in their plans. The tactics and strategies adopted by the group can be considered to have been brilliantly drafted and carried out. However, the group was molded and blinded by extremism. On the part of the American government, the 9/11 attack cannot just be dis forecasted.Right after the attack, the court of Bush formed the 9/11 thrill. Primarily, the Commission was directed to conduct an investigation on the bombing. Thereafter, the get of Al-Qaeda appeargond. In response to the 9/11 attack, Bush institution has created a sensitive national official office of fatherland gage nine days after the attack (Andryszewski, 2004). Pres. Bush also sign-language(a) into law the U. S. nationalist come, 45 days after the 9/11/. In addition, then hot property Bush also subscribe the homeland surety Act of 2002 in November 22, 2002 (Andryszewski, 2004).All these were the result of the fear of another(prenominal) terrorist attack. Furthermore, these laws have essentially changed the internality of security in the country. Meanwhile, in order to cite the targets of the laws, the government found the need to define terrorism. Terrorism has been defined by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as the outlawed use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a Government, the civilian population, or some(prenominal) segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives (Sauter and Carafano, 2005, p. 65).From the definition, it is clear that terrorism has been recognized to exist inside the country targeting the citizens and outside the country targeting Americans. Hence, the counterterrorism laws have been designed to deal with terrorism indoors and outside America. superstar of the weapons of America in struggle terrorism is the Homeland security which has been referred to consists of all military activities aimed at preparing for, protecting against, or managing the consequences of attacks on American soil, including the CONUS and U. S. territories and possessions.It includes all actions to safeguard the macrocosm and its property, critical bag, the government, and the military, its installations, and deploying forces (Larson, et. al. , 2000). As to the military function of the Homeland shelter, it has five major key atomic number 18as of focus. One is the weapon of atomic pile destruction home(prenominal) preparedness and civil support (Larson, et. al). Second is continuity of government to ensure or impact civil authority (Larson, et. al. , 2000). Third is border and coastal defense which includes management of large-scale refugee flow and revention of weapon of mass destruction smuggling that may potentially create threat to security (Larson, et.al, 2000). Fourth is the continuation of military doing (Larson, et. al. , 2000). And, last is the national missile def ense (Larson, et. al. , 2000). In domestic preparedness, the FBI and Federal Emergency Management potency (FEMA) can request from the part of Defense the cooperation of the federal Army (Larson, et. al, 2000). Likewise, the National Guard can also participate in maintaining civil authorities. Interestingly, military has an essential role in all areas of Homeland Security.In a broader scope, the Homeland Security is defined as a concerted national effort to prevent terrorist attacks within United Sates, reduce Americas exposure to terrorism, and minimize the damage and recover from attacks that do elapse (Bolt, Colleta, and Shacklford, 2005, p. 433). In order to rough-and-readyly fight terrorism, the administration of Bush has formed the Department of Homeland Security. The Department is composed of 22 federal departments, agencies, and bureaus from Central experience Agency, FBI, DOD, and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Andryszewski, 2004).These diametric agencies have been divided into board of directorss with unique duties and jurisdiction. The first is the palisade and Transportation Security Directorate which is responsible for ensuring the borders of America from terrorists coming from the outside of the country (Homeland Security, 2009). Aside from that, the Directorate ensures safety of land, sea, and air transportations. Immigration laws are also attached to the responsibility of the Directorate. The second is the Emergency cooking and Response Directorate which is tasked to coordinate with federal government in topic of attack (Homeland Security, 2009).The third is apprehension and Technology Directorate responsible for biological, radiological, and chemical attacks, and nuclear weapons (Homeland Security, 2009). The last is the Information Analysis and Infrastructure protection Directorate tasked to gather intelligence and information in detecting terrorist activities (Homeland Security, 2009). Furthermore, it is also mandated to identify infrastructures which may be vulnerable to terrorism. An Undersecretary is appoint to administer each Directorate. The Undersecretary has been assigned a task toaccess, receive, and analyze law enforcement information from agencies of the Federal Government, State and local government agencies, and secret sector entities, and to integrate such information to identify and assess the nature and scope of terrorist threat to the motherland detect and identify threats of terrorism against United States and recognise such threat in light of existent and potential vulnerabilities of the homeland (Bolt, Colleta, and Shackelford, 2005, p. 433). Looking back into the definition, Homeland Security has three major concerns.First, prevent terrorist attacks in America (Fisher and Green, 2003). Second, reduce the vulnerability to terrorism of America (Fisher and Green, 2003). Third, minimize damages and recovery in case of attack (Fisher and Green, 2003). In preventing terrorist at tack, the Department of Homeland Security has enhanced its intelligence and warning devices capable of trailing terrorist activities (Sauter and Carafano, 2005). In addition, national laws have been enacted to deal with domestic terrorism. Security within borders has also been intensified.Furthermore, transportation has been highly monitored to detect travelling terrorists. In the second duty of the Homeland Security, the Department is tasked to minimize vulnerability by curbing some(prenominal) possibility of bringing whatsoever weapon of mass destruction into the country. This way, critical infrastructure and catastrophic terrorism are prevented (Sauter and Carafano, 2005). These kinds of terrorism hire attack through computer. Finally, the third duty is accomplish by imp wandering the capability of the Department in responding to a terrorist attack.Response may not only choose military defense but rather, it entails preparedness in rescuing lives of the victims and in conta ining the place attack to limit the deem of victims. Another prevalent counterterrorism law of the government is the U. S. patriot Act. Since the Act was abruptly enacted into law as it was signed 45 days after the 9/11 attack, the Act was perceived to be an legal means of curbing terrorism. Primarily, the U. S. Patriot Act was enacted to prevent terrorism but has effectively expanded the power of the law enforcement and intelligence agencies in carrying out their duties with regard to terrorism.There are basically four ways in carrying out the responsibilities of the Act. First, the Act applies to fighting terrorism through the use of investigative tools previously available in fighting other forms of organized abhorrence (Katzman). Second, the Act has eradicated any kind of barriers that hinders the forgive flow of information between and among law enforcement (Katzman). Third, the act validated the use of new technology and identifying new threats (Katzman). Last, the Act ha s created new terrorism- tie in crimes and change magnitude penalties of crimes (Katzman).Under the first way, the tool that has been accepted or accredited includes electronic surveillances to detect terrorism in full-range and roving wiretaps to be authorized by a federal judge (Katzman). Through the roving wiretaps, the authorities are allowed to use electronic surveillance in response to time-sensitive criminals or terrorist activities (Purpura, 2007, p. 176). In addition, federal agents can also conduct investigations secretly under the authority of a valid warrant obtained also secretly. The person being investigated is not also informed about the warrant.Through this, the federal agents would be able to identify agents, eliminate speedy threats, and coordinate the arrest of suspected individuals (Katzman). Furthermore, business track records of individuals linked to terrorism can be examined through the order sought from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance judgeship (K atzman). The information held by one federal delegation can also be shared to other agency in order to effectively fight terrorism. Traditionally, each agency kept information occult from other agencies in adherence to the agencys independence.However, through the Patriot Act, the confidentiality of information or record is no hugeer controlling. In order to fully empower the federal agents in eradicating terrorism, jurisdiction as to warrant has been made general. Warrants can be obtained in any district and may be kill at any place being investigated for terrorist activities. Interestingly, cyber hacking has also been allowed in order to trace communications related to terrorism and at the same time tract hackers (Katzman).Furthermore, in order to fully prevent any terrorist activities and ensure the punishment of terrorists, the Act has increased penalties and added crimes that are categorized as terrorism. Among the crimes includes harboring any person linked to terrorism. L ikewise, conspiracy crimes and offenses have been redefined and penalties of such have been increased. There has also been a specific penalty for mass transit attack and attacks using biological weapons. Finally, some terrorist crimes have no statute of limitation while some crimes have a lengthy.It is noteworthy that the Patriot Act has been criticized because of some acts that are obviously in use(p) with the rights of the citizens. Through the Act, the security in airports has been intensified and the law enforcers are even authorized to detain immigrants or suspected terrorist within the authorized time of detaining a person for questioning. Profiling has also been prevalent because Arabs, Muslims, and Asians were hard-boiled separately. Visas and passport of these people were also subjected to strict scrutiny. In addition, library records have been authorized by the Act to be reviewed by the federal agents.Furthermore, Emails can also be tracked by the federal agents on the m ere basis of suspicion. More importantly, shore transactions suspected of funding a terrorist activity can be legally tracked by the federal agents. This has in fact changed the law on bullion laundering. Since the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security and U. S. Patriot Act, terrorism has been effectively deterred. The sweetening of security measures within borders and ports have hindered terrorist from pursuing their evil designs. In addition, several crimes such as smuggling have been prosecuted through the implementation of the counterterrorism laws.several(prenominal) terrorist suspects have also been arrested through the active agent fulfillment of the federal agent of their duties. In line with this, suspects were thoroughly investigated due to the expansion of the courts jurisdiction in trying and hearing terrorism cases. Remarkably, the laws have effectively brought back security within the nation. The fear of another terrorist attack has finally been era dicated. Despite criticisms, the effort of the government in curtailing terrorism has lodge fruit. Notably, the people behind the 9/11 attack and other terrorist attacks have been prosecuted and punished accordingly.The very seat of terrorism has also been bombarded and paralyzed in order to prevent the rise of any sign of terrorism. The measures taken by the U. S. in fighting terrorism has also been adopted by other countries in their own fight to terrorism. The application of the counterterrorism laws has also reached policies of other countries. One of which is the Money Laundering Law which has affected the bank transactions that passes through countries. Meanwhile, financial supports from jealous giver have contributed to the success of terrorist activities.In order to avoid the free flow of the funds to support suspicious organizations, the government has strictly monitored bank transactions involving suspicious depositors and suspicious funds through the Patriot Act. Terr orist acts have also been effectively deterred at the very port of entry. The security equipments have been intensified and upgraded to detect any weapon that may be used to perpetrate a terrorist activity. Such equipments include scanners, surveillance cameras, and x-ray machines. The use of such equipments has been legally justified by the counterterrorism laws.Remarkably, all these measures have been effective in pacifying the nation from the threat of terrorism. Conclusion Traditionally, security can be acquired through the walls erected around houses. Terrorism, on the other hand, was considered as a petty problem yet a crime capable of being curtailed. More importantly, any act of terrorism can be disregarded by the government and responded through defensive military attack. However, the essence of security and terrorism has drastically changed after the 9/11 attack. Terrorism has become real and the combat injury it causes is unimaginable. Terrorism has also become the main enemy of the whole world.It also united the international biotic community in curtailing and in eradicating any sign of it. Likewise, the 9/11 has angered America. The architecture of the attack also proved that Al-Qaeda can penetrate and set down the security of America. The worlds perception of security has also drastically changed. America, on the other hand, has been kind of paranoid about its security. However, it cannot be blamed because of the damaged caused by the 9/11 attack. The America viewed threat to have existed within and outside its territory. More importantly, the ingenuousness about Al-Qaeda has finally been revealed through the bombing of twin towers.Al-Qaeda has indeed existed for a very long period. It has been living as a shadow that its creative activity was doubted by security forces. The organization has also been brilliant in carrying out its mission by extensively and safely planning the attacks. Likewise, the measures it has adopted in implementing the plans are sure yet deadly. But such cannot be considered difficult because of the ideology that has been instilled among the members. On the part of the victim of the attack, the countermeasures that have been adopted are the Homeland Security and U. S. Patriot Act.The Homeland Security was established as a means of centralizing the effort of the government in curbing terrorism. The Patriot Act, on the other hand, has enhanced the power of the federal agents in carrying their responsibilities with regard to terrorism. Any means that may be effective in tracking any sign of terrorism has been adopted and applied all throughout the country. above all, the intelligence and security capabilities of the federal government have been heightened to effectively and efficiently eradicate terrorism. Both laws have been directed against terrorism.Upon the implementation of the counterterrorism laws, several changes have transpired. The enhancement of security has ensured the safety of Amer ica and American people. Several terrorist has also been arrested and punished accordingly. More importantly, the fear that has been instilled by the 9/11 attack among the people has been pacified. field pansy and security has also been restored. Above all, no terrorist attacked against America followed. Hence, the measures adopted and implemented by the government has been effective and responded to the international problem. References Andryszewski, T. (2004). Terrorism in America. freshly York Twenty-First century Books Atkins, S. (2004). Encyclopedia of modern worldwide extremists and extremist groups New York Greenwood Publishing Group. Bolt, P. J. , Coletta, D. V. , and Shackelford, C. G. (2005). American defense policy. Johns Hopkins University Press Homeland Security. (2009). Department Components. Retrieved March 9, 2009, from http//www. dhs. gov/xabout/structure/ Katzman, K. (17 August 2005). congressional Research Service. Al Qaeda Profile and menace Assessment. Retrie ved March 9, 2009, from http//fas. org/sgp/crs/terror/RL33038. pdf Larson, E. V. , Peters, J. E. , Arroyo Center, and Rand Corporation.(2000). Preparing the U. S. Army for Homeland Security Concepts, Issues, and Options. New York Rand Corporation. 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