Research Paper on "American Terrorism for Many People"

Research Paper 50 pages (14357 words) Sources: 12 Style: APA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

American Terrorism

For many people, terrorism was first brought to their attention after the events surrounding September 11th. As they were quickly made aware of the underlying threats that these groups can be. However, the last several years have seen a shift in tactics. As many organizations are focused on conducting domestic terrorism. This has caused the number of incidents to increase dramatically. In this research project, we examine the impact that domestic terrorism is having on the nation. As we are looking at how the overall threat has become so severe, that there needs to be a change in this strategy. This will improve the reader's understanding of the threat, through knowing the way this kind of terrorism is: increasing the risks and how this can be mitigated. To determine specific strategies, as to how this can be achieved we will look at: a variety of sources and then compare the different findings with one another. Once this occurs, it will provide the greatest insights, as to how the underlying problem can be addressed. At the same time, it will help to give specific ideas, about what kind of tools need to be used to: ensure that these threats are neutralized.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Background for the Study

Over the last several years, the issue of domestic terrorism has been increasingly brought to the forefront. Part of the reason for this, is because of a number of high profile cases that have been taking place involving individuals (who are American citizens). They can either be: born in the United States or become one through the naturalization process. As a result, these segments of the population have been increasingly overlooked. This is due to the fact that law enforcement's efforts, have been focused on: aggressively going after Al Qaida and other forms of international terrorism. This means, that domestic terrorists are often overlooked. At which point, the possibility of seeing an attack perpetrated by one of these different groups continues to increase. A good example of this can be seen by looking no further than the foiled Times Square bombing in May 2010. What happened was a Pakistani born American citizen named Faisal Shahzad attempted to detonate an SUV packed full of explosives in the middle of Time Square. ("Times Square Bomb Suspect," 2010) the only thing that prevented the bomb from being detonated and injuring scores of people was an observant vendor noticing the vehicle illegally parked. As it: was smoking and had its hazard lights blinking. ("Police Vendors on the Same Team," 2010) This is important, because it shows how the overall issue of domestic terrorism has become a major threat.

As a result, this has caused the majority of American to believe the biggest threat facing the nation is from domestic terrorism. Evidence of this can be seen by looking no further than a survey that was conducted by the Rasmussen Reports. They found that 64% of Americans are concerned about the possibility of domestic terrorism. As they believed that this is a major threat to the national security of the nation in comparison with international terrorism. ("39% Say Government," 2011) This is significant, because it is highlighting how the overall threat from domestic terrorism is: continuing to become a major issue that needs to be addressed.

Problem Statement

Because of the increasing focus on international terrorism, there has been less emphasis on the activities of domestic terrorist organizations. This exposes the nation to a host of different threats from within. A good example of this can be seen with comments from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (Janet Napolitano). She said, "The terrorist threats facing our country have changed significantly over the last decade and they continue to evolve, so that somehow, the threats we face have reached the most acute since these attacks. One of the most striking elements of the situation today regarding the terrorist threat is the fact that plots to attack America involve more and more residents and U.S. citizens." ("Rising Threat of Domestic Terrorism," 2011) This is important, because it is highlighting how: the overall nature of the threat has changed.

As a result, a host of different investigations have been conducted examining the overall scope of the problem. Evidence of this can be seen by looking no further than, the 22 different Congressional hearings on the threats of the domestic terrorism to America. ("Peter Kings Muslim Hearings," 2011) This is significant, because it shows how the lack of focus on this issue is exposing the country to: major risks from within its own borders. As a result, some kind of new approach must be taken to: address the underlying challenges that are being faced. This research project will evaluate the impact that the lack of focus, on this aspect of terrorism, could have on public safety.

Purpose and Objectives of the Study

The purpose of this study is to determine, if the efforts to focus on international terrorism have increased the overall threats facing the nation. This leads to the research question of:

The changes in the War on Terrorism have meant that: battle fronts have shifted. Will focusing on domestic terrorism, reduce the underlying threats that are facing this country?

To achieve this goal we will concentrate on a number of different objectives the most notable include:

Studying the positive / negative effects of the current policy.

The possible threats of domestic terrorism in the future.

Examples of how domestic terrorism can be as devastating as international terrorism.

The kind of organizations and groups that are the biggest problem.

How the strategy for the war on terrorism can be augmented.

What efforts are being taken to address the underlying problem?

These different elements are important, because they will focus the research on: understanding how domestic terrorism is becoming a major threat that must be dealt with. Once this takes place, it will provide the greatest insights about how we can tackle the underlying problem.

Rationale for the Study

The rational for this study is to: help administrators, public officials, the private sector and the general public understand the overall scope of the nature of the threat. This will be accomplished by looking at variety of: sources and then conducting what is known as qualitative research. Simply put, qualitative research is when you are looking at a wide variety of sources, to understand the overall scope of the problem. This means that researchers will look at: magazines, books, websites, newspapers and government documents to realize what is taking place. At which point, they will seek to: understand why a particular situation is occurring and how it can be rectified. ("What is Qualitative Research," 2007) This will be accomplished through conducting comparative analysis. This is when you are looking at the total amount of information that has been provided, to comprehend the issue (through comparing the findings of the research with one another). ("Comparative Analysis," 2011) Once this examination takes place, it will provide specific insights about: the severity of the problem and possible ways that it can be rectified. This will improve the readers understanding of: the subject and how this is one of the most important issues that will be affecting the country in the future.

Definition of Terms

There are several different terms that will be used continuously throughout the course of this study. These definitions are designed to prevent confusion and provide clarification, about the underlying meanings of these events that are taking shape. Below are some of the more common terms that will be utilized throughout the course of our research project.

Definitions of commonly Used Terms

Qualitative Research: This is when you are looking at wide variety of sources (such as: pictures, interviews, websites, newspapers and magazines). You are then, trying to determine why a particular event is taking place from: a big picture perspective.

Comparative Analysis: This is when you are comparing the finding of the different sources with one another. Once this takes place, researchers will then look at the information side by side, to identify the underlying trends that are occurring.

Domestic Terrorism: This is when individuals or terrorist groups from within the country's borders are: conducting acts of violence (directed at the general public).

International Terrorism: This when individuals or terrorist organizations are seeking to attack the United States through: various forms of financing and support from abroad. As they will have cells that they are using to conduct different operations around the world

The War on Terrorism: This was declared after the September 11th terrorist attacks, as part of larger focus to: go after Al Qaida and hold them accountable.

The Department of Homeland Security: This was a government agency that was created in wake of the events of September 11th to: improve coordination among the federal government, states and local officials. At the same time, it is informing the general public about the overall nature of the threat. The idea is that they can help to: alert… READ MORE

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