Essay on "Global Terrorism Policy Memo"

Quoted Instructions for "Global Terrorism Policy Memo" Assignment:

This class is called *****"Global Terrorism*****" and require a memo to be written answering the question below.

This assignment requires the writing of a policy memo. The instructions and requirements are posted below. Please follow them exactly.

The policy memo subject is:

What can be done to mitigate terrorist recruitment?

1. Broadly speaking, however, the memo should be three (3) pages of single spaced text - excluding appendices and bibliography - on topics assigned by the instructor. This instructor prefers brevity and a lengthy paper will not likely receive any automatic bonus. Four sections are required for the construction of the memo: a statement of the problem or topic, an analysis of the topic area, an assessment of responses to it and a projection of possible outcomes.

I. What is a Policy Memo?

This research instrument is a short, information intensive tour of the key talking points of an issue. It is problem-solution *****, with the presumption that some aspect of the issue is serious enough to warrant attention, and by extension, warrant some action as well.

II. Style and Organization

Policy memos should be written with an economy of language and be no more than three pages of 12 pica type in Times New Roman or Courier font. Use single spacing for the paragraph form, although you may employ headlines or titles ***** similar to those used in this sheet - to divide major sections of the memo.

Although you may create your own divisions and templates, each memo should basically and briefly inform the reader about the background of the issue, the important actors, the problem as you choose to frame it, the possible responses and outcomes and your recommendation (and why). This needs to be accomplished parsimoniously, and not all sections are equal. Clearly the Problem piece is the lengthiest, with the Recommendation piece being the most important. But weakness in the others is not to be assumed. For example, imagine the State Department memo in Tehran in 1978 which did not identify Islamic religious leaders as key actors in opposition to the Shah!

Number the pages, and include a cover sheet with your name, course information and date. ( Please include a blank cover page. I will add the info later).

III. Appendices

Not all information can possibly be included in the memo, and that of course is the challenge of writing one. Footnotes and endnotes are not necessary, but if your memo is making aggressive, unusual or empirical assertions you should append the document or table which authenticates this citation.

Moreover, there should be an Authorities Table which lists sources consulted or referenced. Normally this is unnecessary in a professional Policy Memo, but as this is an academic exercise it is required. Use standard bibliographic form for these. If you are in doubt as to what options this permits, ask the instructor.

IV. Goals

Strive to put yourself in the person of an aide to the President*****s NSC advisor. As a busy leader with many worries, the President needs a quick and authoritative guide to the problems he or she is facing. Your job in this assignment is to provide that for your boss, who will provide it to the President, or at least use it as a foundation for their own decision-making. In sum you must economically give the President options and information, with a single recommendation he or she can use to reference the final decision.

All memos are written in the present tense ***** that is to say in the current Writing Style

Prose should be terse and mature. The quality of writing (style, syntax, vocabulary, imagery etc) influences the overall effect of the memo. Therefore the subjective quality of writing is part of the grade.

time of Spring 2011.