Terrorism: The Role Of Terrorism In The United States

According to Webster’s dictionary by definition, terrorism is defined as the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion or the unlawful use of violence or threats to intimidate for political purpose or ideological reasons. When the word terrorism is mentioned most Americans will reflect to the attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. Terrorism involves extraordinary violence. It is intended to create massive fear and involves a planned attack for a purpose, often against something or someone. The art of terrorism is meant to have an audience. While terrorism is meant to be an act of violence to bring about change, it is usually not committed by those officially in the government. Usually, terrorist groups have fewer members
After World War II colonial powers redrew the maps in many parts of the world and gradually reduced their colonies. This led to a rise in nationalist movement seeking self-determination or seeker to replace rulers that had been imposed by the colonist. Many of the resulting conflicts had involved Revolutionary warfare strategy and guerrilla tactics. However traditional guerrilla warfare is often inappropriate in urbanized countries. For example, Rebels cannot gain and hold control over land when opposed by superior forces and cannot employ overt hit and run attacks effectively without large losses. Therefore, what emerged was urban guerrilla warfare, which has evolved to include terrorist tactics. Until recently, terrorism has been closely associated with Ethnic and minority groups that struggle for Independence. During the 1990’s a new form of international terrorism surfaced that appears less rational, less focused but more boldly called Islamist Terrorism. In fact, many of the causes and motivations remain striking similar to what could be called traditional modern terrorism. What’s different is the religious ideological foundation, is the broad definition of adversaries, the evolution in terrorist tactics and the desire and potential for devastating
The term “terrorism” comes for the French 18th century word “terrorisme”. The use of the term terrorist has had broader application from disgruntle citizens to common political dissidents, The term “eco-terrorist for example was coined to apply to those who destroy or damage property as a symbolic act of resisting environmental impact economic trends and policy.” Terrorists rely heavily on surprise. They often seek to demoralize and paralyze their enemy with fear. This sometimes works, but it can also stiffen the enemy’s resolve. They often rely on organized crime to fund their activities that include kidnapping, drug trafficking or robbery. For example, Osama Bin Laden is the head of Al-Queda, a militant Isamist organization that has been involved in terrorist attack against civilians and military target around the world. He invested millions in terrorism that his family made in the construction industry building luxury castles for those making their money from selling the country’s oil. Other Islamist terrorist besides Al-Quada include Abu Sayyaf, Al Shabab, Fatah Al Islam, and Jamaah Islamiyah just to name a few. Nearly every group listed has a more complex makeup and motivation. Most are grounded in local or regional territorial and political disputes and also have criminal ties as