THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE FIGHT AGAINST GLOBAL TERRORISM

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE FIGHT AGAINST GLOBAL TERRORISM

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1      Background of the study

The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in Washington, D.C., New York City, and Pennsylvania were acts of war against the United States of America and its allies, as well as against the very concept of civilized society. There is no justification for terrorism. The world must respond and fight this evil that seeks to threaten and destroy our fundamental freedoms and way of life. Fear and freedom are at odds. The adversary is not a single person. There is no single political regime. It is not, without a doubt, a religion. Terrorism—premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated on noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents—is the enemy. Terrorists, regardless of their specific secular or religious goals, seek to undermine the rule of law. Change can be brought about through violence and fear. These terrorists also believe that killing, kidnapping, extortion, robbing, and wreaking havoc in order to terrorize people are all legitimate forms of political action. The fight against international terrorism is unlike any other war in our history. We will not win solely or even primarily through military force. We must use every tool at our disposal to combat terrorist networks and those who support their efforts to spread fear around the world, including diplomatic, economic, law enforcement, financial, information, intelligence, and military means. Progress will be made through a steady accumulation of successes, some visible and some not. And we will always be on the lookout for new terrorist threats. Our objective will be met when Americans and other civilized people all over the world can  They can live their lives without fear of terrorist attacks. This conflict will not be resolved quickly or easily. At the same time, the US will not let itself be held hostage by terrorists. Our top priorities are combating terrorism and protecting the United States from future attacks. They will not, however, be our only priorities. This strategy complements the United States’ National Security Strategy. As the National Security Strategy emphasizes, we live in an era with tremendous opportunities to foster a world consistent with the interests and values shared by the United States and people around the world who value freedom. And we will take advantage of these opportunities. This counter-terrorism strategy expands on Section III of the National Security Strategy by expounding on the importance of destroying terrorist organizations, winning the “war of ideas,” and bolstering America’s security at home and abroad. The National Strategy for Homeland Security is concerned with preventing terrorist attacks within the United States, whereas the National Strategy for Combating Terrorism is concerned with identifying and defusing threats before they reach our borders. While we recognize the nature of the difficult task at hand, our strategy is based on the belief that the most difficult tasks are sometimes accomplished through the most direct means. Our strategy is one of direct and continuous action against terrorist organizations, the cumulative effect of which will initially disrupt, degrade, and eventually destroy the terrorist organizations. The more frequently and relentlessly we strike terrorists across all borders, the better. The more we use all of the tools of statecraft on all fronts, the more effective we will be. With its unique ability to form alliances and project power, the United States will lead the fight against global terrorist organizations. We will reduce the scope and capability of these organizations by striking constantly and ensuring that terrorists have no place to hide. We will facilitate regional solutions that will further isolate the spread of terrorism by adapting old alliances and forging new partnerships. At the same time, as the scope of terrorism becomes more localized, unorganized, and relegated to the criminal domain, we will rely on and assist other states in eliminating terrorism at its source. The United States will work tirelessly to enlist the international community’s support in This battle is against a common foe. However, if necessary, we will not hesitate to act alone, to exercise our right to self-defense, including acting preemptively against terrorists to prevent them from harming our people and country. The war on terrorism is asymmetric, but we have the upper hand, not the terrorists. This campaign will pit our strengths against the enemy’s weaknesses. We will use the strength of our values to shape a more free and prosperous world. We will use the legitimacy of our government and our cause to forge strong and agile alliances. Our economic strength will aid failing states and weak countries in their efforts to rid themselves of terrorism. Our technology will aid in the identification and location of terrorists.

organizations, and our global reach will find them and eliminate them. And, as always, we will rely on the resolve of the American people in the face of adversity. We will never forget why we are fighting in the first place: our fundamental democratic values and way of life. We are forging new international relationships and redefining existing ones to meet the transnational challenges of the twenty-first century as we lead the anti-terrorism campaign.

1.2 Formulation of the Problem

Terrorist networks have evolved in recent years, moving away from reliance on state sponsorship; many of the most dangerous groups and individuals now operate as non-state actors. Terrorist groups can use porous borders and interconnected international systems to finance, communicate, and transit.

reach every corner of the globe. While some people are concerned with local or national political dynamics, others are working to affect global change.

Al-Qaeda is at the forefront of this trend. The al-Qaeda network has spread widely from its base in the borderlands of Afghanistan and Pakistan, establishing branches or affiliates in places such as North Africa, Yemen, and Southeast Asia. Al-Qaeda operatives have killed thousands from Madrid to Bali to Baghdad, driven by an extreme Salafi ideology characterized by opposition to Western influence and the goal of establishing a global Islamic caliphate. Furthermore, the group’s alluring ideology spreads its influence, prompting some individuals outside its direct command to engage in violent action. Al-threat Qaeda’s has proven to be global, multifaceted, and difficult to track.

contain. It is still the most visible terrorist threat.

1.3 The study’s objectives

The goal of this research is to propose ways in which the United States, in collaboration with its friends and allies, can eliminate terrorism as a threat to our way of life.

1.4 Research inquiries

1. What measures can be put in place to completely eliminate terrorism in the United States?

1.5 Importance of the Research

Terrorism did not begin on September 11, 2001, as many Americans believe. Unfortunately, its history is lengthy and all too familiar. The first major terrorist attack on New York City’s financial district, for example, did not occur on September 11, nor even with the World Trade Center truck bombing in 1993. It happened in September. Anarchists exploded a horse cart loaded with dynamite near the intersections of Wall and Broad Streets on April 16, 1920, killing 40 people and injuring 300 more. Terrorism marked American history in the twentieth century, beginning with the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901 and continuing with the bombings of US embassies in Tanzania and Kenya in 1998 and the USS Cole in Yemen in 2000. Americans recognize that they are not alone in the fight against terrorism. Terrorists have left their imprint on every country on the planet in some way. Citizens from more than 90 countries were killed in the September 11 attacks. For decades, the United States and our allies around the world have fought a long battle against the

Terrorism is a threat. These efforts have taught us a lot. Even as we gain ground in the fight against terrorism, new foes may emerge. As a result, the United States will face terrorism for the foreseeable future. As a result, we must continue to take aggressive action to identify individuals and groups involved in terrorist activity by analyzing the common characteristics of terrorists in order to understand where our enemies are weak and strong.

1.6 Study Scope and Limitations

This research on the United States and the fight against terrorism has the following limitations.

1. Financial constraint- Inadequate funds tend to impede the researcher’s efficiency in locating relevant materials, literature, or information, as well as in the data collection process.

collection (internet, questionnaire and interview) (internet, questionnaire and interview).

2. 2. Time constraint- The researcher will conduct this study alongside other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.7 Glossary of Terms
Terrorism: The unofficial or unauthorized use of violence and intimidation to achieve political objectives.

Terrorism is defined as “the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives” by the United States Code of Federal Regulations.