Domestic Terrorism Analysis - Essay Example

Running Head: Domestic Terrorism Domestic Terrorism Within a Thirty Year Period Introduction The evolution of domestic terrorism in the United scould be traced since the Civil War through the Vietnam War until contemporary times. To enable one to closely examine the acts of terrorism within a thirty year period, a presentation of relevant concepts pertinent to domestic terrorism should be provided. Due to the imposition of harm to society through violent means, terrorists’ acts continue to be scrutinized by experts with the objective of utilizing counterterrorist activities to immobilize these groups. It is in this regard that this essay is written to review and assess domestic terrorism in the United States within a thirty year period starting 1980s until 1999. Specifically, the essay aims to present the effects of acts of domestic terrorists in relation to destruction of human lives, economic impact and public policy changes in the country. Categories of Terrorist Related Activities One of the primary institutions in the country which is actively involved in studying terrorist activities is the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI classified terrorist related activities into three: (1) terrorist incident (“a violent act or an act dangerous to human life, in violation of the criminal laws of the United States, or of any state, to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives”); (2) suspected terrorist incident (“a potential act of terrorism for which responsibility cannot be attributed to a known or suspected group”); and (3) terrorism prevention (“is a documented instance in which a violent act by a known or suspected terrorist group or individual with the means and a proven propensity for violence is successfully interdicted through investigative activity”). (Terrorism in the United States 1999 ii) During the period under study, there are a total of 272 terrorist incidents, 55 suspected terrorist incidents and 130 terrorist preventions. (ibid. p. 10) Domestic terrorism is also being evaluated in terms of their motivation. Presley (1996) presented the delineation of terrorist activities according to the following motivations: “(1) religious convictions, (2) racial prejudice and supremacist goals, (3) anarchistic/anti-government/ politically motivated, or (4) in pursuit of unique special interests” (p. 15). Contemporary research reveals that these motivations have specifically identified group classifications of domestic terrorism. These groups were identified by the FBI study as of right-wing, left-wing, or special interest orientations. Their causes generally spring from issues relating to American political and social concerns. (ibid. p. 23). In related documents, groups from special interest orientations posed increasingly serious terrorist threats. These groups were identified as the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) and the Earth Liberation Front (ELF). Jarboe (2002) averred that “the FBI estimates that the ALF/ELF have committed more than 600 criminal acts in the United States since 1996, resulting in damages in excess of 43 million dollars”. (par. 1) In fact, Copeland (2004) in USA Today reported an updated damage attributed to eco-terrorism. Accordingly, he stressed that “eco-terrorism — acts of violence, sabotage or property damage motivated by concern for animals or the environment — was the nations top domestic terrorism threat. The bureau said then that eco-terrorists had committed more than 1,100 criminal acts and caused property damage estimated at least $110 million since 1976.” Relevant Statistics – Human Toll For the period under study, it was identified that there are a total of 457 terrorist activities in the United States. Out of these, a total of 2,037 have been injured and 205 were killed – bringing the total casualties to 2,242. The greatest number of casualties occurred in 1993 during the Tacoma, Washington bombing attributed to the American Front Skinheads where 1,042 were injured. This incident was seconded in 1995 during the Oklahoma City truck bombing where Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols were convicted. The FBI study revealed that Michael Fortier was found guilty of failing to alert authorities of the plot which caused 754 people to be injured and 169 people died.(ibid p.48) The updated reports on eco-terrorism revealed damages to properties amounting to $110 million since 1976 (Copeland 2004). It is a revelation that despite the damage in properties, no lives have been lost due to eco-terrorist activities (Frieden 2005). Economic Impact The effects of terrorist activities on the economy of a country besieged by violent attacks could not be ignored. These activities hamper investment opportunities and erode public and investor confidence. In addition, terrorist activities limit economic growth because more government funds are being allocated for security and defense. In a study conducted by Gaibulloev & Sandler (2008), some unifying principles of the economic impact of terrorism have been revealed from a survey conducted by Sandler and Enders (2008). According to the survey, “large developed economies are able to withstand terrorism and display little macroeconomic consequences. This is traced, in part, to these economies ability to regain peoples confidence through enhanced security. Advanced economies are more resilient and recover faster from shocks associated with terrorist incidents.” This is the reason why in the United States, extensive and comprehensive studies, evaluation and assessment techniques have been conducted to scrutinize terrorist activities. But still, the destruction of infrastructure and disruption of business activities cause a reduction in gross domestic product and growth of the nation. (ibid.) Public Policy Changes In response to impending threats posed by terrorist activities in the United States, the government has established the United States Government Interagency Domestic Terrorism Concept of Operations Plan (CONPLAN), a concerted efforts of six primary departments and agencies “designed to provide overall guidance to Federal, State and local agencies concerning how the Federal government would respond to a potential or actual terrorist threat or incident that occurs in the United States, particularly one involving Weapons of Mass Destruction”. (UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT INTERAGENCY DOMESTIC TERRORISM CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS PLAN 2001) This plan outlines directives, agencies responsibilities in times of terrorist attacks and incidents, threat levels, coordination protocols, and response operations. A study conducted by Perl (2001) outlined several policies available to combat terrorism, to wit: “past Administrations have employed a range of options to combat international terrorism, from diplomacy and international cooperation and constructive engagement to economic sanctions, covert action, protective security measures and military force. The application of sanctions is one of the most frequently used anti-terrorist tools of U.S. policymakers.” (p. 3) For victims of domestic terrorism, policy features include assistance to victims programs, counter terrorism research and development programs, diplomatic security program and other programs to combat terrorism such as “contingency planning; explosives detection; joint or multinational research, operational and training programs/exercises; nuclear materials safeguarding; chemical/biological weapon detection equipment development and disaster/crisis consequence management including training of first responders.” (ibid. p. 12) The United States government has placed primary importance to an effective and highly integrated response to threats posed by terrorist attacks. By detailing the agencies involved and itemizing each responsibility in times of imminent danger, the government would be assured that appropriate mechanisms and policies have been formulated and designed to appropriately respond to terrorism in the home front. Analysis The period under study revealed a drastic decrease in the frequency of domestic terrorist attacks as compared to levels recorded in the 1970s and 1980s. “Approximately 641 terrorist incidents occurred in the United States between 1971 and June 1975. Among these attacks were 166 bombings, 120 fire bombings, and 118 shootings.” (Terrorism in the United States 1999 p. 29). From 1980 to 1999, of total terrorist attacks of 457, there were 321 bombings, 21 assassinations and 16 arson – with domestic terrorist attacks numbering 322 as opposed to 135 international acts. However, with the decrease in frequency, it should be noted that terrorists have shifted their focus to utilizing Weapons of Mass Destruction which poses more danger to human lives, properties and environmental safety. Further, with the advancement in technology, terrorists utilize the World Wide Web as a means to proliferate their agenda. Thus, despite a decrease in frequency of domestic terrorist attacks, the government should remain vigilant in monitoring activities from various terrorist groups. With the comprehensive studies being undertaken by various government agencies, with the FBI as the lead agency to investigate the broad range of terrorist related activities in the domestic front and abroad, the nature and changing scope of terrorism would immediately be addressed. Conclusion Terrorist activities are becoming more diverse and complicated with advanced weapons of mass destruction posing severe danger to human lives. The history of domestic terrorism has evolved from a pattern of decreasing frequency due to the preventive mechanism, measures, policies implemented by the United States government. However, the advancement in technology still paves the way for terrorists to utilize other medium to pervade other sectors of the society. The best response is to remain vigilant and to continue the extensive efforts to thwart further violent attacks of terrorist to ensure the preservation of human lives. References Copeland, L. (2004). Domestic terrorism: New trouble at home. USA Today. Retrieved On May 7, 2009 from < http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2004-11-14- domestic-terrorism_x.htm> Frieden, T. (2005). FBI, ATF address domestic terrorism. Officials: Extremists pose serious threat. CNN. Retrieved on May 7, 2009 from Gaibulloev, K. & Sandler, T. (2008). The Impact of Terrorism and Conflicts on Growth in Asia, 1970–2004. ADB Institute. Retrieved on May 7, 2009 from < http://www.adbi.org/discussion-paper/2008/07/25/2665.terrorism.impact.growth.conflicts.asia.1970.2004/references/> Jarboe, J.F. (2002). The Threat of Eco-Terrorism. Retrieved on May 7, 2009 from Perl, R.F. (2001). Terrorism, the Future, and U.S. Foreign Policy. Congressional Research Service. The Library of Congress. Retrieved on May 7, 2009 from < http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB55/crs20010913.pdf> Presley, S.M. (1996). Rise of Domestic Terrorism and Its Relation to United States Armed Forces. Retrieved on May 7, 2009 from UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT INTERAGENCY DOMESTIC TERRORISM CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS PLAN (2001). Retrieved on May 7, 2009 from Read More