Terrorism
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Institution
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Terrorist Activities
In December of 1983, a truck filled with explosives was driven by terrorists into the US Embassy in the city of Kuwait. Even though no Americans were injured in the attack, the consulate building was heavily destroyed by the blast. Four days later, the US government ordered it embassies around the globe to erect barricades and take precautions to avoid further attacks. In February of 1993, the World Trade Center in New York came under a terrorist attack for the first time when a truck loaded with explosives was detonated just below the center’s North tower. Six people were injured in the attack, and a thousand others sustained injuries. In September of 2001, the world trade center came under another attack when hijacked and crashed planes into the south and the northern towers. According to Corbett et al. (2011), “The events set in motion by the September 11 attacks would raise fundamental questions about the United States’ role in the world, the extent to which privacy should be protected at the cost of security, the definition of exactly who is an American, and the cost of liberty” (p. 951).
Can Global Terrorism be stopped?
I do not think that it is possible to stop terrorism because the fight against acts of terrorism is very challenging. Acts of terrorism are very rare. According to Barria (2007), “even important groups like al-Qaida have committed relatively few attacks” (par. 4). The fact that acts of terrorism are very rare limits our capacity draw generalizations and develop general policies for dealing with terrorism. Another reason why I think the fight against terrorism is difficult is that terrorist groups are not similar. When we think about terrorist groups, we think of them in terms of highly-publicized and well-organized groups, such as Al-Shabaab or the Islamic State. In reality, however, making generalizations is difficult. On one end are wolves – individuals who are not affiliated with any terrorist groups. On the other end are terrorist groups that are highly specialized, highly organized, and with stable leadership and a defined chain of command. In between are shadowy networks and small groups that are loosely connected. Because of this kind of instability, it becomes difficult to win the war on terrorism.
The US as the World Policemen
The US has played the role of “World Policemen” for many decades. Considering that it is the world’s superpower, it has, for a long time, taking the role of its moral responsibility. Through diplomatic and foreign policies, America has been known to be a promoter of justice and democracy across the globe. The global position enjoyed by the USA inspires its sense of triumph, international influence, and dreams, aspects that have led to the country being referred to as the “Global Policeman,” a title that is interpreted to mean that the US must intervene or intercede in international matters. If America forsook its role as global policeman, “hostile foreign powers would again rise up to eventually threaten America itself” (Bloxham, 2016, p. 1).
Is Peace in the Middle East Vital to the US?
Yes, it is important that peace prevails in the region not just for the economy and security of the US alone, but also for the global security and economy. According to Cropsey & Roughead (2019), “The Middle East’s central location between Europe, East Asia, and Africa makes it geographically vital to U.S. interests” (pars. 6-7). The lines of supply and communication between the United States, Asia and Europe pass right through the this region – the Middle East. Additionally, the US logistic ships, submarines, expeditionary strike groups, and sailing carrier go through the Suez Canal. Even though the reliance of the USA on Middle Eastern Oil has also decreased, Washington’s Asian and European allies still need to access the energy resources in the Middle East without interruption. This means that that lack of peace in the Middle East would have far-reaching and immediate global implications.
References
Barria, C. (2007). ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram: Why is Terrorism So Hard to Beat? Newsweek. Retrieved from https://www.newsweek.com/six-reasons-why-preventing-terrorism-so-difficult-613365
Bloxham, J. (2016). John A. Thompson, A Sense of Power: The Roots of America’s Global Role. European journal of American studies.
Corbett, P. S., Janssen, V., Lund, J. M., Pfannestiel, T. J., Vickery, P. S., & Roberts, O. (2017). US history. OpenStax, Rice University.
Cropsey, S. & Roughead, G. (2019). A U.S. Withdrawal Will Cause a Power Struggle in the Middle East. Foreign Policy. Retrieved from https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/12/17/us-withdrawal-power-struggle-middle-east-china-russia-iran/