The Threat of Terrorism

Threats of terrorism at ports in the United States have rapidly expanded. Seemingly, most threats are initiated by individuals or groups who want to alter world order by over throwing governments. Terrorism proceeded to emerge during the French Revolution. Additionally, it has been on a consistent rise and encompasses port security threats and attacks throughout the nation. Individuals who attempt to carry out such horrific acts do so in an attempt to invoke fear and mass pandemonium to achieve an objective. Their efforts are fueled by their perspective reflective of beliefs, norms, and customs or about religion. Anyone who is hurt in the process is viewed as casualties of the cause. Although many of the threats or attacks are the result of terrorisms, there are also man-made and natural threats that can be just as damaging to ports and facilities thereof. Terrorism, natural and man-made threats have become very prominent with the use of different tactics, methods, techniques, and modes of operations, weather conditions, and advanced technology especially within the boundaries of the United States. Threats, attacks, and disasters can happen in a variety of forms (riots, chemical warfare, bombings, hurricanes, explosions, power outages, flooding, network sabotage, identity theft, tornadoes, illegal immigration, drug and human smuggling, etc.) that can disrupt the operational functioning at ports. The security level at U.S. ports are constantly being tested in an effort to determine vulnerabilities by individuals or groups that desire to enter and exit with the least amount of restrictions. In a relative article, "Port Security Put to the Test" author Sakr (2007) provided great details about the relativeness of the fear of terrorism...

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...ties of the internet, possible advancements in technology, and research concerning the manner of its use. This is a viable way in early detection of threats to counteract those who are determined on creating destruction with the use of the internet and other network systems to achieve an objective. In a 2007 article entitled “The Container Security Initiative and Ocean Container Threats” (Haveman) argues that it is important to provide the protection needed at the nations ports in an effort to minimize the threats associated with entry and exit of international cargo that can be utilized as weaponries for destruction. The objective according to (Haveman) is to identify problematic issues and quickly implement steps that are aligned with globally interchange of products and services so that the United States maritime environment can maintain its functional capacity.