Terrorism

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Terrorism

Terrorism…This is a very common word in today’s society. What does it mean? Or more importantly how do “we” prevent it and if necessary combat it? The word most commonly used to explain this is counter terrorism, but is also known as anti-terrorism. The military is a great force in combating terrorism with specialist groups in nearly each branch of the armed forces. Prior to the September 11 attacks the United States Armed Forces worked hand in hand with NATO and the United Nations combating terror. However after these attacks, the United States Military has become a widely utilized entity on fighting terrorism.

Before even discussing anything about terrorism you have to have a broad understand of what it is. The definition of terrorism is very complex, mostly because there is no real definition. According to Dr. Groskin, terrorism is “the use or threat of using violence and force to achieve political objectives using methods which represent violations of criminal laws.” He also states that it is the “motives that lie behind the acts which serve to distinguish terrorism from aberrant, seemingly irrational, mindless, senseless violence.” When looking at a “terrorist” act the use of fear, demands for change, selection of victims, and how likely it is to attract attention all have to be closely examined to determine if it is truly what it seems.

Terrorist attacks can range from chemical, biological, nuclear, suicidal, kidnapping, and more. They ar...

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