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Discussion Board 4: Terrorism Quandaries and Dilemmas
Adam Richards
Helms School of Government, Liberty University
HLSC 610-B02 LUO
Dr. Melvin Richards
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How Do Terrorists Use Our Laws to Their Advantage?
Terrorists take advantage of not only American laws, but international laws in various
ways. One instance they use it to their advantage is by not following laws, and using the fact that
westerners try to wage war in a moral way to their advantage. Terrorists are not worried about
lawfully waging war, caring for the enemies wounded, or burdened with the responsibilities that
comes with a higher moral warfare. Terrorists do not identify themselves with uniforms, allowing
them to work in the shadows and to be more discrete nor do they announce their intent to attack
before-hand. The Geneva Accords are not of their concern. In terms of American laws, they take
advantage of some of the liberties granted by the Constitution. For instance, America’s freedom
of the press and the right to assemble can all be used by terrorists for different purposes. Through
the press they can bring light to their mission, they can release doctrine, manifestos, recruiting
material, and propaganda. The right to assemble can cater to their favor as well, as through these
functions they could potentially find new recruits (McEntire, 2019).
Explain the Concept of Asymmetrical Warfare.
Sexton (2016) define asymmetrical warfare as, “Unconventional strategies and tactics
adopted by a force when the military capabilities of belligerent powers are not simply unequal
but are so significantly different that they cannot make the same sorts of attacks on each other.”
Usually those waging asymmetrical warfare have considerably smaller numbers, inferior
technology, and are going up against greater odds. It should be noted this is not always the case.
For example, Green Beret’s and other top tier special units in the Armed Forces participate in
unconventional warfare such as asymmetrical warfare in the interests of America.
Finally, Explain What “Force Multiplier” Means and What Force Multipliers Terrorist
Use.
White (2017) states that Force multiplier is defined as, “A method of increasing
striking power without increasing the number of combat troops in a military unit.”
Terrorist’s use religious fanaticism, the media, chemical weapons, and weapons of mass
destruction as force multipliers in their terrorist acts.
Exodus 23:27- I will send My terror ahead of you, and throw into confusion all the people among
whom you come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you.
References
McEntire, D. A. (2019). Introduction to Homeland Security: Understanding Terrorism
Prevention and Emergency Management (2nd ed.). Wiley.
Sexton, E. (2016). Asymmetrical Warfare. Britainncia
https://www.britannica.com/topic/asymmetrical-warfare
NASB, (2020). Thinline Bible, Leathersoft, Black, Red Letter, 1995 Text, Comfort Print.
Zondervan.
White, J. R. (2017). Terrorism and Homeland Security. Cengage Learning.
