Based on your readings thus far from the text and your own research, what are at least two pieces
of legislation that can be used to combat terrorism? What challenges face the intelligence
community in their efforts to defeat terrorism? What role does or should our borders play in the
fight against terrorism? List five structural and five non-structural mitigation strategies to protect
or prevent terrorism.
What are at least two pieces of legislation that can be used to combat terrorism?
One of the most important pieces of legislation that is used to combat terrorism is the
USA Patriot Act. This act stands for “Uniting and Strengthening American by Providing
Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism” and was signed in 2001 as a
result of the September 11, 2001 attacks (McEntire, 2019). This act had a primary purpose of
preventing terrorist attacks, as well as enhancing law enforcement’s ability to investigate and
penalize offenders (McEntire, 2019). Restrictions on sharing information between the FBI and
CIA were also lessened. For example, these agencies were allowed to conduct wiretaps and
increase surveillance in regard to computer communications (McEntire, 2019). Additionally, this
act allowed for the elimination of the statute of limitation for terrorist attacks which resulted in
people being able to be tried for attacks regardless of how long ago they occurred (McEntire,
2019).
A second legislation that is important in combating terrorism was established in 2002
called the Homeland Security Act. This act was activated at the beginning of 2003, which led to
the development of the Department of Homeland Security (McEntire, 2019). Laws and
responsibilities of the DHS were outlined throughout the act. For example, this act stated that the
DHS had responsibilities of dealing with border security, infrastructure protection, and weapons
of mass destruction (McEntire, 2019). Essentially, this resulted in an immense amount of change
for the federal government’s organizational structure in a positive way.
What challenges face the intelligence community in their efforts to defeat terrorism?
The intelligence community faces many challenges in their efforts to defeat terrorism.
First, it is essential to have a large number of agents and operatives who understand “Arabic
languages, Islamic religion, and Middle Eastern cultural practices” (McEntire, 2019, p. 164).
However, even though that the intelligence community is finding individuals that have
knowledge of these factors, it is extremely difficult to infiltrate terrorist groups due to terrorist
having close relationships within their communities they operate in (McEntire, 2019). Second,
the intelligence community relies heavily on technology. Terrorists use technology and the
internet to their advantage to communicate, plan, and conduct attacks (McEntire, 2019). Lastly,
there are so many agencies that provide intelligence information. Therefore, there becomes a
problem of knowing who to trust and share intelligence information with (McEntire, 2019).
What role does or should our borders play in the fight against terrorism?
Border security is extremely important when fighting against terrorism. After the 9/11 attacks,
congress established the Transportation Security Administration. This organization is responsible
for screening passengers, as well as luggage and cargo at ports within the country (McEntire,
2019). Additionally, even though the Federal Air Marshal Service has been around since 1961,
the attacks that happened on 9/11 changed and improved the way they operate (McEntire, 2019).
Now there are air marshals on all flights in the United States for protection. Overall, border
patrol operations have a primary mission of protecting our Nation by “reducing the probability
that dangerous people and capabilities enter the United States between ports” (U.S Customs and
Border Protection, 2018).
List five structural and five non-structural mitigation strategies to protect or prevent
terrorism.
Structural mitigation strategies:
- Installing blast-resistant and bullet proof glass on government buildings
- Controlling the shape of the buildings structure
- Steel reinforcement in concrete buildings
- Install sprinklers and fire-resistant materials
- The number and redundancy of support columns
Non-Structural mitigation strategies:
- Conducting background checks will aid in reduction of terrorism from internal sources.
- The use of security guards and guard dogs to help patrol facilities
- ID badges and access cards to restrict movement into certain areas.
- Motion detectors and metal detectors to identify weapons and explosives.
- Escape plans are in place and shared with employees
Christian Worldview
Proverbs 6:16-19 states “there are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him:
haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked
schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person
who stirs up conflict in the community” (New International Version, 2011). All of these are
behaviors of those who carry out acts of terrorism. Therefore, the Lord does not tolerate
terrorism and those will be punished who go against the Lord.
References:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2018) Border Security Overview. Retrieved from
https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/along-us-borders/overview
McEntire, D. A. (2019). Introduction to homeland security: Understanding terrorism with an
emergency management perspective (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
New International Version Bible (2011). BibleGateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/
(original work published 1978).
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