The evolution of terrorism over the past decades has seen the emergence of several types of terrorism and terrorist groups. Some of the world known terrorist groups including the Hezbollah, Hamas, and al-Qaeda have successfully managed to carry out several terrorist acts. As a result, it is necessary that the counterterrorism strategies place evolve concurrently in order to effectively combat these terrorist groups. In light of this, it is important that the counterterrorism strategies implement be specific to terrorist groups as ascertained by the motives driving the various groups into such activities. Different strategies are, therefore, need to combat each group for greater efficacy in the global fight against terrorism.
The Hezbollah for instance, far exceeds the traditional structured terrorist organization and is also composed of a political part conferred with the benefits of parliamentary representation in Lebanon. Hamas also fall under a similar category both are jointly referred to as state-sponsored terrorist groups. Counterterrorism strategies that would work best for such types of terrorist groups include facilitating a political solution that will see the countries achieve a peaceful state (Rineheart, 2010). A common feature across most terrorist groups is that they thrive on civil unrest, and if political stability can be attained in the respective countries, their terrorist activities can be effectively reduced.
In addition to political solutions, Rineheart (2010) also acknowledges that all terrorist groups including al-Qaeda are funded and cutting off the supply of funds to such groups limits their strategic plans and actions. Military strategies are also key in the fight against terrorism with acts such as the assassination of key leaders for example Bin Laden, capture of key areas among others being very effective in disorienting the activities and plans of such terrorist groups. Confronting the radical ideology propagated by such groups is also necessary in reducing public empathy on the groups (Bogis, 2011).
The different strategies are important for each group due to the varying nature of the terrorist groups. While some are politically instigated, others are religious instigated, therefore, calling for diverse measures. However, a combination of several of the strategies could prove more effective (Bogis, 2011). In addition to this, some of the counterterrorism strategies mentioned may be effective in combating more than one group considering the cooperation present among the terrorist groups. As such, specific counterterrorism measures may be effective in combating different terrorist groups linked in their activities.
References
Bogis, A. (2011) The New Counterterrorism Strategy–This Verse Same as the First? Retrieved December 24th, 2014 from http://www.hlswatch.com/2011/07/14/the-new-counterterrorism-strategy-this-verse-same-as-the-first/
Rineheart, J. (2010) Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency. Retrieved December 24th, 2014 from http://www.terrorismanalysts.com/pt/index.php/pot/article/view/122/html
