Soft targets need more analysis than hard targets. Thus if I was analyzing vulnerable terrorist targets for 2013, I would start with soft targets such as shopping malls, railway bridges and tunnels first.
This is because soft targets do not have advanced security like hard targets. Airports, as an example of a hard target have advanced security features such as luggage and body scanners. Soft targets, on the other hand, are much easier to attack with a high probability of casualties thus attracting the attention of the attackers.
Companies that deal with dangerous products should take security matters more seriously than others. This is because their products can be used to disguise and carry other dangerous weapons which can be used to attack the population.
These companies should put the necessary measures to combat viable vulnerabilities that may lead to security threats.
The only viable solution to protecting Americans involves surveillance and reconnaissance to identify the most vulnerable places and people. Also, through regulations such as arm control and community policy, the American society can be made better.
The Coast Guard as the oldest maritime agency in the federal government should remain under the Department of Homeland security. In my view, the Coast Guard is not to be blamed as a whole for inefficiency but the management carries the blame. As of the year 2008, $4 billion was misappropriated for Deepwater. Deepwater is a program aimed at replacing and modernizing Coast Guard vessels.
The Department of Homeland security should be streamlined as a whole and management issues of Coast Guard be aligned to restore the dignity of the oldest maritime agency in federal government.
I agree with Jan C. Ting that the greatest threat to U.S homeland security comes from uncontrolled influx of illegal immigrants. Border security should be heightened to ensure than illegal immigrants who essentially comprise of terrorists are capped. Smuggling of drugs, illegal firearms, contraband and people are some of the major security threats facing United States.
The solution lies in management and performance of federal bodies such as Homeland security and Coast Guard. Through programs such as Deepwater meant to replace and modernize Coast Guard vessels to promote efficiency of operations.
Domestic terrorism is a major issue in America. Colorado movie theatre attack, for instance, that killed 12 people and injured 58 others is an example of growing rate of crime.
The problem with domestic tourism lies in its ability to detect and combat it before the damage is done. The DHS is out of context in most occasions as highlighted by William H. Webster Commission which cited that the authorities often leaves evidence of a pending crime – even a lone wolf assailant. The investigation of a previous crime is sometimes inconclusive leaving the attacker to continue the attacks with different methods.
Nuclear terrorism is a realistic threat to America as compared to biological and chemical terrorism. Biological and chemical weapons are controlled and manage by state and federal agencies. However, nuclear terrorism is real and is perpetuated by rival states such as Iran and South Korea.
The fact that there are regulations guiding the use of nuclear facilities in the world does not imply that United States is immune to nuclear terrorists. Rival states that are not party to such treaties pose more nuclear threats to the American states.
The means does not justify the ends in combating terrorism attacks. Torture is a violation of human fundamental rights and as such should not be used.
However, when interrogating a known terrorist who has vital information that may lead to rescue of life’s at stake, enhanced methods of interrogation is justified. Their use can be justified as a method of last resort.
America has gone too far in suppressing liberties in order to protect those very same liberties. The argument is it is good for national security. It is good to inspect people for weapons as they go in most entities. This is to ensure security of the nation. Thus, even if certain civil liberties are violated, the fact remains they are done for the sake of the wider good.
Some legislation violates citizens voting rights. The 2011 legislation session passed measures that made it hard for elderly, students, people with disabilities and African-Americans to exercise their fundamental right to cast a vote.
Human intelligence is a fundamental form of intelligence to counter terrorism. The use of human agents is used to acquire information and in certain circumstances carry out covert affairs. The advantage of humint is that it is less expensive to conduct. However, the disadvantage lies in the difficulty it is associated with. It is undoubtedly the most dangerous for practitioners and mistakes can lead to fatal consequences and embarrassments to the country.
