Throughout the history of terrorism in America, the lethality of weapons used for attacks as well as the defense has inexorably increased. The weapons used revolutionize over time from bronze to steel, guns, and to current use of nuclear and biological bombs (Combs and Combs, 2003). For each generation, the risk imposed by these weapons to civilians proves to be more lethal and deadlier than the predecessors. America has not been left behind as the lethality of the defense weapons applied in these attacks, and in protecting the nation have also been modernized.
However, with the increase and diversity of technology, the terrorists keep shifting and modernizing their attack equipment and tactic. This is inclusive of the weapons used, modes of attacks, and people involved (Combs and Combs, 2003). The results are attacks that kill civilians without the intelligence or awareness of the Federal government’s defense forces. This remains a massive threat to America as the terrorists keep changing their tactics and attacking the country when it is least expected.
For the first time in human history, the understanding of biology has advanced for the benefit of terrorists. The terrorists have shifted their gears from sophisticated weapons such as nuclear bombs, which are expensive to make, to biological weapons that are cheap to produce and deploy. Terrorists make these weapons, locally, and with least suspicions. The danger lies in the fact that a number of attackers are citizens, and, therefore, carry on their business without being suspected.
In the near future, America risks being attacked by its citizens; the inter-cultural mix faced currently in the country has shifted the expectations of many citizens who indulge in opposition of every government. The trend has lead to the formation of different groups with different expectations, and thus formation of criminal groups. Some of these groups are assimilated by groups such as Al Qaida. The Al Qaida, being the most associated with most attacks in America, find this as resourceful as they can arrange and conduct their attacks from foreign countries without necessarily being in America. The threat of being attacked by locals is also triggered by the fact that these terrorists have access to information about the country (Combs and Combs, 2003). They know when to strike and where the government hurts most.
Prevention and protection of future domestic terror threats remains a challenge for the Federal Government. It is noticeable that the current crisis with Syria lies with some Americans travelling there and coming back to their homeland with intentions of attacks. One of the means of preventing such exercises is by solving factors that favor the spread of terrorism (Combs and Combs, 2003). However, in a consideration of the global nature of terrorism, this solution requires an intense international co-operation. The challenge becomes how to unite all these nations as some of them may not be willing to co-operate.
Another option may be the creation of public awareness and an informed community of observers. The current terrorism trend may require the government to work closely with locals and community members, so that information is efficiently and quickly shared. Such observers would be even more efficient than policemen as they closely interact with almost all individuals in a local setting. Additionally, in cases of terrorism, such citizen observers would reduce the concentration of policemen working on one area and leaving some areas insecure. This may be an expensive exercise, which may not be realizable in the near future, but if the government puts some effort in ensuring its success, the threat of domestic terrorism, which is on the rise, may decrease.
Reference.
Combs, C. C., & Combs, C. C. (2003). Terrorism in the twenty-first century.
