Terrorism is one of the most terrifying and perpetual threats that Americans and people all across the globe must contend with in the modern era. There are international terrorist threats, as well as, domestic ones, as seen in Dallas, Texas, this last week. However the bulk of terrorism stems from the Middle East. It was 9/11 that showed people just how organized and well-planned terrorist attacks could happen on a grand scale; the organization Al-Qaeda proudly took credit for this tragedy. Presently the threat has new name, ISIS, these vicious and violent Islamic Extremists who have attempted to intimidate by airing online videos of beheadings and other torturous acts against their prisoners. The reality is that these terrorists are globally active, hidden within the populations all across the globe. One case of note, 6 United States residents, living in the mid-west, of was charged for their affiliations with a dangerous terrorist Abdullah Ramo Pazara, who left Missouri in 2013 to join ISIS in Syria. These individuals could face a quarter of million dollar fine and as much as 15 years in prison if convicted. They are believed to have been exchanging information, sending support and possibly awaiting orders from Pazara via social media (Williams 1). This is not the first time we hear of social media being used to recruit new followers. That being said this validates the concern that there are too many easy avenues for such individual to move into American neighborhoods, our European allies and other place where there is a place to infiltrate and hide.
In response many governments are struggling with their immigration laws. We have seen issues in Europe presently and in the United States, particularly with the influx of Syrian refugees. While the majority of refugees may be exactly what they appear, people in need; however, amidst these innocents, are dangerous terrorists seeking access to countries like France, Britain and the United States. The approaches that are currently used all over the world are more reactive after an attack rather than necessarily stopping one (Gilsinan 1). Countries, nations, states and communities are all adapting for preparedness in the aftermath of attack. Finding terrorists amidst an immigrant population is not easy and can lead to conflicts that only make things worse. In fairness some countries are actively fighting terrorism at its sources, like the militia in Bosnia. This is realistically what all world nations will need to do is created a united effort and take out the terrorists threats by literally “cutting the head of the snake.”
This kind of terrorism is a worldwide problem committed by a global enemy; the response should fit that reality. If the world’s nations came to together to eliminate the terrorist threats as a united front they have a greater likelihood of success. ISIS, while frightening, cruel and unwavering in their hate, they are a small pocket of the population. They would stand little chance against military bearing down on them. Experts argue that by “cutting the head of the snake” it will disseminate the power and central hub of the terrorist organization. Then they work to eliminate whatever is left, hiding in pockets around the world. It is also a time to reform how we view social media (The Heritage Foundation 1). Regardless of freedom of speech and regardless of the World Wide Web being something accessible to all, there should be limits to who uses and how it is used. Social media sites need to identify possible ISIS recruitment sites and shut them down. This would limit their power and again slow their ability to influence possible sympathizers already living within other countries around the world. At this moment, after instances like the cases against the 6 ISIS agents living in the Midwest, the attack on San Bernardino, California, and the attack by an ISIS affiliate at Pulse nightclub in Florida. We, also, cannot forget Belgium and the city of Paris (Gilsinan 1). The threat is real and it is the source that must be stopped. Unfortunately, while others countries are cracking down on immigration and on task forces dedicate to said goals, America’s input has presently been rather lackluster. Our current leadership will not even call threat by its name and instead of cracking down and making a stand with the rest of the globe against the common enemy. Instead the United States current leadership would rather debate American gun ownership. The technology today is more than capable of putting an end to ISIS and all of its affiliates, but they must be willing to use it. The most disturbing part is that it will not end, in Europe or in the United States, until they do. Terrorism is a serious international crime that requires the collaborative effort, a unified front, that violent hate mongers will not stand a chance at overcoming.
WORK CITED
Gilsinan, Kathy. "How Should the World Respond to Terrorism." The Atlantic. (2016): 1. Web.
<http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2016/04/world-response-terrorism/476337/>.
Williams, Pete. "Feds Charge 6 with Terrorism-Related Crimes Involving Links to ISIS.” NBC
News. (2015): 1. Web. <http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/feds-charge-6-terrorism-related-crimes-involving-links-isis-n301961>.
The Heritage Foundation. "Terrorism." The Heritage Foundation. (2016): 1. Web.
<http://solutions.heritage.org/defense/terrorism/>.
