Terrorism: A Growing Threat

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Throughout history, terrorists have struck fear in the eyes of many people by using threats and violence to further political beliefs. Terrorism can be shown in many different ways; however, there are only two main types of terrorism: international and domestic. International terrorism usually occurs outside the jurisdiction, or boundaries, of the United States. Domestic terrorism is the exact opposite, occurring mostly within the jurisdiction of the United States.
The violence of terrorism is usually comprised of assassination, destruction, or kidnapping. There have been thousands of known terrorist attacks, which means that many of them were successful, however, most are not. There is almost always a motive behind a terrorist attack. Terrorists are rarely ever captured after an attack. Most of them commit suicide during or after an attack.
Probably the most well-known terrorist attack occurred on September 11, 2001. This will be forever known as 9-1-1 or 9/11. On this date, four passenger planes were hijacked. Two of them crashed into the Twin Towers in New York City, one plane crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, DC, and the last plane was taken over by passengers and crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. Osama Bin Laden ordered this attack that killed close to 3,000 Americans and injured many more. "It remains the single worst terrorist incident in American history ("Terrorism in the Twenty-First Century"1)."
In light of the attacks on September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush signed the USA Patriot Act on October 26, 2001. This act expanded the powers of law enforcement agencies to conduct strict surveillance and interrogation while also strengthening the power of the border patrol. In other words, this ac...

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...sm. Terrorism can occur anywhere at any time no matter what continent, country, or city. The most people can do is be vigilant and aware of their surroundings and report anything suspicious to the authorities. Terrorism is a huge problem, especially overseas, and if not prevented will take the lives of many more men, women, and children.

Works Cited

Azzata, Gerry. "Prosecuting Terrorism." Student Resource Center. Gale, 2002 Web. 14 Feb. 2014.
Borden, Timothy G. "Homeland Security: Guarding Against Terrorism." Student Resource Center. Gale, 2002. Web. 14 Feb. 2014.
Maerli, Morton Bremer. "Nuclear Terrorism: Threats, Challenges, and Responses." Student Resource Center. Gale, 2002. Web. 14 Feb. 2014.
"Terrorism" Student Resource Center. Gale, 2010. Web. 14 Feb. 2014.
"Terrorism in the Twenty-First Century." Student Resource Center. Gale, 2012. Web. 14 Feb. 2014.

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