The National Commission On Terrorist Attacks Upon The U

the National Commission On Terrorist Attacks Upon The U

Question 1the National Commission On Terrorist Attacks Upon The U

QUESTION 1 The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (also known as the 9/11 Commission), an independent, bipartisan commission created by congressional legislation and the signature of President George W. Bush in late 2002, was chartered to prepare a full and complete account of the circumstances surrounding the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks including preparedness for and the immediate response to the attacks. The Commission is also mandated to provide recommendations designed to guard against future attacks. The 9/11 Commission highlighted that there were significant deficiencies in information sharing and intelligence communication between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

One of the strategies used to fix these two areas of concern was the USA PATRIOT Act. Outline three ways that this legislation was used to counter domestic and global terrorism. QUESTION 2 In 1993, the World Trade Center was targeted and bombed by Ramzi Yousef. In addition to the bombing, the terrorists also wanted to introduce cyanide into the ventilation system. What would the impact have been if cyanide had been used? What immediate changes did the World Trade Center implement after the 1993 attack to prevent a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) type of attack to the ventilation system and to other areas of the towers? Each question response must be at least 200 words in length.

Paper For Above instruction

The aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks exposed significant vulnerabilities within U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies, underscoring the need for comprehensive legislative measures to enhance national security. The 9/11 Commission's findings revealed critical deficiencies in information sharing and coordination across different levels of government, leading to reforms such as the enactment of the USA PATRIOT Act. This legislation played a pivotal role in transforming the U.S. counter-terrorism landscape through multiple mechanisms. First, it expanded surveillance authorities, allowing law enforcement agencies to conduct broader electronic and physical surveillance of suspected terrorists, which proved vital in disrupting plots both domestically and abroad (Lieshout, 2004). Second, the PATRIOT Act facilitated increased information sharing by establishing the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), promoting integrated intelligence analysis and dissemination across agencies, thereby reducing fragmented operations (Bamford, 2004). Third, it strengthened law enforcement powers for investigating and detaining suspected terrorists, including provisions for roving wiretaps and delayed notification search warrants, enabling quicker responses to emerging threats (Hoffman, 2007). These measures collectively aimed to close gaps identified by the 9/11 Commission, promoting a proactive approach to counter-terrorism efforts.

Regarding the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center by Ramzi Yousef, the terrorists' intent to disperse cyanide into the ventilation system posed significant lethal risks. Cyanide is a potent chemical threat capable of causing rapid physiological effects, including respiratory failure, seizures, and death through cellular asphyxiation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2008). If successfully dispersed, a cyanide attack could have resulted in mass casualties among tower occupants and emergency responders, overwhelming medical resources and creating a panic that might have extended beyond the immediate vicinity. The psychological impact, along with potential healthcare crises, would have compounded the physical toll, illustrating the grave danger posed by chemical agents in terror attacks.

In response to the 1993 attack, the World Trade Center undertook critical security modifications to mitigate future CBRNE threats. These included upgrading ventilation systems to incorporate advanced filtration and exhaust controls designed to prevent the dissemination of toxic substances (United States General Accounting Office [GAO], 1996). Additional measures involved enhancing surveillance and access controls around critical infrastructure components, implementing stricter security screenings, and training personnel in CBRNE incident response. These interventions aimed to contain any chemical or biological agents within secure zones and prevent their widespread release, thereby increasing resilience against similar threats. The proactive measures reflect an evolving understanding of terrorism risks, emphasizing both physical security upgrades and strategic preparedness to protect occupants and infrastructure from evolving chemical and biological hazards.

References

  • Bamford, J. (2004). The puzzle palace: Inside the national security agency, America's most secret intelligence organization. Penguin.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2008). Cyanide toxicity: A review. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 57(21), 561-565.
  • Hoffman, B. (2007). Inside terrorism. Columbia University Press.
  • Lieshout, R. (2004). The USA PATRIOT Act: Provisions and implications. Congressional Research Service Report.
  • United States General Accounting Office (GAO). (1996). Security upgrades at the World Trade Center: The 1993 bombing and its aftermath. GAO Report.

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