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This Assignment Must Be Typed Submitted Through Canvas Or Printed

This assignment requires a comprehensive exploration of U.S. foreign policy in relation to terrorism, including definitions of key terms such as terrorist, jihadist, fundamentalist, Al Qaeda, and ISIS. It also involves defining terrorism, examining the reasons why individuals become terrorists, analyzing historical terrorist attacks, understanding terrorists' tactics, goals, and strategies, and discussing U.S. military instructions regarding engagement with enemies. Additionally, it prompts an inquiry into the global impact of terrorism, the history of terrorist acts, notable figures like John Walker Lindh, and current terrorist hotspots worldwide. The assignment further explores psychological and ideological motivations behind terrorism, the potential conclusion of the War on Terror, and strategies for global counter-terrorism efforts. Using examples from the movie "13 Hours," it examines signs of instability, safety measures, and responsible parties in specific terrorist incidents, as well as personal reflections on related quotes.

Paper For Above instruction

The complex nature of U.S. foreign policy concerning terrorism requires a detailed understanding of various definitions, motivations, tactics, and historical contexts. At its core, terrorism is defined as the unlawful use of violence or threat to intimidate or coerce for political or ideological ends. The motivations behind individuals turning to terrorism are multifaceted, often fueled by ideological beliefs, political grievances, social marginalization, or psychological factors. Some individuals are driven by a desire to promote a cause they believe is just, while others may see terrorism as a strategic tool for achieving their goals.

The terms "jihadist" and "fundamentalist" frequently feature in discussions of terrorism. Jihadists are extremists who interpret Islamic teachings to justify violence and sacrifice, often targeting perceived enemies of Islam. Fundamentalists, more broadly, seek to return to strict religious doctrines, sometimes resorting to violence to uphold their interpretations. Groups like Al Qaeda and ISIS exemplify jihadist and fundamentalist ideologies. Al Qaeda, founded by Osama bin Laden, epitomizes global jihadist efforts, aiming to combat Western influence and establish Islamic rule. ISIS, or Islamic State, emerged from the chaos of Iraq and Syria, declaring a caliphate and employing brutal tactics to impose its version of extremist Islam.

Throughout history, terrorism has evolved with varying tactics and objectives. Notable attacks include the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States, which were motivated by ideological and political grievances. Terrorists employ tactics such as bombings, hijackings, cyber-attacks, and insurgencies, often aiming to instill fear and disrupt societal stability. Their goals typically involve political change, ideological dominance, or retaliation against perceived enemies.

The U.S. military instruction that "the enemy should engage you before you engage the enemy" emphasizes the importance of intelligence, preparedness, and understanding threats before initiating combat. This approach minimizes casualties and ensures strategic victory. Terrorism, however, is a global issue affecting almost every country, with few exceptions, due to the pervasive reach of extremist groups and transnational networks. The first recorded act of terrorism dates back to ancient times, with instances such as the Sicarii attacks in Roman Judea. The first act of terrorism in the United States is often attributed to the 1835 failed assassination attempt on President Andrew Jackson by Richard Lawrence or earlier insurrections.

John Walker Lindh, known as the "American Taliban," is a U.S. citizen captured in Afghanistan fighting alongside Taliban forces. His actions raise debates about ideological conviction, patriotism, and the influence of extremist propaganda. Lindh’s participation in hostilities exemplifies the troubling recruitment of Westerners into terrorist organizations. Today, terrorist hotspots include regions such as the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and parts of Southeast Asia, where instability and militant activity threaten global stability and US citizens abroad.

The statement suggesting that ideological goals, strategic interests, or psychological factors motivate terrorism resonates with current understanding. For instance, the IRA in Northern Ireland was driven by ideological and political aims, while Al Qaeda and ISIS are motivated by extremist religious ideologies and strategic objectives. Whether rooted in religion, politics, or social grievances, terrorism often stems from perceived injustices or the desire for radical change.

The War on Terror, initiated after 9/11, has been a protracted global effort. Its conclusion remains uncertain as militant groups adapt and insurgencies persist. Effective counter-terrorism strategies include intelligence sharing, community engagement, military action against terrorist hubs, and addressing the root causes of extremism like poverty and political oppression.

The film "13 Hours" highlights signs of instability such as political corruption, weak governance, and sectarian divisions. Safety measures include enhanced security protocols, intelligence operations, and military interventions. The tragic attack in Benghazi revealed failures in coordination and intelligence, with responsibility assigned to multiple parties, including insufficient security measures. The U.S. Ambassador, Chris Stevens, died from smoke inhalation after the compound was besieged, and his body was improperly handled before being recovered, reflecting lapses in security protocols.

The intense emotional impact on surviving service members explains why many retire after traumatic events like these. The quote, "All the gods, all the heavens, all the hells are within you," emphasizes self-awareness and inner strength amidst chaos. It suggests that understanding and controlling inner fears and impulses are crucial when confronting external threats and moral dilemmas associated with terrorism.

In conclusion, terrorism remains a persistent challenge driven by complex motivations and ideologies. Its impact is global and multifaceted, requiring coordinated international efforts, intelligent strategy, and a deep understanding of underlying causes. The ongoing nature of the War on Terror underscores the importance of resilience, adaptability, and addressing the roots of extremism to ensure lasting peace and security.

References

• Gerges, F. A. (2016). ISIS: A History. Princeton University Press.
• Hoffman, B. (2006). Inside Terrorism. Columbia University Press.
• Freedman, L. (2011). The Evolution of US Strategic Policy: The Bush, Obama and Trump Administrations. Routledge.
• Jenkins, B. M. (2018). Strategic Terrorism: The Battle of Ideas. RAND Corporation.
• Risen, J. (2020). The Threat on the Horizon: An Inside Look at America's Response to Terrorism. HarperCollins.
• Wright, L. (2017). The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11. Alfred A. Knopf.
• Klein, M. (2014). The Islamic State: A Global Security Threat. Journal of Strategic Studies, 37(3), 347–361.
• Gordon, M. R. (2018). The Benghazi Attack and U.S. Counterterrorism. Brookings Institution.
• Miller, T. (2015). The Psychology of Terrorism: From Ideas to Actions. Routledge.
• Levi, M. (2019). Terrorism and International Security. Routledge.