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National Strategy for Combating Terrorism: Prospects and Implications
Prior to the attacks of 9-11, the US did not have a comprehensive national counterterrorism strategy. Terrorism was seen as one of many threats that could be addressed through policy directives and law enforcement. The trauma of 9-11 completely changed perceptions of the threat posed by terrorism. Overnight it came to be seen as the preeminent threat facing the US. President Bush declared a global war on terrorism and in less than a month US forces were engaged in Afghanistan. The fight against terrorism is now seen as the primary focus of the military but this expansion of roles is not without costs. This thesis examines US counterterrorism strategy before and after 9-11 with a focus on the role of the military. It evaluates changes in strategy and the implementation of strategy. It also reviews and assesses military roles in domestic and international counterterrorism efforts before and after 9-11. Finally it evaluates the implications of the expanded role of the military and prospects for success in the war on terror if the current strategy is pursued.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Rowe, Paul R.
2003-12
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Counterterrorism 2015 Calendar
"The US National Counterterrorism Center [NCTC] is pleased to present the 2015
edition of the Counterterrorism (CT) Calendar. This edition, like others
since the Calendar was first published in daily planner format in 2003,
contains many features across the full range of issues pertaining to
international terrorism: terrorist groups, wanted terrorists, and technical
pages on various threat-related topics. The Calendar also marks dates that
terrorists may believe are important if planning attacks to commemorate
particular events.
Under US law, NCTC focuses exclusively on international terrorism.
There are other organized groups that engage in violent acts-some
are criminal organizations with no political or social agenda, and some
are domestic terrorist groups; however, this calendar reflects NCTC's
international focus. Senior Intelligence Community officials assess the
greatest international terrorist threats currently facing the United States
come from violent extremists inspired by al-Qa'ida, including its allies
and affiliates, who are committed to conducting attacks inside the United
States and abroad. These groups promote an ideology that presents
a radical vision of Islam that is not followed or endorsed by the vast
majority of Muslims.
Individuals portrayed in this calendar are all listed on the US
Government's Rewards for Justice site or on FBI sites devoted to
terrorism. These individuals have been either indicted or are being sought
for their involvement in international terrorism."
National Counterterrorism Center (U.S.)
2015
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Terrorism and National Security: Issues and Trends [February 21, 2006]
"International terrorism has long been recognized as a serious foreign and domestic security threat. This issue brief examines international terrorist actions and threats and the U.S. policy response. As the 9/11 Commission report released on July 19, 2004, concludes, the United States needs to use all tools at its disposal, including diplomacy, international cooperation, and constructive engagement to economic sanctions, covert action, physical security enhancement, and military force. A modern trend in terrorism is toward loosely organized, self-financed, international networks of terrorists. Another trend is toward terrorism that is religiously- or ideologically-motivated. Radical Islamic fundamentalist groups, or groups using religion as a pretext, pose terrorist threats of varying kinds to U.S. interests and to friendly regimes. A third trend is the apparent growth of cross-national links among different terrorist organizations, which may involve combinations of military training, funding, technology transfer, or political advice. […] As terrorism is a global phenomenon, a major challenge facing policy makers is how to maximize international cooperation and support, without unduly compromising important U.S. national security interests. A growing issue bedeviling policymakers is how to minimize the economic and civil liberties costs of an enhanced security environment. The issue of how to combat incitement to terrorism -- especially in instances where such activity is state sponsored or countenanced -- perplexes policymakers as well. On July 22, 2004, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States ('9/11 Commission') issued its final report. On December 17, 2004, the President signed the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, establishing a National Intelligence Director and National Counterterrorism Center."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
2006-02-21
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Combating Domestic Terrorism: Our National Security Priority?
As we approach the 21st century, as the superpower nation of the world, the United States must be prepared to combat the emerging threat of domestic terrorism, a threat that will be employed by both international and domestic terrorist organizations. In anticipation of this, our response to domestic terrorism must incorporate a positive, proactive, and comprehensive program that identifies terrorist organizations and their threat capability, prevents them from committing attacks if possible, yet allows us to respond in a prepared manner, once an attack has occurred. This can be accomplished with an effective counter-terrorism policy that addresses both offensive and defensive measures. This project will focus on terrorist, our efforts to counter terrorist activities, their threat capability, our response, both military and civilian, as well as preparedness. Hopefully we can answer, "Are we really where we need to be, and if not what must we do to get there?"
Army War College (U.S.)
Quarles, Terry L.
1999-02-01
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Weapons of Mass Destruction: Civil Support Team Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures
"In recent decades, the US has dealt with a series of asymmetric threats whose potential for lethality and political, economic, and psychological impact has increased over time. The most recent of these threats include terrorist bombings in New York City and Oklahoma City during the 1990s and the catastrophic destruction of the World Trade Center and significant damage to the Pentagon on 11 September 2001. The use of biological agents (such as anthrax) by terrorists also caused civilian casualties and contamination of US infrastructure (such as US mail distribution centers) in 2001. An adversary may not hesitate to use CBRNE or toxic industrial material (TIM) on a covert or overt basis to accomplish its objectives. Information technology and CBRNE materials have proliferated in recent years, making them more accessible to potential adversaries. The evolving threat has required that leaders and planners conduct assessments (during deliberate and crisis action planning) that analyze the impact of CBRNE on various courses of action (COAs) and the security of the US homeland. Based on the threat, the USG has undertaken measures to improve our nation's ability to respond to domestic and international-based terrorism. In June 1995, Presidential Decision Directive (PDD) 39, 'US Policy on Terrorism', delineated the responsibilities for federal agencies in combating terrorism, including domestic incidents. PDD 62, 'Combating Terrorism', issued in May 1998, further defined responsibilities for specific agencies. Both directives call for the establishment of robust, tailored, and rapidly deployable interagency teams that can conduct well-coordinated and highly integrated operations in response to the crisis generated by a terrorist attack (referred to as crisis management) and cope with the consequences that follow (consequence management [CM])."
United States. Department of the Army
2003-06
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Considerations for SOF in Domestic Homeland Security
"The purpose of this monograph is to ascertain what missions are appropriate for Special Operations Forces (SOF) in a domestic setting under the auspices of Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA) and Homeland Defense (HD). Since 9/11 the military has been given a larger role in responding to incidents of terror and natural disasters in support of federal, state and local governments. This support is viewed largely as augmenting the capabilities and capacity of first responders and emergency management coordinators. SOF is likely to be given an expanded role in this environment, but careful evaluation of what missions are suitable is required to mitigate potential negative effects on the Global War on Terror (GWOT) abroad. The potential exists for direct and indirect support to domestic civil agencies during times of emergency, but modifications to the organization's training and doctrine may be necessary to ensure effective interoperability. Additionally, changes to the command and control of SOF within US Northern Command's (USNORTHCOM) AOR are examined. SOF must identify those areas that require self-improvement prior to conducting these domestic missions, and evaluate whether the potential exists to cross train with first responders to improve civilian capabilities as well. SOF maintains the potential to positively affect the domestic security situation provided an honest and careful examination of its likely roles and responsibilities are undertaken."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Peaks, Matthew K.
2008-03-22
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Pakistan-U.S. Relations [March 6, 2006]
"A stable, democratic, economically thriving Pakistan is considered vital to U.S. interests in Asia. Key U.S. concerns regarding Pakistan include regional terrorism; Pakistan- Afghanistan relations; weapons proliferation; the ongoing Kashmir problem and Pakistan- India tensions; human rights protection; and economic development. A U.S.-Pakistan relationship marked by periods of both cooperation and discord was transformed by the September 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States and the ensuing enlistment of Pakistan as a pivotal ally in U.S.-led counterterrorism efforts. Top U.S. officials regularly praise Islamabad for its ongoing cooperation, although doubts exist about Islamabad's commitment to some core U.S. interests. Pakistan is identified as a base for terrorist groups and their supporters operating in Kashmir, India, and Afghanistan. Since late 2003, Pakistan's army has been conducting unprecedented counterterrorism operations in traditionally autonomous western tribal areas. […] Pakistan is among the world's leading recipients of U.S. aid, obtaining some $2.63 billion in direct U.S. assistance for FY2002- FY2005, including $1 billion in securityrelated aid. Pakistan also has received billions of dollars in reimbursement for its support of U.S.-led counterterrorism operations. See also CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL32259, 'Terrorism in South Asia'; and CRS Report RL32615, 'Pakistan's Domestic Political Developments.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2006-03-06
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Inventory and Assessment of Databases Relevant for Social Science Research on Terrorism
"This report provides a description and assessment of Internet-accessible databases relevant for social science research on terrorism. The body of this report details those websites that provide actual data, e.g., names of terrorist organizations and incidents of terrorist activity; several have search capabilities. These websites are maintained primarily by U.S. government agencies, non-U.S. research centers, and international organizations. An appendix to this report provides an extensive list of additional resources that provide commentary and analysis of terrorism events and trends. These resources are derived from the U.S. government, libraries, international agencies, government and private non-U.S. agencies and institutes, and academic-based domestic organizations. No one definition of terrorism can be applied to all the databases referenced herein. As the National Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism states on its website: 'There is no universally accepted definition of terrorism and even when people agree on a definition of terrorism, they sometimes disagree about whether or not the definition fits a particular incident.'...In instances where a specific database has adopted a definition of terrorism, the report so notes. This report indicates the focus of each database, including whether or not it is restricted to a particular region of the world, but it is not the role of the authors to present any bias that may be reflected in the selection of data."
Library of Congress. Federal Research Division
Curtis, Glenn E. (Glenn Eldon), 1946-; Buchalter, Alice R.
2003-11
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Terrorism, the Future, and U.S. Foreign Policy [June 21, 2002]
"International terrorism has long been recognized as a foreign and domestic security threat. The tragic events of September 11 in New York, the Washington, D.C., area, and Pennsylvania have dramatically re-energized the nation's focus and resolve on terrorism. This issue brief examines international terrorist actions and threats and the U.S. policy response. Available policy options range from diplomacy, international cooperation, and constructive engagement to economic sanctions, covert action, physical security enhancement, and military force. The September 11th terrorist incidents in the United States, the subsequent anthrax attacks, as well as bombings of the U.S.S. Cole, Oklahoma City, World Trade Center in 1993, and of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998, have brought the issue of terrorism to the forefront of American public interest. Questions relate to whether U.S. policy and organizational mechanisms are adequate to deal with both state-sponsored or -abetted terrorism and that undertaken by independent groups. […] Looming over the entire issue of international terrorism is a trend toward proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). For instance Iran, seen as the most active state sponsor of terrorism, has been aggressively seeking a nuclear arms capability. Iraq is thought to be stockpiling chemical and biological agents. Also, indications have surfaced that the Al Qaeda organization attempted to acquire chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons. As a result, stakes in the war against international terrorism and its supporters are increasing and margins for error in selecting appropriate policy instruments or combinations of them to prevent terrorist attacks are diminishing correspondingly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lee, Rensselaer W., 1937-; Perl, Raphael
2002-06-21
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Fiscal Year 2001 Nunn-Lugar-Domenici Domestic Preparedness Equipment Program Application (Cities 69-105)
The Office of the Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs (OJP), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is providing funds for the purchase of specialized training equipment for fire, emergency medical, hazardous materials response services, and law enforcement agencies as part of the Nunn-Lugar-Domenici (NLD) Domestic Preparedness Program (DPP). These funds represent the equipment component of a broader initiative designed to enhance the response capability of designated cities to respond to acts of terrorism involving the use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The Nunn-Lugar-Domenici Domestic Preparedness Program was created under Title XIV of the National Defense Authorization Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-201, September 23, 1996), which authorized funding for the Department of Defense (DoD) to develop a domestic preparedness training and equipment program. The law directed that the Secretary of Defense act as the interagency lead to develop this program. However, under Sec. 1412(a)(2) and 1415(d)(1) of the legislation, the President was given authority to designate the head of another agency to assume responsibility for carrying out the program on or after October 1, 1999. On April 6, 2000, the President designated the Attorney General to assume programmatic and funding responsibilities for several elements of the Nunn-Lugar-Domenici Domestic Preparedness Program as of October 1, 2000. Funding was subsequently appropriated for this purpose under the Fiscal Year 2001 Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (Public Law 106-553). As part of this transfer, direct equipment grant awards are being provided for the procurement of personal protection, detection, and decontamination training equipment. As noted, OJP, under the auspices of the Office for State and Local Domestic Preparedness Support (OSLDPS), will administer these grants.
United States. Office of Justice Programs. Office for Domestic Preparedness
2001
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Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment (TIDE)
"The Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment (TIDE) is the U.S. Government's (USG) central repository of information on international terrorist identities. The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (IRTPA) of 2004 established NCTC [National Counterterrorism Center] in law, and mandated the Center serve as the 'central and shared knowledge bank on known and suspected terrorists and international terror groups.' TIDE is that knowledge bank and supports the USG's various terrorist screening systems or 'watchlists' and the US Intelligence Community's overall counterterrorism mission. The TIDE database includes, to the extent permitted by law, all information the USG possesses related to the identities of individuals known or appropriately suspected to be or to have been involved in activities constituting, in preparation for, in aid of, or related to terrorism (with the exception of purely domestic terrorism information). This information is available to counterterrorism professionals throughout the Intelligence Community, including the Department of Defense, via the web-based, read-only 'TIDE Online.'"
National Counterterrorism Center (U.S.)
2014-08-01
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Protecting the Food Supply: Fact Sheet on FDA's New Food Bioterrorism Regulation: Interim Final Rule- Registration of Food Facilities
"The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (the Bioterrorism Act) directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to take steps to protect the public from a threatened or actual terrorist attack on the U.S. food supply. To carry out the provisions of the Bioterrorism Act, FDA published, on October 10, 2003, an interim final regulation, Registration Of Food Facilities, which requires domestic and foreign facilities that manufacture/process, pack, or hold food for human or animal consumption in the United States to register with the FDA. Under this interim final regulation, all affected facilities must register by December 12, 2003. In the event of a potential or actual bioterrorism incident or an outbreak of food-borne illness, facility registration information will help FDA to determine the location and source of the event and permit the agency to notify quickly facilities that may be affected."
United States. Food and Drug Administration
2003-10
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Saudi Arabia: Background and U.S. Relations [March 10, 2011]
"Since taking power in 2005, King Abdullah has created greater public space for domestic social reform debates and has promoted the concept of a strong national identity among Saudis in the face of a determined domestic terrorism campaign. He also has codified royal succession rules, begun restructuring the justice system, and taken clear steps to exert stronger government control over religious authorities. Robust oil export revenues have strengthened the kingdom's economic position and provide Saudi leaders with significant financial resources to meet domestic investment needs and provide social benefits. In this context, the United States and Saudi Arabia continue to grapple with a core challenge identified by the 9/11 Commission in its final report: defining a broader bilateral relationship that 'leaders on both sides are prepared to publicly defend.' The Obama Administration has engaged the Saudi government as a strategic partner in efforts to promote regional stability and to defeat Al Qaeda, and current U.S. policy initiatives seek to help Saudi leaders address key domestic economic and security challenges. It remains to be seen whether these U.S. initiatives and, more importantly, Saudi leaders' own reform efforts will enable the kingdom to meet the energy, education, employment, and security challenges that its citizens face. Shared challenges have long defined U.S.-Saudi relations, but questions about political, economic, and social reform may become more pressing in light of the calls for change that are now swirling around the kingdom."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2011-03-10
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In Support of the Civil Authorities
Military assistance to civilian authorities is not a new concept. From before the birth of this nation, the military, whether militia or regular or both, has habitually supported local, state, and federal civilian authorities in times of manmade or natural disaster, civil unrest, or other situations. This support was very often questionable in legality and usefulness. Over time, though, numerous laws and directives have transformed this supporting relationship into an institutionalized interdepartmental and interagency coordination and planning process. The changing nature of threats, however, has expanded the scope of the military's responsibilities in support of civilian authorities. This old mission now involves an ever-widening array of diverse military and Department of Defense (DoD) organizations and agencies equipped with new terminology and new, evolving concepts. The United States faces myriad threats today besides those caused by natural phenomenon. Groups opposed to the thrust of the U.S. post-Cold war policies have multiplied in recent years. The openness of the U.S. society provides an opportunity for our enemies to operate with more freedom than they would have in more restrictive venues. Also exacerbating the threats is the global proliferation of cheap Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). The Threats can be defined broadly as international or domestic in nature. International threats fall into one of three separate categories: international terrorism, transnational threats, and conventional attacks. Domestic terrorism stems from domestic groups who are based and operate entirely within the United States, its territories, or possessions, and whose activities are directed at elements of the federal, local, or state governments or the U.S. civilian population.
Army War College (U.S.). Strategic Studies Institute
Haus, Donald A.
2000-10
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Sovereign Citizen Movement: An Empirical Study on the Rise in Activity, Explanations of Growth, and Policy Prescriptions
From the thesis abstract: "The United States faces a domestic threat that is largely ignored by counterterrorism practitioners and policy: the Sovereign Citizens Movement. The adherents of this antigovernment movement have committed violent, even terroristic, acts and employed paper terrorism tactics. The group clogs courts and harasses government officials, but a paucity of hard data on the Sovereigns has stymied any concerted or unified response. Law enforcement officials have yet to determine how many Sovereigns are active in the United States, where they are concentrated, or whether the movement is gaining adherents. This thesis addresses the dearth of information on the Sovereign Citizens Movement. It relies on both quantitative and qualitative research, providing a detailed analysis of 548 court cases. The assessment of the group's targets, related court vulnerabilities, and relevant statewide statistics can be harnessed into quality policy decisions. This work proves the increasing trend in Sovereign Citizen activities, exposes the gaps in the present literature and domestic terrorism policy, and provides recommendations for prescriptive policy changes across the spectrum of agencies responsible for countering domestic terrorist threats." Supplemental statistical information for this thesis may be found at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=797197]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Slater, Brian S.
2016-09
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How Should Municipal Police Agencies Participate in America's Homeland Security Strategy?
"The majority of municipal law enforcement agencies in the United States are not proactively contributing to America's homeland security, counterterrorism or domestic intelligence efforts. These agencies -- the country's most critical domestic security assets -- sit idle on the homeland security sidelines as terrorism becomes increasingly prolific, lethal, asymmetric, transnational, and closer to our hometowns. Seven years after 9/11, there is no nationwide, municipal-level network of homeland security professionals across the United States. There is no preventative-based, forward-thinking system for domestic intelligence collection. And the vast majority of police departments lack homeland security or terrorism specialists. Furthermore, neither federal nor state strategy has clearly defined specific homeland security roles and responsibilities for municipal police departments. And, as of this writing, there is no municipal-level homeland security strategy. Most importantly, no realistic federal or state strategy has been put forth that integrates all of America's homeland security assets-- including municipal police officers - into a single synergistic design. This thesis examines three policy options and arrives at a conclusion as to which option America should implement to effectively protect our citizenry from terrorists. This thesis introduces the concept of 'municipal homeland security' and defines the specific roles and responsibilities of municipal police agencies."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Andreas, Michael D.
2008-12
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Kidnapping and Terror in the Contemporary Operational Environment
"Kidnapping and Terror in the Contemporary Operational Environment is a supplemental handbook to the US Army Training and Doctrine Command capstone handbook guide on terrorism, TRADOC G2 Handbook No. 1, A Military Guide to Terrorism in the Twenty-First Century. Understanding terrorism and kidnapping span foreign and domestic threats in a complex and uncertain array of threats in the contemporary operational environment (COE). Purpose. This unclassified informational handbook supports operational missions, institutional training, and professional military education for US military forces in the War on Terrorism (WOT). This document promotes an improved understanding of terrorist objectives, motivation, and behaviors in the conduct of kidnapping. Compiled from open source materials, this terrorism handbook promotes a 'Threats' perspective as well as enemy situational awareness of US actions to combat terrorism."
United States. Army Training and Doctrine Command
2008-09-15
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Thoughts, Words and Actions - Disunity in the British and American Struggle Against Global Terrorism?
"Currently Britain and America are engaged in an unprecedented struggle against global terrorism. This new, complex and challenging threat is proving difficult to overcome and the struggle against it, particularly in Afghanistan and Iraq, is not going well. One of the major reasons for this issue is that disunity of effort in the struggle exists between the two countries. This disunity stems from the lack of a common concept and definition of terrorism both in and between the two countries. This has led to differences in approach when dealing with the threat. Essentially the UK views terrorism as a criminal matter where the US deals with terrorism as an act of war. Therefore the UK and US ends, means and ways are different with detrimental effects. The implications of this disunity cab be seen from the strategic to the tactical levels and felt both domestically and globally. They include wasted resources and growing opposition to the different means of combating terrorism which have led to a longer struggle and an increasing threat of terrorism. For this disunity to be reduced, greater discourse, ideally leading to common consensus on a concept and definition needs to be conducted. Whether this is achieved or not other actions can also help reduce the friction. These include greater emphasis and utilization of countries' strengths and better synchronization between the UK and US. Global terrorism is predicted to be a long term threat. For the UK and US to have greater success in dealing with it there needs to be improvement in their unity of effort."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Croft, Neal S.
2007-05-09
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Organizational Design Principles for Countering Terrorism in the United States
Recent terrorist activities (the World Trade Center bombing, the Oklahoma Federal Building bombing, the release of Sarin Gas in the Tokyo subway, etc.) have focused the national leadership on the topic of terrorism inside the borders of the United States. In response, two Presidential Decision Directives (PDD-62 and PDD-63) were issued to help define the terrorist threat and recommend a counter- terrorism organization in the federal government. However, the directives do not determine how the Federal government works with state and local authorities. The directives also do not focus on local, state, and federal capabilities to preempt a possible terrorist attack. This thesis builds a organizational framework of the U. S. counter-terrorism environment; explains the current U. S. counter-terrorism structure from a local perspective; develops a set of principles that could be used by any local or federal agency to develop a new or more efficient counter-terrorism organization; assesses two domestic counter-terrorism organizations; and proffers specific recommendations on how U. S. counter-terrorism organizations and programs could be more efficient.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Mingus, Matthew C.; Orman, Richard D.
2000-12
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Cuba and the State Sponsors of Terrorism List [Updated May 13, 2005]
"Cuba's retention on the terrorism list has received more attention in recent years in light of increased support for legislative initiatives to lift some U.S. sanctions under the current economic embargo. Should U.S. restrictions be lifted, a variety of trade and aid restrictions would remain in place because of Cuba's retention on the terrorism list. Supporters of keeping Cuba on the terrorism list argue that there is ample evidence that Cuba supports terrorism. They point to the government's history of supporting terrorist acts and armed insurgencies in Latin America and Africa. They stress the government's continued hosting of members of foreign terrorist organizations and U.S. fugitives from justice. Critics of retaining Cuba on the terrorism list maintain that the policy is a holdover from the Cold War and that Cuba no longer supports terrorism abroad. They argue that domestic political considerations are responsible for keeping Cuba on the terrorism list and question many of the allegations made in the State Department report."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2005-05-13
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Cuba and the State Sponsors of Terrorism List [Updated August 22, 2006]
"Cuba's retention on the terrorism list has received more attention in recent years in light of increased support for legislative initiatives to lift some U.S. sanctions under the current economic embargo. Should U.S. restrictions be lifted, a variety of trade and aid restrictions would remain in place because of Cuba's retention on the terrorism list. Supporters of keeping Cuba on the terrorism list argue that there is ample evidence that Cuba supports terrorism. They point to the government's history of supporting terrorist acts and armed insurgencies in Latin America and Africa. They stress the government's continued hosting of members of foreign terrorist organizations and U.S. fugitives from justice. Critics of retaining Cuba on the terrorism list maintain that the policy is a holdover from the Cold War and that Cuba no longer supports terrorism abroad. They argue that domestic political considerations are responsible for keeping Cuba on the terrorism list and question many of the allegations made in the State Department report."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2006-08-22
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Urban Areas Security Initiative
In July 2002 the President approved the National Strategy for Homeland Security, a road map for the national effort to prevent and respond to acts of terrorism in the United States. The National Strategy recognizes the vital role of state and local public safety agencies in providing for the security of our homeland. In February 2003 the President signed into law the Fiscal Year (FY) 2003 Omnibus Appropriations Act which provides state and local governments with the vital funding they require to participate in the national effort to combat terrorism. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) FY 2003 Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) reflects a confluence of important Presidential initiatives designed to enhance the preparedness of the nation to combat terrorism. Whereas most states and municipalities have strengthened their overall capability to respond to acts of terrorism involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive (CBRNE) weapons, there continues to be room for improvement in meeting our national priorities of preventing and responding to terrorist attacks. The Office for Domestic Preparedness is providing financial assistance directly to selected jurisdictions through the Fiscal Year (FY) 2003 Urban Areas Security Initiative. This financial assistance is being provided to address the unique equipment, training, planning and exercise needs of large high threat urban areas, and to assist them in building an enhanced and sustainable capacity to prevent, respond to, and recover from threats or acts of terrorism.
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office for Domestic Preparedness
2003
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Domestic or International Terrorism? A Dysfunctional Dialogue
"Most American dialogue about terrorism with Africans, particularly with countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, is dysfunctional. Americans focus on acts of international terrorism while Africans are more concerned about cases of domestic terrorism that rarely reach the pages of major American newspapers. The problem begins with lack of an agreed upon definition of terrorism....The U.S. is motivated by international terrorism, especially when it involves Americans. If the U.S continues a dialogue with Africans that is aimed primarily at reducing attacks on foreigners, especially Westerners, it will encounter African leaders who pay lip service to American concerns and who are happy to take U.S. financial assistance, but the two parties will have a different agenda. At the same time, this is not an argument for encouraging the U.S. to support autocratic governments in Africa that are confronting local opposition groups that use terrorist tactics. It is rather a warning that the U.S. needs to be very clear what it is dealing with on the other side of the table when it discusses the topic with African governments and supports counterterrorism programs in Africa."
National Defense University
Shinn, David Hamilton
2005
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Pakistan-U.S. Relations [Updated July 26, 2005]
"A stable, democratic, economically thriving Pakistan is considered vital to U.S. interests in Asia. Key U.S. concerns regarding Pakistan include regional terrorism; weapons proliferation; the ongoing Kashmir problem and Pakistan-India tensions; human rights protection; and economic development. A U.S.-Pakistan relationship marked by periods of both cooperation and discord was transformed by the September 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States and the ensuing enlistment of Pakistan as a pivotal ally in U.S.-led counterterrorism efforts. Top U.S. officials regularly praise Islamabad for its ongoing cooperation, although doubts exist about Islamabad's commitment to some core U.S. interests in the region. Pakistan is identified as a base for terrorist groups and their supporters operating in Kashmir, India, and Afghanistan. Pakistan continues to face serious problems, including domestic terrorism and human rights violations. Since late 2003, Pakistan's army has been conducting unprecedented counterterrorism operations in traditionally autonomous western tribal areas. A potential Pakistan-India nuclear arms race has been the focus of U.S. nonproliferation efforts in South Asia. Attention to this issue intensified following nuclear tests by both countries in May 1998; the tests triggered restrictions on U.S. aid to both countries (remaining nuclear-related sanctions on Pakistan were waived in October 2001). Pakistan and India have fought three wars since 1947. Recently, the United States has been troubled by evidence of 'onward' proliferation of Pakistani nuclear technology to third parties, including North Korea, Iran, and Libya. […] Pakistan is among the world's leading recipients of U.S. aid. Including current appropriations and requests, Pakistan will receive about $3.4 billion in direct U.S. assistance for FY2002-FY2006. Almost half of this ($1.5 billion) is security-related aid."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2005-07-26
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Are Antifa Members Domestic Terrorists? Background on Antifa and Federal Classification of Their Actions [Updated June 9, 2020]
From the Document: "On May 31, 2020, President Donald Trump announced via Twitter that the United States will be designating 'antifa'-- this term is applied to an organization of loosely affiliated individuals who describe themselves and their ideological outlooks as 'antifa' (shorthand for 'antifascist')--as a domestic terrorist group. Some media and law enforcement reports suggest that antifa members may be responsible for some of the violence and looting that has taken place amid the protests that have occurred recently in various U.S. cities. Further, some reports indicate that antifa members have been involved in peaceful protests as well. This In Focus discusses the background ofthe U.S. antifa movement, whether or not members and their actions may be categorized as domestic terrorists and domestic terrorism,respectively, and issues around designating domestic groups as terrorists."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sacco, Lisa N.
2020-06-09
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Serial No. 114-6: ISIL in America: Domestic Terror and Radicalization, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations of the Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, February 26, 2015
In the context of this document the 'Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant,' may be abbreviated "ISIL.' This is the hearing on "ISIL in America: Domestic Terror and Radicalization," held before the House Committee on the Judiciary. From the opening statement of Subcommittee Chairman F. James Sensenbrenner: "Today's hearing will examine the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL, and the domestic terrorism threats posed by these terrorists. And while ISIL seems to have reared its head only in the last 18 months, a closer look quickly reveals ISIL to be an old foe; one with whom the United States has done battle for more than a decade. Before the group declared itself a global caliphate and adopted its current name, it was merely the Islamic State of Iraq. During war, members of this same group were among the most prolific perpetrators of attacks upon American troops and our partners in Iraq. The procession of name changes; however, has made no difference at ISIL's commitment to harm Americans. Earlier this month, we were all reminded of this when we learned of Kayla Mueller's death after 18 months of ISIL captivity. The 26-year-old from Prescott, Arizona traveled to Syria with Doctors Without Borders to help alleviate the suffering brought there by Islamic extremism. Distance does not make us in the United States immune from ISIL's destructive ideology. From far beyond the battlefields of Syria and Iraq comes funding and support for this group's call to arms against the West, and the domestic threat is not limited to New York City and our Nation's capital." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Michael Steinbach and Richard W. Stanek.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2015
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Losing the Moral Compass: Torture and Guerre Revolutionnaire in the Algerian War
"One of the keys to success in the US war on terror and counterinsurgency, in Iraq and around the world, is the ability to use intelligence to effectively target the adversary. Obtaining useful intelligence is one of the most important challenges of counterinsurgency operations. This requirement has focused attention on the interrogation of combatants captured on the battlefield and in raids on safe-houses in third-party states. Almost from the beginning of US counterinsurgency operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, accusations have been made that US interrogation techniques have included torture. Typical of the domestic reporting is an article in Newsweek in June 2004, titled 'New Torture Furor,' which states that the US Defense Department was exploring legal means for justifying torture. The foreign press has echoed what was reported in the United States, and expanded upon it. The German magazine Der Spiegel asserted that torture was rampant among US forces, and it represented the United States as 'exempting itself from international criminal jurisdiction. While the rest of the world is expected to abide by the UN Convention against Torture, for example, the Americans evaluate international law on the basis of whether it serves their interests.' This type of reporting is a strategic distraction and has the potential to cause a crisis in American foreign policy. It erodes international and domestic support and can embolden the enemy. Senior US officials have had to speak forcefully on the subject of torture to control the domestic and international damage, distracting their focus from the details of nation-building in Iraq."
Army War College (U.S.)
DiMarco, Louis A., 1959-
2006
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Defense Support of Civil Authorities
"Defense Support to Civil Authorities: WMD/E Consequence Management is a supplemental handbook that presents an appreciation of U.S. military forces and their roles as part of Department of Defense support to Federal emergency response in a terrorist WMD/E incident. This handbook supports a U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence capstone reference guide on terrorism, DCSINT Handbook No. 1, A Military Guide to Terrorism in the Twenty-First Century. Both the capstone guide and supplemental handbook are prepared under the direction of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence-Threats. Understanding WMD/E and terrorism spans foreign and domestic threats with specific strategies, tactics, and targets. A central aspect of this handbook comprises is the use of U.S. military capabilities during a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or high yield explosive (CBRNE) incident in a contemporary operational environment (COE). This informational handbook supports operational missions, institutional training, and professional military education for U.S. military forces in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA). This document promotes an improved understanding of terrorist objectives, motivation, and intention to use WMD/E; and accent probable missions of U.S. military forces in WMD/E incident response. Compiled from open source materials, this handbook promotes a Threats perspective and enemy situational awareness of U.S. actions in combating terrorism."
United States. Army Training and Doctrine Command
2005-08-15
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Registration of Food Facilities Under the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002: Interim Rule
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing an interim final regulation that requires domestic and foreign facilities that manufacture/process, pack, or hold food for human or animal consumption in the United States to register with FDA by December 12, 2003. The interim final rule implements the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (the Bioterrorism Act), which requires domestic and foreign facilities to register with FDA by December 12, 2003, even in the absence of a final regulation. Registration is one of several tools that will enable FDA to act quickly in responding to a threatened or actual terrorist attack on the U.S. food supply by giving FDA information about facilities that manufacture/process, pack, or hold food for consumption in the United States. In the event of an outbreak of foodborne illness, such information will help FDA and other authorities determine the source and cause of the event. In addition, the registration information will enable FDA to notify quickly the facilities that might be affected by the outbreak. This interim final rule is effective December 12, 2003. Submit written or electronic comments by December 24, 2003.
United States. Government Printing Office
2003-10-10
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Enhancing Basic Governance: Japan's Comprehensive Counterterrorism Assistance to Southeast Asia
"Japan's support for counterterrorism in Southeast Asia (SEA) partly reflects its commitment to the U.S.-Japan alliance, but is also part of a wider strategy for enhancing its political and security role in the region. Japan's focus has been to develop a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at enhancing SEA countries' basic governance capabilities in areas such as law enforcement, export control, money laundering, anti-piracy, air and sea port security, immigration ration control and proliferation of WMD. Due to domestic political constraints, Japan's contributions in the area of counterterrorism emphasize non-military means of cooperation. Japan's constitutional ban against collective defense continues to be cited as an obstacle to Self Defense Force participation in counterterrorism (CT), but this has not hindered cooperation in civilian law enforcement, including Coast Guard cooperation. Recently, the Maritime Self Defense Force (MSDF) has begun to cautiously expand its CT efforts. Bureaucratic turf battles inside SEA countries receiving Japanese aid can be a problem for CT cooperation with Japan, especially when the domestic law enforcement role is partly shared by the military. Japan's aid is greatly appreciated by Southeast Asia's least CT-capable states, such as the Philippines and Indonesia. Nevertheless, SEA remains a laggard in terms of ratifying the twelve UN counter-terrorism conventions and protocols. Because of the limitations on Japan's military, its programs aimed at cooperating with Southeast Asian countries in various subfields of CT are perceived by some Southeast Asian countries to be less threatening than programs initiated by the United States. Japan's CT programs are, however, still in their initial stages and continue to evolve. Assistance to Southeast Asia is quantitatively insufficient, and redundancies among aid givers are not yet a problem. As quantity of aid increases, however, donor consultations and coordination between Japan and the"
Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies
Fouse, David; Sato, Yoichiro, 1966-
2006-02
