Defining Terrorism
As indicated in Chapter 1 of the text, defining terrorism has proven to be a difficult task. Why do you think this is the case? After reading the text, provide your own definition of terrorism. Include historical examples of terrorism that support your definition. Also, provide an example of terrorism that does not fit neatly into your definition. Identify and explain three difficulties, or "sticking points," faced by scholars in defining terrorism. How could these difficulties be addressed? Is terrorism subjective in nature, or can it be clearly defined? Do different cultures define this term in different ways? Be sure to explain your answer.
Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates' posts by Day 7.
Discussions
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Domestic Terrorism in the United States
Terrorism that originates within the United States and is committed by American citizens is a facet of our history that has often been overlooked. Following the attacks on the United States that were perpetrated by radical Islamists, discussions of terrorism have tended to focus on those incidents that stem from groups with ties to Middle East extremists. For this discussion, we will focus on terrorist acts and groups that are considered "home grown." In your initial post, please address the following:
In your own words, provide a definition of domestic terrorism.
Select a group that facilitates (or has facilitated) domestic terrorism and briefly comment on their goals and actions.
Provide an opinion as to whether or not domestic terrorism is a viable threat to the stability of the United States. Explain your reasoning.
Your initial post is due by Day 3 and must be at least 250 words in length. In addition to the text, you must utilize one scholarly source from the Ashford University Library in your post. Review several of your classmates' posts and provide substantive responses to at least two of your peers by Day 7 who selected different groups than you did.
Radical Islam and the Threat to the United States
Radical Islam is widely perceived to be the greatest international threat to the United States in terms of terrorism. Do you agree or disagree with this assertion? Provide reasons to support your position. If radical Islam does not pose the most significant international terroristic threat to the United States, what does?
Your initial post is due by Day 3 and must be at least 250 words in length. In addition to the text, you must utilize one scholarly source from the Ashford University Library in your post. Review several of your classmates' posts and provide substantive responses to at least two of your peers by Day 7, one of whom has expressed an opinion that is different from yours.
Assignment
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The U.S.A. Patriot Act
The U.S.A. Patriot Act has generated controversy ever since it was passed into law shortly after the attacks of September 11, 2001. Advocates argue that this legislation is a vital tool required by law enforcement to effectively fight and prevent future acts of terror against the United States. However, opponents of the law are concerned that it legalizes an erosion of the civil liberties of American Citizens. In your paper, please address the following:
Summarize the origins and development of the Act in Congress to include its support and opposition, reauthorizations, and amendments.
Select three to five provisions of the Act that you consider to be the most controversial and explain the arguments on both sides.
Provide an overall assessment of whether the Patriot Act has been beneficial or detrimental to American society.
The paper must be at least three double-spaced pages in length (excluding title and reference page) and formatted according to APA style. In addition to the two required readings, you must use at least one scholarly resource to support your claims. Cite your sources within the text of your paper and on the reference page. For information regarding APA, including samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center, located within the Learning Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar.
Discussions
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The "Troubles" in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has a long history of violence between various groups that possess disparate political and religious objectives and argue, primarily, over who should have governmental control of the country. Today, however, this violence has ostensibly come to an end, and Northern Ireland is relatively peaceful. For this discussion, please address the following questions:
How did the dispute in Northern Ireland originate?
Who were/are the key groups in this dispute?
What were two key events in this conflict during the twentieth century?
How was peace eventually achieved?
Would you consider the conflict a "revolution" or a series of terrorist actions? Why?
Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Provide a substantive response to at least two of your classmates' posts by Day 7.
Chechen Terrorism in Russia
Violence between the Russian Federation and Chechnya has been a problem in the North Caucasus region since the collapse of the Soviet Union. This violence has included two wars, utilizing conventional Russian military forces to engage Chechen fighters as well as numerous operations conducted against Russian civilians by Chechens within Russia itself. As with the conflict in Northern Ireland, this violence has generally come to an end. After completing the reading and viewing the video about this incident, please address the following in your initial post:
What impact did religion, culture, and political considerations have on the origins of this conflict?
What prompted Russian forces to launch two large scale military operations into Chechnya?
What impact did the attack at Beslan School Number One have on the conflict?
Was this attack a legitimate military action considering the circumstances in Chechnya?
Should Chechen forces be considered terrorists? Why or why not?
Why did the conflict in Chechnya de-escalate, and how does this de-escalation compare to that in Northern Ireland?
Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Review several of your classmates' posts and provide substantive responses by Day 7 to at least two of your peers whose opinions differ from yours.
Assignment
To complete the following assignment, go to this week's Assignment link in the left navigation.
Discussions
To participate in the following discussions, go to this week's Discussion link in the left navigation.
Terrorism in Israel
The state of Israel has been engaged with Islamic terrorists since its inception and recognition as a country. However, even prior to the establishment of Israel, Jewish and Arab fighters engaged in acts of violence in British-occupied Palestine. For your initial post, address the following:
Prior to Israeli independence, against whom did Jewish fighters commit acts of violence? Why?
In your opinion, were Jewish actions during this period acts of terrorism or of self-defense? Support your answer with your definition of terrorism.
Are Israeli military actions against peoples in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and surrounding Arab countries simply state-sponsored terrorism? Why or why not?
Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Review several of your classmates' posts and provide substantive responses by Day 7 to at least two of your peers whose opinions differ from yours.
Islamic Extremists in the Middle East
Numerous Islamic terrorist groups have been active in the Middle East in recent decades. For your initial post, select one of these groups and describe how they have impacted the political landscape of the Middle East. What motivates this group? Who are their primary economic and material sponsors? Extrapolate what the ultimate goal of this group is and explain whether this goal achievable.
Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Review several of your classmates' posts and provide substantive responses by Day 7 to at least two of your peers whose opinions differ from yours.
Assignment
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After completing this week's readings, compose a short essay that addresses the following:
Briefly describe what took place during the political movement known as the Arab Spring and indicate which countries were affected.
Analyze the impact of this movement on one of these countries in terms of political and social change.
Determine if this movement will increase or decrease the amount of terrorism activity emanating from the country you selected and suppo1rt your thesis.
Provide an overall analysis of the impact of the Arab Spring on the state and non-state sponsored terrorism in the region.
Discussions
To participate in the following discussions, go to this week's Discussion link in the left navigation.
State Terrorism in Latin America
As the text indicates, several Latin American countries have experienced state terrorism within the context of governmental rule. For your initial post, craft a response that address the following questions:
Which Latin American countries have experienced this form of violence?
Why have these forms of government been viewed as "acceptable" by many in the region?
Could state terrorism emerge within the United States? Why or why not?
Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates' posts by Day 7.
Latin America and Islamic Jihad
In Latin America, the Tri-Border Region has played a significant role for terrorist organizations. In your initial post, address the following:
Where is the Tri-Border Region?
Why is this region strategically important for terrorist organizations?
Which is the most active terrorist group to utilize this area?
What action have local governments taken to fight the use of this region by terrorists?
Evaluate the ramifications of unilateral (or cooperative) US military operations in this region.
Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates' posts by Day 7.
FInal Paper
To complete the following final paper, go to this week's Final Paper link in the left navigation.
Combating Future Terrorism
Since the September 11 attacks, the future complexion of terrorism has become quite ambiguous. Subsequently, counter-terrorism strategies have evolved to address terrorist attacks of any form against the United States. For your Final Paper, you must address the following points:
Decide whether international or domestic terrorism currently constitutes the greatest threat to the United States.
Use historic, cultural, and diversity aspects to support your conclusion.
Summarize some of the strategies the United States can utilize to prevent future terrorist attacks.
Assess whether socio-economic strategies can be utilized to eliminate the motivation of terrorist groups or if military action is the only viable response to terrorists.
Use historic, cultural, and diversity aspects of the terrorist populations to support your conclusion.
Evaluate if future legislation or constitutional amendments could be utilized to hinder possible terrorist attacks.
Analyze if additional powers are needed by the federal government to protect the country from terrorist attacks.
Evaluate if the increasing of governmental powers is worth the potential erosion of civil liberties.
Infer what the future of terrorism is and whether the frequency of attacks will increase or decrease over time. Support your conclusion