Terrorism and National Security Essay

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How the War on Terror Has Changed Americans Look at Domestic and National Security?

The war on terror was established in America after the September 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. This move was aimed at ensuring Americans were safe within and outside their national territories (Eichenwald 2013). The domestic and national security policies changed overnight and Americans are exposed to endless processes that aim at ensuring terrorism is eliminated. However, most Americans do not approve of the measures taken by their government in advancing the war on terror. First, they believe that their country has wasted money and time-fighting wars in other countries and this has affected its economy (Mayer 2009).

They believe that the war on terror should be confined within its national territory to reduce the huge losses caused by the unnecessary use of taxpayers’ money in funding wars in other countries. This has weakened domestic security and exposed Americans living in other countries to terrorism. Terrorists target American embassies and other institutions as a way of punishing the United States for declaring war on terrorism. However, some Americans believe that the war on terror has saved many lives because there has never been a terrorist attack in America since September 2001.

Is America More Secure Today or Less Secure Than Before 9/11?

Terrorism has evolved and terrorists target Americans living in and outside the United States. Many American soldiers have died in other countries fighting terrorists and many more will die. This means that America is not more secure than it was before the September 2001 attack. It is necessary to explain that terrorism has matured and is adopting different approaches to punish the United States (Eichenwald 2013). This includes attacking countries, individuals, and embassies that are perceived to be sympathizers of the United States. In addition, terrorists use the citizens of countries they want to attack and this means that it is not easy to identify a terrorist living in a cosmopolitan society. For instance, Samantha Lewthwaite (the White Widow) is believed to have lived in America as a citizen for many years and nobody suspected that she was a terrorist. Therefore, Americans are not as secure today as they were before the September 2001 attack because the United States declared war on terror and this has led to various attacks and others are yet to be witnessed (Mayer 2009).

How Has the Department of Homeland Security changed from 2003 to the Present?

The department of homeland security has widened its operations within the territories of the United States to ensure all immigrants are screened properly. In addition, there has been an increase in the allocation of funds to this department to ensure it acquires modern equipment for surveillance and monitoring various situations. (Eichenwald 2013). It is necessary to explain that terrorism has taken different perspectives and this has complicated the war on terror. Today, the department of homeland security treats all criminals associated with terrorism equally without considering their nationalities. In addition, it has established mechanisms of profiling suspects and working together with other countries to ensure terrorism is managed (Mayer 2009). Recruitment and training of personnel have doubled to ensure there are adequate officers to mitigate the challenges posed by terrorism. Lastly, community policing has been enhanced in the United States to ensure locals and security officers work together to keep America safe.

References

Eichenwald, K. (2013). 500 Days: Secrets and Lies in the Terror Wars. New York: Touchstone Press.

Mayer, J. (2009). The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned Into a War on American Ideals. New York: Anchor.

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