Background
Terrorism is no longer a problem of the United States alone. Terrorists have expanded their operations, and many countries in the world have suffered great losses as at the hands of terrorists. Over the years, new terrorist groups have emerged, and numerous lives have been lost, including helpless women and children. Kenya is an example of a country that has experienced serious challenges caused by terrorists.
Recently, Garissa University College, located in the North Eastern part of Kenya, suffered severely from a well-orchestrated attack that left scores of students dead (Brumfield 1). Sadly, the act led to the indefinite closure of Garrissa University and arrangements made for surviving students to continue with their studies in other places. As Head of Operations at the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), I am concerned about the increasing rate of terror activities throughout the world. Despite the fact that most of the incidents are happening outside the United States, terrorism is now a global problem, and we are all affected in one way or the other.
When our citizens are denied the opportunity to visit and freely operate in countries that are targeted by terrorists, we are equally affected. In addition, the development of countries affected by terror activities is slowed down, and income from tourism is lost in the process.
Intensify Efforts to Deal with Global Terrorism
In my opinion, it is imperative for the United States to intensify efforts to deal with terrorism globally. There is a need to have a global approach to terrorism and to complement efforts by different countries that are involved in fighting terrorism. It seems terrorists are learning from each other and constantly changing their tactics. The worst thing that is currently happening is that most of those being affected by acts of terrorism are innocent women and children.
The activities of terrorists are now spreading to include what one may refer to as softer targets such as schools, churches, and shopping malls. Typically, these softer targets are populated with individuals who are not capable of resisting the attacks of terrorists or have no means of defense against the attackers. Recent examples include the Garissa University College and Westgate Mall attacks that took place in Kenya not so long ago (Brumfield 1).
Without a doubt, the approach by terrorists has changed over the years. They are now out to attack anyone and everyone. For this reason, efforts to deal with terrorism must be coordinated globally. It is no longer a problem that can be left to a single nation that is under attack. Every nation must be thoroughly equipped to address the problem of terrorism. Any country that has not suffered the wrath of terrorists should not be complacent and assume that it is safe. The activities of terrorists are slowly spreading, and soon the whole world may be under threat.
It is, therefore, my humble plea that we should do everything possible to devise mechanisms that will help to ensure that every country is involved in the fight against terrorism. We should fight terrorism using all options available to us, and this includes consolidating our efforts.
Works Cited
Brumfield, Ben. Garissa university attack: The problems plaguing Kenya’s security efforts. 2015. Web.