Terrorism Point of View
When one mentions terrorism it is not always easy to outline its real meaning. The word, to date, has no specific and precise definition in relation to the different experiences of countries all over the world. Some countries conclude that people who commit violent acts against are terrorists. Others believe that terrorists are those who use violence threats, coercion, and intimidation as a weapon of warfare. Seemingly, the definition of ‘terrorism’ is dependent on an individual’s point of view in relation to the actions of the terrorists (Jackson et al., 2011). Terrorism cannot be described as mindless, senseless, irrational violence, or legitimate warfare. It should be viewed as a pathway to a specific end.
Several countries have faced the wrath of terrorism. For instance, the United States has faced some of the most dreadful attacks such as the 9/11 and the Orlando attacks. In the 9/11 attack, the United States suffered huge destruction and loss of over 3,000 people (Jenkins & Michael, 2011). A group of militants who were associated with al-Qaeda, an Islamist extremist group, hijacked four planes for suicide attacks in the US. A look into this case evidently reveals that terrorism cannot be described as mindless and senseless since it is carried out objectively. Terrorist attacks are often choreographed extensively to the extent of attracting the attention of the world media. In many occasions, hostages are used to increasing tension and drama within a country or an attacked region. The main objective of terrorists is to ensure that people watch their activities keenly to ensure total intimidation and terror spread among people. They ensure that people panic and doubt their safety within their own nations.
Terrorism causes turmoil in diverse sectors of its subject. Such include social, political, and economic. For example, Latin America has experienced turmoil for centuries with the increase of terrorist activity. The impact of terrorism cannot be overstated. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed over the years around the world (Crenshaw, 2010). Millions of others have been left with psychological torture and some disabled. This is enough evidence to prove that terrorism is basically a matter of perception. Terrorist attackers carry out adequate and extensive research of their targets; create spectacular incidents that leave individuals with an impression of serious defeat from terrorism.
Despite the fact that their casualty figures often fall way below the domestic crime figures, the casualties of terrorism suffer symbolic impact which is often significant politically. The major and lasting effects of it may not be necessarily be measured by the number of casualties or property destruction, but by the negative psychological impact as well as the political results. Terrorism has caused an alteration of the United States foreign policy. Apparently, the U.S. has experienced difficulty in responding to terrorism compelling it towards the diversion of resources for citizen’s protection (Crenshaw, 2010). Terrorists have the ability to force demands, which are in most cases unattainable to many governments.
In conclusion, terrorism can never be regarded as mindless, senseless, irrational violence or legitimate warfare. Terrorism is often an articulately planned affair aimed at disrupting the decision making processes of countries in the world. Terrorists’ main aim is to erode the confidence of the accomplishments of a nation’s initiatives. They work towards weakening the international credibility nations.
References
Crenshaw, M. (2010). Terrorism in Context. NY: Penn State Press.
Jackson, R. et al. (2011). Terrorism: A Critical Introduction. NY: Palgrave Macmillan.
Jenkins, G. & Michael B. (2011). The Long Shadow of 9/11: America’s Response to Terrorism. Cambridge: Rand Corporation.