Understanding Domestic and International Terrorist Attacks

Terrorism is the unlawful use of violence (either real or threatened) to intimidate a society or government. Often, the threat of future violence is as effective as the actual terrorist attacks. The World Trade Center bombing on September 11, 2001, caused devastating loss of life, for instance, but it also weakened people's security at home and abroad. The possibility of terrorist attacks can cripple a nation almost as much as the actual attacks.

 

Terrorism is not unique to one cultural, religious or political group. Religious and political hardliners have turned to terrorism throughout history as a means to force their beliefs on others. Acts of international and domestic terrorism have occurred on every continent, in every country on the planet.

 

Many terrorist attacks are done in the name of religion, but none of the holy books upon which these religions are based condone the killing of innocents. In fact, the teachings of most religions around the world revolve around the concept of peace. International and domestic terrorism goes against the tenets of these holy writings. But radicals who believe they are acting in the best interests of their people, their country, and their religion perform and contribute to terrorist attacks.

Terrorists kill or maim their targets with pipe bombs filled with nails, by using crop dusters as biological weapons, or by a multitude of other methods. As the September 11 World Trade Center disaster in New York City proved, even airplanes could become weapons in terrorist attacks. Such acts of violence have one common denominator: They are designed to cause terror and fear.

 

As terrorists become more sophisticated and have more funds at their disposal, the threat of biological, chemical or nuclear weapons increases. According to a Pentagon official, "A terrorist with a little technical know-how and 20 pounds of smuggled plutonium could make a bomb powerful enough to destroy a city." (New York Times, May 13, 1996)

From car jacking on city streets to hijacking in the skies, from stadium bombings to bombings of naval ships, from the schoolyard to the Pentagon, terrorist attacks strike fear into us all. Despite the fear, and to spite the terrorist, those left to deal with the wreckage often stand taller.

 

The aftermath of the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center saw a resurgence of patriotism in Americans across the nation and around the world. Support came from all corners of the globe. Despite the threat of future terrorist attacks on US soil, which could include biological weapons, nuclear explosions, or chemical warfare, Americans banded together. Flags waved on front porches and from car antennas; people gathered to pray and to light candles in memory of the lives that were lost and in honor of the heroes who risked their lives to save others.