Effects of Counterterrorism on Civilians

Running head: CRIMINAL JUSTICE 1
Criminal justice
Name
Institution

EFFECTS OF COUNTERTERRORISM ON CIVILIANS
Terrorism is the act of using violence and intimidation unlawfully for political or religious
reasons, usually against civilians. Governments and non- state groups however also use this word
when referring to opposing groups. The act of terrorism usually leads to the loss of lives of a
large number of innocent people and most terrorist groups use this action to pass across a
message. The motives that terrorists give behind their actions are for international attention, to
intimidate a particular group of people, to improve their social standing, having a culture that is
tolerant to violence, zealotry and seeking financial aid for their people (Schmid, 2016).
After the attack on the twin towers on September 11th 2001, the government of America has
come up with responses in order to counter any terrorist attacks. This includes formation of
companies and organizations that work specifically on counterterrorism programs, increased
homeland security and intelligence (Hellmuth, 2018). Though there are many types of terrorists,
the main focus for the United States has been radical Islam (Wiktorowick, 2016).
Radical Islam refers to the kind of Islam that focuses on extremism and fundamentalism.
Islamic extremism opposes democracy, law and the respect of different kinds of faith and beliefs.
This kind of notion is also called jihadism of Islamism. Islamic fundamentalism is where
Muslims seek to go back to the fundamentals of their religion, and in the process seek to
eliminate non- Islamic influences.
As a result, the freedom that Muslims enjoyed became strained. Although America allows
freedom of worship, the fact that most terrorist attacks that are carried out are done by Muslims
means that those who are innocent live under suspicion, criticism and discrimination by other
people.
Another counterterrorism act that was done as a result of the 9/11 attacks was passing of the
PATRIOT Act, which was done on October 26th 2001. (PATRIOT Act) This act significantly
increased government powers as well as the penalties that a person faced for criminal activities,