Terrorism Awareness - Essay

Terrorism Awareness Essay

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
Terrorism................................................................................................................................1
Case Study..............................................................................................................................2
Law enforcement Response....................................................................................................3
Challenges for law enforcement in preventing and prosecuting terrorism.............................4
Remedy Failures.....................................................................................................................6
Strategies to remedy failures and how it can be prevented....................................................7
CONCLUSIONS..............................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
Over the past Century, it has evaluated that terrorism has been much advanced, from
random killings to a number of plans. The word terrorism can be defined as an act of violence
which as used for fulfilment of unlawful purpose, to intimidate in pursuance of religious or
political gain (Rane, Amath and Faris, 2015). In order to prove a specific agenda, terrorist groups
take actions against people to develop terror and fear in them. Generally, such groups have no
personal agenda for inflicting terror, they just want to keep a control over people or a country.
Terrorism can also be characterised as the use of indiscriminate and intentionally violence for
creating terror or fear (Ewart, Pearson and Healy, 2016). This would help in achievement of
political, ideological or religious aim. Therefore, it is considered as the most significant threat for
national security and lives of people. The present essay is going to make an investigation about
terrorist attack in a country. For this purpose, Brighton Siege Case is taken, that held on 2017 in
Brighton, a suburb of Melbourne. To bring awareness about terrorism activities, critical analyses
has been done on law enforcement response, that Australian Police has taken for investigating
the given case.
MAIN BODY
Terrorism
Terrorism refers to a violence activity which is done in the pursuit of religious or political
aims, against innocent people (Pathé and et. al., 2015). As per the history of modern terrorism, it
began with the French revolution and continuously evolving till now. Hereby, the most common
roots or causes that generates terrorism are globalization, civilizations or culture clashes,
religious conflicts like Israeli-Palestinian, Islamic-Hindu and more (Irwin, 2015). Along with
this, individual-based reasons or more personal agenda for terrorism includes deprivation,
radicalization, social injustice or moral disengagement, frustration, negative identity, narcissistic
rage etc. Such situations provoke a person to become terrorists, especially when a certain action
causes them to adopt radical positions, to reach social or political aims (Walters, Wallin and
Hartley, 2019). As radicalism is originated from a wide social consensus against some
progressive changes in society so, it leads to persuade a person to support terrorism by joining a
terrorist group (Jackson and Hall, 2016). Therefore, to create positive peace in a country, it is
essential for a nation to reduce those processes or actions that provoke an individual to become
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terrorists. In the broader sense, Criminal acts are in any circumstance consider as unjustifiable,
because they are intended or calculated for provoking a state of terror in citizens or a particular
community for political reason (Head, 2016). These acts are taken into considerations of a
political, ideological, racial, philosophical, religious, ethnic or any other nature, which may be
invoked to justify the same.
Case Study
During 1980s, terrorism environment in Australia was heavily influenced by a number of
major events, due to serial attacks against Israeli and Jewish. But now, situation has much
improved due to law enforcement that takes immediate actions against any criminal attacks
(Lynch, McGarrity and Williams, 2015). To counter the threat of terrorism, Australian
Government has enacted a number of legislations that specifically target the terrorism.
Concerning on this fact, one of the case where such an attack is really happened was Brighton
Siege case. As per views of Andrew Zammit (2017), it has analysed that on June 5, 2017, a 29-
year old named as Yacqub Khayre, tampered with an electronic ankle bracelet he was worn after
released out of the jail on parole (Understanding Australia's Brighton Siege Terror Attack,
2017). After coming out of the prison, he booked one of the apartment located in suburbs area of
the Melbourne Brighton and then hired the escort to meet along with carry two shotgun (Bergin
and et. al. 2015). After that, this person is committed to murder a 36 years old-age hotel clerk,
who is basically a Chinese but an Australia citizen Kai Hao, when escort denied to enter into the
apartment. After barricading itself, he called out emergency service to announce a murder done
by him and have claimed possession of the hostage (Mullins, 2016). After that a very heavy
police presence has arrived. After that he called news chief of the television network to declare
that he is doing it for IS (Islamic state) and this is for al-Qaeda (Mackie, 2015). After that he
comes out of the building and shot three police officers with non-threatening injury and then
police forces aggressively shot down that terrorist. This attack has forced authorities of the
Australia to takes out strict action against of the Jihadist scene created in Australia. After long
investigation, it was found that Khayri was creating small network of Melbourne based
supporters of the Somali Jihadist named as Al-Shabaab (Rane, Amath and Faris, 2015). After
that incident, Government of the Australia has banned Visa for African Islamic country people to
reside in Australia and also they had eliminated many unqualified people out of the Australia.
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Law enforcement Response
Terrorists generally gain power via attacking on common people or a religious group on
whom they attack. In this regard, how a nation respond to terrorists attack demonstrate if
terrorism will cease in future or not (Ewart, Pearson and Healy, 2016). It has generalised that
after execution of any terrorist attack, people or a particular religion always like to blame the
terrorists for causing fear and death. This statement is somehow true that an individual or a
terrorist has taken the responsibility for those deaths. But the nation where such an activity has
happened never consider to hold responsibility for allowing successful and continue terrorism
(Pathé and et. al., 2015). This would to increase terrorism and threat of fear more on area where
such activities have done. Therefore, it is essential for a nation to take responsibility of terrorism
in order to respond for ceasing the same in future (Irwin, 2015). To eliminate roots, causes or a
situation that arise terrorist movement, for creation of positive peace, reflects how conflict
resolution is occur after a terrorist attack. By doing so, they can make law enforcement response
to reduce the threat of fear or such kind of unlawful actions that creates terror and deaths of
individuals (Walters, Wallin and Hartley, 2019). In context with Australia, to deal with terrorist
acts and prevent national security from same, various laws has been enforced, as given beneath –
National Security Legislations:
To prevent acts of terrorism, effective laws are considered as critical component, that
reflects how Australian Government response for ceasing the same. It includes National Security
Information (NSI) Act, Australia's counter terrorism laws, Prevention the financing of terrorism
and more. For countering the terrorism and provision for security sensitive information, NSI Act
has been formed in 2004. It provides a structure that courts have to follow to concern in a legal
proceeding, where information is to be disclosed (Jackson and Hall, 2016). This act covers
various legislations such as Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979, which states
that for the purpose of undertaking any surveillance and to investigate an individual in case of
having a relation with terrorist activity, police can enforce respective law (Head, 2016).
Similarly, to protect people against unlawful interference, Aviation Transport Security Act 2004
has been established.
Australia's Counter terrorism Law
This law enacted against foreign incursions as well as recruitment offences by focusing
on terrorist act offences, terrorist organisations, prevention of terrorism financing and more
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(Lynch, McGarrity and Williams, 2015). It includes Commonwealth Crimes Act 1914, where
police can arrest a person for cross-questioning if he has committed for an offense. Under this
case, person who is going to be questioned also has rights as ASIO to be treated humanely, but
also surrender their passports and must answer all questions (Bergin and et. al. 2015). While to
prevent financing terrorism, a special agency named by Australian Transactions and Reports
Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) is established. This agency monitors the bank accounts of every
citizen and movement of money transaction, to ensure that no illegal activity take place.
Law Enforcement
This term defines as the employment of officers who act in a well-organised manner, for
enforcing law by discovering, rehabilitating, deterring and punishing those people that violates
rules and certain norms of society (Mackie, 2015). It includes police employment mainly, that
actively plays role in surveillance or patrols for prevention and punishment of crimes. As
Terrorism and criminal activities affects almost each and every aspect of life. Therefore, security
is considered as a prominent topic that primarily concerned by every country to defend itself
against criminal activities and terrorist attacks (Mullins, 2016). For this purpose, how much
external borders can be strengthened by improving the exchange of information helps in fighting
against terrorism and enhancing the security as well. However, police departments already start
thinking of themselves as proactive and most valuable assets in defending, deterring and
investigating the terrorist attacks. They actively work with law enforcement, security agencies
and intelligence departments as joint force to reduce threats of terrorism and uncover their
networks. In combatting terrorism, law enforcement
Challenges for law enforcement in preventing and prosecuting terrorism
In fighting against terrorism, security challenges are considered as more complex and
evolving, which has a profound impact on a country's law enforcement across its territorial
boundary. Therefore, in order to meet the challenges and determine what is police required for
same, it is essential to identify today's threats and predict how much crime can be happened in
future. Such predictions will help in making development within a variety of areas, that may
affect terrorism or crime and police alike. As number of major incidents or foiled attacks happen
in the last few years in Australia as – Mill Park Stabbing (Feb 2018), Melbourne Stabbing Attack
(2018), Brighton Siege (June 2017), Queanbeyan Stabbing (April 2017) etc. So, it can be said
that terrorist threat in Australia has escalated. ISIS, Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups have
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increases their network and level of capacity in a wide manner. They are now become more able
to strike randomly, by financing support (Mullins, 2016). The terrorist group today has
developed an external action and trained attackers for special forces-style attacks. All such major
groups are actively work So, it is considered as the most significant threat for Australian
security.
Terrorist Group in Australia - Al-Shabaab (2007 to 2009): It is a militant group that also known as Jihadist
fundamentalist group, which includes about 7k to 9k militants (majorly belongs to
Islamist) as per estimated till 2014 (Mackie, 2015). This group poses a global threat,
where the main leader Al Shabaab proliferates propaganda through media. By
investigation, it has been identified that local groups of Sydney and Melbourne are
aligned with Somali based Al-Shabaab. When five Melbourne people were charged for
plotting an attack on Holsworthy Barracks, then this group has listed as an Outlawed
Terrorist Organisation. Benbrika Group (2000s to 2005): This Islamist group was run under leadership of Abdul
Nacer Benbrika and activated till 2005, when it’s one of the Melbourne Group was
arrested by Australian police (Bergin and et. al. 2015). According to Australia's new
counter-terrorism laws, this group is considered as the first Australian Muslims that were
being arrested as a part of terrorists Operation Pendennis, by ASIO, Victoria Police and
Australian Federal Police. Cheikho Group: This group was active in Sydney and led by Khaled Cheikho. In 2005,
five members were arrested on charges of planning a terrorist attack in Sydney, which is
the most populous city of Australia (Lynch, McGarrity and Williams, 2015). It also run
an Islamic organisation in this country, where support of Muslim community (Sunni,
Sufi, Ahmadiyya as minorities) has given them power to target Australians and plot
terrorist activities.
Migration:
It refers to another major challenge for Australia's law enforcement, where massive
migration flows into other countries leads to expose the vulnerable societies towards criminal
exploitation (Head, 2016). As per statistical record, more than 526,300 migrants are arrived
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through overseas in 2017 and about 289,000 migrants departed (Net Overseas Migration, 2018).
So, it shows the migratory pressure on Australian route, that may increase the criminal networks
which involve in migrant smuggling, whereby, terrorist organisation facilitates a number of
criminal services (Jackson and Hall, 2016). It involves fake passports, money laundering, vessels
and other transportations.
Cybercrime:
It is the fastest growing area that leads to increase criminal activities in a country.
Therefore, cybercrime considers as third major and long-term challenge for law enforcement.
Today, number of victims are increasing due to cyber-attacks that leads to economically damage
also, where various types of key drives contribute to growing sophistication and proliferation of
cyber threats within cybercriminal environment (Walters, Wallin and Hartley, 2019). It includes
increased long-distance connectivity, usage of Internet-enabled devices, lack of digital hygiene,
borderless nature of criminal attacks, pace of technological innovation etc. So, these drivers arise
threat of increasing terrorism worldwide. In Australia, cybercrime increases threats by
exploitation of existing minorities or vulnerabilities, misuse of internet and other technologies
(Artificial Intelligence, Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and more). Similarly, data breaches and
growing online fraud activities are also increasing the threat of terrorism.
Remedy Failures
Counter-terrorism which is also known as antiterrorism or action taken by a country to
stop terrorism, incorporates the practice, strategies that government, law enforcement, intelligent
agencies, military tactics, techniques and etc., use for combating or prevention (Irwin, 2015).
Counter-terrorism strategies also frame to counter terrorism financing. In context with Australian
Government, it has significantly boost the Counter Violent Extremism activities. The
Commonwealth of this country has strong and well-coordinated arrangements for counter-
terrorism (CT) arrangements (Pathé and et. al., 2015). But in many cases like Martin Place siege,
Brighton Siege Case and the stabbing of police in Melbourne etc. raise many questions, where
remedies of law enforcement are failed. Such types of crime activities are looking quite difficult
for police or security members to prevent, because it was carried out by a single person not by a
terrorist group. Terrorists are now also seeking to adapt at exploiting people via social media for
distributing the polished propaganda products (Ewart, Pearson and Healy, 2016). To increase
feeling of terror, they are using sophisticated technologies as well as different tactics to stay
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under the radar. Therefore, concerning on this environment, it has been identified that there is an
increasing requirement in Australia for early disruption of terrorist plans, in order to best ensure
the safety and security of public. This would also come at the securing cost, which is sufficient
evidence to prosecute. It leaves potential crime and terrorist attacks at large (Rane, Amath and
Faris, 2015). Along with this, it also erodes confidence, trust and relationships with at-risk
communities, that leads to undermine the faith of public in national security agencies and the
Government for their safety.
Strategies to remedy failures and how it can be prevented
In order to bring the terrorists to justice, it is essential for law enforcement agencies of
Australia to conduct the criminal investigations. It will enable the prosecution for bringing the
case before a court more efficiently. This process requires a professional investigative capacity,
with close cooperation between prosecutors and investigators. For this purpose, Counter
Terrorism Committee needs to promote such kind cooperation by identifying the technical
assistance needs of investigators in particular areas. It includes crime-scene management,
forensic analysis, the collection of evidence, and overall analytical capacity. Along with this,
respective committee also need to work for identifying the emerging terrorist trends, in order to
help law enforcement agencies of Australia to develop effective operational countermeasures and
strategies, so that terrorism can be ceased. Furthermore, effective cross-border cooperation also
considers as an essential component of national coordination and cooperation efforts. Therefore,
Australian agencies must promote the establishment of such mechanisms, as appropriate as
possible. Similarly, by making changes in the framework of CTITF i.e. Counter-Terrorism
Implementation Task Force (CTITF), border management and law Enforcement Relating to
Counter-Terrorism can be improved. To stop the rising tide of terrorism and improve remedy
failures, some recommendations are given below –
 To counter and combat the violent extremism, Australian Government, Intelligent
agencies, law enforcement and more, must work together with at-risk communities. They
must build resilience for terrorist ideology and assisting people to de-radicalise and
disengage from violent extremist beliefs and influences, especially on social media.
 To combat the challenge of terrorism, it is essential for Australian to acknowledge that
they have entered a new and long-term paradigm of increasing and heightened terrorism
threat, with a significant ‘home grown’ element.
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 This country also need to improve and broaden the scope of National Counter Terrorism
strategy for providing a clear direction to security community. This would result in
making more improvement in cooperation among national security agencies, law
enforcement and more, with at-risk communities.
 The Government of Australia is in close consultation with states and some territories via
Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee (ANZCTC). So, this would help
in developing more effective national counter-terrorism (CT) strategy, that coordinates
and balances the efforts for combating the potential threats of terrorism, eliminating
radicalisation from community and countering the home-grown lone actors as well.
 In order to provide strong, clear as well as co-ordinated leadership so that security
agencies and law enforcement will respond effectively and appropriately to terrorism,
Australian Government also need to designate the senior officers as National CT
Coordinator; and establish some executives as Counter-Terrorism Group who are chaired
by the National CT Coordinator for setting the strategic direction to enhance
Commonwealth’s CT efforts.
 For leadership and coordination among Intelligent Agencies, it is also mandatory that the
Australian Counter-Terrorism Centre must draw more effective policies and include
operational agencies from the states and territories, for working closely on operations,
policy challenges to combat terrorism.
CONCLUSIONS
It has been evaluated from this report that today terrorism is continuously increasing
worldwide, that cultivate terror among targeted population. Terrorist tactics now tend to favour
attacks which avoid effective countermeasures as well as also exploit vulnerabilities. Some
tactics of terrorist are more conventional and widely used under operations to control over states
and territory regions. It includes hijackings, kidnappings, shootings, bombings and more.
Therefore, to combat terrorism, every country seeks to develop new strategies, law enforcement
and laws, that empowered the national security agencies. Entire security agencies now
coordinating the government with strong relationship to counter terrorism.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Mullins, S. (2016). Counter-terrorism in Australia: practitioner perspectives. Journal of Policing,
Intelligence and Counter Terrorism, 11(1), 93-111.
Mackie, J. (2015). Australia and Indonesia: Current problems future prospects. Lowy Institute
for International Policy.
Bergin, A. & et. al. (2015). Gen Y jihadists: Preventing radicalisation in Australia. Australian
Strategic Policy Institute.
Lynch, A., McGarrity, N., & Williams, G. (2015). Inside Australia's anti-terrorism laws and
trials. NewSouth.
Head, M., 2016. Crimes Against the State: From Treason to Terrorism. Routledge.
Jackson, R., & Hall, G. (2016). Talking about terrorism: A study of vernacular
discourse. Politics, 36(3), 292-307.
Walters, G., Wallin, A., & Hartley, N. (2019). The threat of terrorism and tourist choice
behavior. Journal of Travel Research, 58(3), 370-382.
Irwin, N. (2015). The complexity of responding to home-grown terrorism: radicalisation, de-
radicalisation and disengagement. Journal of policing, intelligence and counter
terrorism, 10(2), 166-175.
Pathé, M. T. & et. al. (2015). Assessing and managing the threat posed by fixated persons in
Australia. The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 26(4), 425-438.
Ewart, J., Pearson, M., & Healy, G. (2016). Journalists’ and educators’ perspectives on news
media reporting of Islam and Muslim communities in Australia and New
Zealand. Journal of Media and Religion, 15(3), 136-145.
Rane, H., Amath, N., & Faris, N. (2015). Multiculturalism and the Integration of
Multigenerational Muslim Communities in Queensland, Australia. Journal of Muslim
Minority Affairs, 35(4), 503-519.
Online
Understanding Australia's Brighton Siege Terror Attack. 2017. [Online] Available Through:
<https://jamestown.org/program/understanding-australias-brighton-siege-terror-attack/
>.
Net Overseas Migration. 2018.[Online] Available Through:
<https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/3412.0Main
%20Features42017-18?
opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=3412.0&issue=2017-
18&num=&view=>.
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