Analysis of Errors in the Sleeper Cell Case Investigation

This assignment explores the mistakes made during the Sleeper Cell Case investigation, primarily attributed to inadequate investigations influenced by the shock of the 9/11 attacks. It discusses how biases associating terrorism with Islam led to wrongful convictions based on nationality and faith. The analysis further considers whether rational and democratic approaches are possible post-attack, emphasizing neutral perspectives among professionals. It reflects on lessons learned from past mistakes in counterterrorism efforts, comparing U.S. and Canadian contexts. Additionally, it evaluates the statement regarding anti-terrorism legislation and surveillance, arguing that such measures are meant to protect citizens without targeting specific communities.

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qijdMy2TAoI
1. What could have been done to avoid the errors made in the Sleeper Cell case?
The main concern linked to the errors experienced on the sleeper case cell investigation were
associated to the lack of thorough investigations due to the stress and shock caused by the 9/11
terror attacked on the twin towers. This led the government to focus mainly on arresting and
convicting suspected terrorists which led investigators to speculate regarding suspected terror
cells and convicting suspects without performing in-depth investigations (June, 2010). One of the
main concerns linked to the fight against terrorism today has been its association and links to
Islam thus portraying every Muslim as a potential terrorist. This has led to bias views related to
terrorists where practically everybody views terrorists as being Muslim. This is also a major
reason linked to the error made during the sleeper cell case investigation since the suspects were
convicted based on their nationality and faith despite them having been innocent.
2. Is it possible to proceed in rational & democratic ways in the aftermath of an attack?
Yes, it is, possible to proceed and act in a rational manner after an attack as long as the person
handles the situation by looking beyond the ethnic propaganda and observes the situation from a
wider perspective. Lawyers, doctors, nurses, and police must all be able to review a situation
from a neutral perspective without allowing faith and ethnicity hamper their work (Ballin, 2012,
p. 168). There is no doubt that most people may not be able to proceed in a rational manner after
an attack but professionals in authoritative positions must be able to observe the situation from a
wider perspective and universally since terror attacks can be planned and executed by any person
and simply pointing a finger to certain groups doesn’t help resolve the issue but only further
escalates hate between the accused and accusing groups.
3. Have we learned anything from the mistakes we made after the Sept 11 attacks? Is our
approach different today? Is the Canadian context different?

Yes, the mistakes made after the 9/11 attacks have been highlighted thus allowing the public,
legal authorities and government to implement better policies related to terror investigations
(Holden, 2009). Sadly the damage has already been done among the affected suspects, public
and ethnic groups whereby it’s common to find blame being directed to a certain community or
faith immediately after an attack. This has resulted in citizens of the same country being split on
the grounds of their faith whereas there may be no links to the suspected or accused religion.
Countries like Canada have always encouraged universal views towards all people, communities
and faiths thus there is less stress among communities in Canada. The levels of stress are higher
in the USA due to the nation’s history towards encouraging racial, ethnic and religious divisions
which have also affected how communities view and interact with each other despite being US
citizens.
4. People often say in regards to anti-terrorism legislation and increased surveillance
measures: "if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry about." What do you
think of this statement?
This is very true since surveillance and security measure must continue so as to safeguard US
citizens from future attacks. While investigations are normal and may be directed more towards a
certain community or faith, there is no need to worry, or be concerns and appeal against the
move. Communities should rethinking how they view terrorism issues since the main objective is
being able to understand terror attacks are not influenced by a community but individuals thus
blame should not be directed towards a community or group (Davis, McGarrity, & Williams,
2014). If you have nothing to hide and an honest and law abiding citizen, then there is nothing to
be afraid of and investigations and as well as surveillance should be viewed as added security
measures for each citizen's wellbeing and not against a particular individual, community or faith.

Bibliography
Ballin, M. F. (2012). Anticipative Criminal Investigation: Theory and Counterterrorism Practice
in the Netherlands and the United States. Springer Science & Business Media.
Davis, F., McGarrity, N., & Williams, G. (2014). Surveillance, Counter-Terrorism and
Comparative Constitutionalism. Routledge.
Holden, G. (2009). Learning from 9/11: Organizational Change in the New York City and
Arlington County, Va., Police Departments. washington D.C: DIANE Publishing.
June, D. L. (2010). Terrorism and Homeland Security: Perspectives, Thoughts, and Opinions.
Boca Roton: CRC Press.