A Comprehensive Analysis of US Counter-Terrorism and Its Effects

This report examines the US counter-terrorism strategies, evaluating their effectiveness and impact on civil liberties. It analyzes the current approaches, which are seen as potentially counterproductive, and the need for a more holistic approach. The report highlights the importance of considering the role of civil liberties and calls for a more nuanced approach to addressing terrorism, including a balance between security and individual freedoms. The report also discusses the necessity of addressing the root causes of terrorism and the importance of a strong, well-managed military that respects the rights of the people. The author suggests that the US needs to take a more proactive approach to counter-terrorism. The report emphasizes the need for the US to learn from its mistakes and make a more coordinated and integrated approach to counter-terrorism.

Running head: USA AND TERRORISM
USA AND TERRORISM
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Author Note

The counter terrorism approach of the US, which is characterized by being a “light
footprint” counter terrorism approach, has been criticized by different institutions and
establishments about its legitimacy and capabilities. The approaches are fundamentally
flawed, and also counter- productive in nature. Rather than reducing the threats, the
approaches make more dangerous and more committed extremists. The approaches are so
indirect that it has not destroyed the extremists completely, but evolved them in more virulent
forms. The US approach focuses on killings, rather than going deep into the societal problems
that give rise to such ruthless fiendish extremists who do not have any moral or ethical code.
The US military critics have forwarded the idea of “leadership and in- depth action”
beginning from understanding the geopolitics and socio-political conditions of Islam
dominated countries, understanding the sociological issues that give rise to extremism and
leadership strategies to eradicate such social evils (Toros, 2012). Therefore, the first and
foremost aspect which is lacking in the counter terrorism approach of the US is “holistic
vision and leadership”. Instead of killing terrorists and posing the image of an “action movie”
to the general public, the US should take matured steps against eradicating terrorism
completely from the world, which would, of course take a considerable amount of time and
ordeal (Zuckerman, Bucci & Carafano, 2013).
America must also balance between security and personal civil liberties. Policies that
generally make the nation more secure, particularly against foreign threats, do not undermine
the threat to liberty of the general people or common masses. However, even after facing
certain backlashes regarding civil liberties in the history, America has remained fairly above
average in case of civil liberties throughout the history and in the present. America has made
certain policies that reinforced both civil liberties and security of the people. Military strength
under firm civil control is the best way to guarantee liberty which has been exhibited by
America time and again. Intelligence gathering when effectively performed, keeping in mind

the rights and expectations of America and its society is also essential for maintaining liberty
and security of the nation. The usage of military tribunals for the terrorists is an instance of
such case. Today, the United States must learn from its mistakes of building
counterproductive policies. Maintaining a strong, national defence has the ability to secure
liberty against different kinds of threats the nation might receive. For a federal government
like America, it is a vital responsibility for them to make a holistic approach of defence and
civil sense for attaining a perfect situation (Gellhorn, 2019).

References:
Gellhorn, W. (2019). Security, Loyalty, and Science. Cornell University Press.
Toros, H. (2012). Terrorism, talking and transformation: A critical approach. Routledge.
Zuckerman, J., Bucci, S. P., & Carafano, J. J. (2013). 60 terrorist plots since 9/11: Continued
lessons in domestic counterterrorism. Heritage Foundation.