Terrorism

The War on Terrorism

Monika Eckhart

Cowdrey 2nd hr. CWP

01/11/06

The War on Terrorism

Since the dawn of men, terrorism has been a tactic used by people to instill fear in others. In modern day times, with the expanding knowledge, terrorism has evolved to become even more dangerous to the people it affects. Americans haven’t experienced as much terrorism as many countries around the world, but the gruesome acts that have been carried out by our enemies have really affected our society. September 11th, 2001, was a huge terrorist act, carried out by Arabic terrorists in protest of Americans. Since then, Americans have become more fearful of American enemies. Before 9/11, there was still terrorism, but Americans hadn’t really been affected by it. They saw it as something to happen to other countries, but not us. Now, with more and more technology, there are more things to worry about. The future of terrorism depends on how the United States handles them, and what exactly it entails. I believe the two biggest threats that will take some effort and thinking to defeat are Iran with its new acquisition of nuclear power and the future threats of Al-Qaeda facing America with a new president in two years. Both of these threats could develop in the next generation, with my generation in control of what happens, as we vote for the president and other head officials.

Iran, a neighbor to Iraq (which is a country of great controversy in this present day time), is now considered by the State Department “the world's вЂ?most active state sponsor of terrorismвЂ™Ð²Ð‚Ñœ (cfrterrorism.org). Many people have only been focused on Iraq, as the United States is involved in a war there, but its neighbor, Iran has become a deadly terrorist state, supporting many Islamic terrorist groups, who are known to extremely dislike America and its way of life. “Iran mostly backs Islamist groups, including the Lebanese Shiite militants of Hezbollah (which Iran helped found in the 1980s) and such Palestinian terrorist groups as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.” (cfrterrorism.org) Iran is also involved in a controversial issue right now, involving nuclear weapons. Iran’s former President Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani is quoted on IranFocus.Com “We are a critical juncture…The Arrogance (United States) and its allies will be regretful if they obstruct [Iran’s nuclear pursuit], and Iran will come out the victor” As you can see, Iran is a growing threat to the United States and it’s allies, and I believe in the coming years, the United States may have to go to force with Iran to try to avoid Armageddon.

I believe that the other biggest threat is Al-Qaeda. This is a well known terrorist organization, with Islamic background. In fact Al-Qaeda considers itself a protector of Islam, fighting for their religion, or jihad as it’s called. Iran and Iraq have both supported them, and the U.S officials believe them to be responsible for 9/11. Al-Qaeda “was based in Afghanistan until Coalition forces removed the Taliban from power in late 2001.” I believe because of the U.S’s involvement in this weakening act, they will continue to strike out at Americans and their homeland. To help them in their quest are other terrorist organizations