The 9/11 Attack on America - Essay Example

Terrorism and Homeland Security

The 9/11 attack on America, paved the way for new-age terrorism and led to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. International relations between the U.S. and other countries were affected as restrictions in and out of America were implemented. The attacks before 9/11 were different, and this attack led to the rise of terror attacks promoted by radicalization. Terror attacks post 9/11, according to the DHS, are motivated by ideologies. One of the priorities that homeland security is responsible includes preventing individuals from participating in terrorism and criminal acts. Since 9/11, terrorists are adapting new techniques in carrying out attacks. Terrorism promotes rebel group activities, and they are used to disrupt peace and create chaos. The era post-9/11 has had an increase of terrorism associated with Muslim majority populations. Was the terror attack of 9/11 the watershed moment? This paper attempts to analyze changes in terrorism. (DHS, 2020)

The Boston Marathon Bombing

The Boston Marathon bombing will help us analyze similarities to the 9/11 attack. The Boston Marathon bombing happened on April 15, 2013. The weapons used were two pressure cookers, and the motive behind the attack was retribution for American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bombing was conducted by two suspects, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev and his brother, Tamerlan Tsarnaev. The two were radicalized and motivated by watching al-Qaida and Taliban videos. They watched radicalized messages from Al-Awlaki's videos that inspire terror. Al-Awlaki was involved in the 9/11 plot, and the 9/11 suspects attended a mosque where he was the Imam. Al-Awlaki was blacklisted as a threat to homeland security was killed by a drone attack under President Barack Obama’s order. The Boston Marathon bombing caused the death of three victims, including a police officer, while 17 others lost their limbs. The two brothers were not able to escape due to the quick-acting police officers. Tamerlan was shot several times. However, he died when Dzhokhar run him over when escaping in a stolen vehicle. The blast led to people fleeing the streets and leaving bags and packages. The police found it challenging to identify the presence of more possible bombs. Air travel in Boston was halted due to the terror threats on that day. The cell phone lines were crowded as the surge came from people trying to call and know the whereabouts of those residing or located within the vicinity.

The United States homeland security admitted that they lacked intelligence reports suggesting that the attack would take place. The brothers also hijacked a Mercedes SUV, and while inside, the terrorists suggested they go to New York and bomb Times Square. A phone belonging to the vehicle owner was pinged, and the suspects were traced before they could escape and engaged the police in a shootout. Dzhokhar managed to escape but killed his brother ion the process of fleeing the scene. He was apprehended and tried by the federal criminal court. Dzhokhar was found guilty and sentenced to death. Dzhokhar was interrogated and admitted that the brothers committed the terror act to defend Muslims in Iraq and Afghanistan from the U.S. The bombing led to increased security measures to prevent similar acts of terror. The president ordered an investigation of possible suspects who were not apprehended to avoid future attacks. (Starbird, K.et al., 2014)

The 2009 Fort Hood Shooting

On November 5, 2009, a terror shooting occurred at Fort Hood, Texas. The mass shooting led to the loss of 13 lives, while 30 others were severely injured. The Fort Hood Shooting was among the deadliest mass shootings to occur in a military base. The culprit was Nidal Hasan, a U.S. Army major. The media revealed that homeland security had trailed some emails from Hasan and radicalized Imam Al-Awlaki, who was under surveillance as a terror threat since 9/11. Hassan took time plotting and preparing the attack. He was shot and suffered paralysis from the waist down, as bullet wounds were located at the spine. He received treatment as he awaited trial. It was discovered that Hasan admired the teachings of radicalized Imam Awlaki. Awlaki had been under police investigators as he had been helping and providing spiritual guidance to terrorists. They communicated via emails and other soldiers working with Hasan noticed that he was not very social and kept to himself. It appears that he faced mental issues after his parents informed him that the American government was attacking and killing Afghanistan and Iraqis. Hasan was disturbed by his pending deployment to fight in Afghanistan. Some of his colleagues noted that he was not performing his duties to satisfaction, and on several occasions, he would engage them in conversations about fervent Islamic views. The FBI found out that Hasan acted alone and did not have conspirators.

Homeland security took several blows from the media after failing to address the constant communication between Hasan and the Imam. The military placed restrictions on carrying firearms into fort hood and other military bases. The weapons were to be handled during training and by the base security. All guns need to be registered to reduce cases of violence against personnel. American Muslim groups condemned the terror attack and cited the violence as an individual incident that did not respect the Islamic community's views. The suspect was charged with 13 counts of murder and attempted murder, and he pleaded guilty. The court sentenced him to death after the jury deliberated his punishment.

From the Fort Hood shooting, it was clear to homeland security, that security agencies did not have adequate preparation to defend themselves from internal terror threats. The securities agencies need to work hand in hand to avoid situations such as the 9/11 attacks occurring again. This comes at a time when technology has advanced and terrorist groups, and individuals are increasing daily. Radicalizing of security personnel should be closely monitored to avoid similar attacks. Homeland Security has adopted new techniques in preventing sophisticated attacks against the United States. Detecting these attacks is not easy since the attacks lack overt warning making it nearly impossible for intervention. Terrorists use small arms, chemical and biological weapons when they target homemade explosives attacking crowds such as the Boston Marathon Bombing. To deal with terror attacks such as the Fort Hood shooting requires partners engaging in counter-terrorism. (Wild, J et al., 2012|)Security should be increased in schools, places of worship, and stadiums. Transnational criminal organizations are engaging in crimes such as fraud, cybercrime, theft, money laundering drugs, and smuggling humans. The Department of Homeland Security needs to enforce the law by investigating and dismantling these organizations in time before they cause terror and loss of life. The Department of Homeland Security needs to engage the public and increase awareness to report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.

Efforts and Progress Made Since 9/11

DHS has evolved and has collaborated with community-based organizations, international partners, law enforcement agencies, local leaders, and the private sector. The idea of working with these stakeholders contributes to the success of achieving safety from terrorism.

Federal government partnerships

The Central Intelligence Agency gathers intelligence and information used by the DHS to monitor and identify suspects and events planned by terror groups. The DHS also works with the Department of Justice in prosecuting terrorists. Another partnership the DHS has is with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, whose mandate is to conduct investigations and arrest citizens involved with terrorism. (DHS, 2020)

Local law enforcement and local leaders

DHS needs to improve its allocation of resources to local law enforcement and community leaders. This will assist in combating threats at the community level since citizens are the first to identify planned terror attacks. The police should receive training on how to understand behavior trends and tactics pointing to terrorism. The attacks would not have occurred if the locals and police officers pre-9/11 had received such resources and training. The public also plays a pivotal role in the fight against terrorism. The DHS is promoting campaigns promoting speaking out when the public sees suspicious activities. The Boston Marathon bombing had crowds of people, and the terrorists who carried out the attack acted suspiciously. A man who lost his limbs after the explosion identified them. If the man had raised the alarm over the suspicious activities to the authorities, the attack would not occur. It is crucial that the DHS reward and protect whistleblowers as this will reduce terror attacks. (DHS, 2020)

In conclusion, the terror attacks caused a great deal in the loss of life, and the DHS needs to invest more in intelligence and detecting terrorists. The DHS continues conducting its operations aimed at protecting American citizens and infrastructure. The agency must safeguard the border before any hostilities breach and cause harm to its people. All the agencies' efforts in countering attacks rely on initiatives aimed at deterring radicalization of its citizens and integrating both local and internal partners in the fight against terrorism.