Evolution of Counterterrorism Strategies
Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. government has struggled to develop a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy – one that balances diplomatic, informational, military, and economic approaches. Prior to these terrorist attacks, U.S. counterterrorism strategies were nearly non-existent. Terrorist were treated as criminals and law enforcement agencies were in control. Since 9/11 and in recognition of the growing threat of terrorism, the U.S. has increased combating efforts through changes in their counterterrorism strategies.

To prepare for this Discussion:
Review Chapter 8 in the course text Introduction to Homeland Security and the excerpt "Counterterrorism" from the Encyclopedia of United States National Security. Focus on how U.S. counterterrorism strategies have evolved since 9/11.

Review the online articles "Targeted killing in U.S. Counterterrorism strategy and law" and "National Strategy for Combating Terrorism." Reflect on contemporary counterterrorism strategies.
Review the NPR podcast "Calls renewed for better U.S. counterterrorism strategies" and the article "US Counter-Terrorism Options: A Taxonomy." Consider the effectiveness of historical and contemporary counterterrorism strategies and how ineffective strategies might be improved.
Reflect on your thoughts as to whether or not the evolution of U.S. counterterrorism strategies has increased the effectiveness of U.S. counterterrorism efforts and why or why not.
Think about how historical counterterrorism strategies have influenced contemporary counterterrorism strategies.


Reflect on the extent to which contemporary counterterrorism strategies are effective and why or why not.
With these thoughts in mind:

Post an explanation of how U.S. counterterrorism strategies have evolved since 9/11. Then explain how historical counterterrorism strategies have influenced contemporary counterterrorism strategies. Be specific and use examples to illustrate your explanation. Finally explain the extent to which contemporary counterterrorism strategies are effective and why or why not. Again, be specific and use examples to illustrate your explanation.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Learning Resources

Readings

Course Text: Introduction to Homeland Security

Chapter 8, "Preventing Terrorist Attacks: Root Causes, Law, Intelligence, Counter-Terrorism, and Border Control"
Article: Anderson, K. (2009). Targeted killing in U.S. counterterrorism strategy and law. Retrieved from http://www.brookings.edu/research/papers/2009/05/11-counterterrorism-anderson

Article: Byman, D. (2007). US counter-terrorism options: A taxonomy. Survival, 49(3), 121–150.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Article: Haley, J. (2005). Counterterrorism. In Encyclopedia of United States National Security. SAGE Publications.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Article: National Security Council. (2006). National strategy for combating terrorism. Retrieved from http://hosted.ap.org/specials/interactives/wdc/documents/wh_terror060905.pdf
Media

Web Audio:Northam, J. (Writer). (2006, October 22). Calls renewed for better U.S. counterterrorism strategies [Radio broadcast episode]. In National Public Radio (Producer), NPR News. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6362624

Web Video: Gaviria, M., & Smith, M. (Writers). (2008, October 21). The war briefing [Television series episode]. In M. Gaviria (Producer), Frontline. Boston: WGBH Educational Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/warbriefing/

Chapter 3, "The Counterinsurgency Strategy – Close Up"
Optional Resources

Article: Perl, R. F. (2007). National strategy for combating terrorism: Background and issues for Congress. Retrieved from http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/crsreports/crsdocuments/RL34230_11012007.pdf