Discussion & Response: Reflection

This discussion is an opportunity to reflect on previous assignments and discussions, to share thoughts and ideas, and to ask any final questions.

Drawing upon the concepts you have learned throughout this course, discuss the impact of any one of the previously discussed contemporary issues in homeland security on your life. More specifically, discuss how a challenging issue (policy or operational) has impacted or would impact your life. Use at least two examples from the textbook or previous class discussions in support of your argument.

The two replies to other posts can either be a response to a question about your analysis or to the classmate whose work you reviewed.

Textbook: Global Terrorism

Peer post 1

Hi everyone,

Earlier in class, we talked about international terrorism versus domestic terrorism, and the difference between them. My view was that domestic terrorism, which is accomplished through middlemen and individual supporters of organizations, is the most dangerous due to its proximity and covert nature. The bombings in Boston and Chicago, as well as the drug riots in Los Angeles, have had an impact on my life personally. I have lived in all of those cities and have grown up around all kinds of domestic forms of terrorism. However, what fascinates me the most, is terrorism that uses religion as its catalyst and justification. An interesting example of this phenomenon is mentioned in our text: “Extremist violence has appeared within Judaism. Interestingly enough, the radicalization process by which Jewish individuals have been recruited into terrorist groups is quite similar to the processes by which Muslims have been attracted (Pedahzur and Perliger 2011). Jewish groups in the British mandated territory of Palestine utilized terrorism in their independence struggle…” (Lutz, 2019). Another example would be the 9/11 attacks. My birthday is on 9/11 so I remember quite well what happened and when it happened and what I was doing when it happened. Several techniques have been employed to produce all of these violent acts of senseless terrorism. I will say I have learned from this course, the various types of terrorism and how they can be prevented.