Terrorism is a mere nuisance that we have mistaken for a grave threat



Terrorism is a mere nuisance that we have mistaken for a grave threat

Introduction

This paper discusses following topic terrorism is a mere nuisance that we have mistaken for a grave threat. A better use of the word nuisance would be to describe the Kerry Edwards campaign. Frankly, I find it a nuisance that a man like John Kerry who doesn't have a single threat of integrity running through his body has the gall to run for President. I find it a nuisance that Democrats expect to be taken seriously when they, as a political party, are mostly to blame for the position this country suddenly found itself on September 11, 2001. I find it a nuisance having to defend the record of President Bush, a brilliant man who has done, and will continue to do, great things for America and the planet. On March 19, 2003, armed U.S. commandos snatched up a suspected al Qaeda terrorist in Mogadishu, Somalia and transported him out of the country for questioning. The commandos conducted their raid without assistance from any government authority in Somalia. The United States' decision to intervene unilaterally was no doubt influenced by the fact that since 1992 Somalia has lacked a central government capable of providing the most basic services to its people, much less mounting assaults against sophisticated terrorist groups within its borders.

I.  The Combined Threats of Failed States and Global Terror

State Failure: Why It Poses a Threat

Since September 11, 2001 many countries have implemented strict measures aimed at eliminating terrorists operating within their borders. Others, like Pakistan, the Philippines, and Indonesia, are making efforts to pursue terrorist groups in their territory with significant assistance from the United States. Failed states, in contrast, may not be able to cope with terrorists operating from their territory even with outside assistance. These states lack not only the sophisticated military resources needed to combat terrorists, but also the ability to fulfill the most basic functions of a state.

The problem of failed states is not new, and, although scholars disagree on what to call failed states and how to prevent their collapse, there is general consensus about some of the causes and characteristics of them. State failure may be brought about by civil war, severe economic depression, extreme government corruption, or a combination of these and other factors. While the specific circumstances in each state are different, failed states share some common characteristics. Their governments are unable to project power within their borders. They are unable to provide the most fundamental services that make up the state's obligations in its contract with society: first and foremost physical security, but also basic health care, education, transportation and communications infrastructure, monetary and banking systems, and a system for resolving disputes.

Sudan is often cited as a failed state. At least two million Sudanese have died since Sudan's second civil war began in 1983, 400,000 fled to neighboring countries, and another four million have been internally ...