US POLICIES

US Counterterrorism Policies

US Counterterrorism Policies

US Patriotic Act

Following the terrorists attacks of 9/11, the government of United States passed the US Patriot Act of 2001 and was considered the most important legal development following 9/11. The Patriot Act comprises ten titles that specify several provisions to discourage and prosecute the acts of terrorism, strengthen the efforts of enforcing law against terrorist's acts and pass several associated measures. The major components of the Act include improving domestic security, criminal laws, and intelligence and surveillance procedures against terrorism, abating international money laundering practices and protecting the US border. The Act includes several provisions amongst its key components to enable certain measures for investigating terrorist acts (Deflem, 2010).

Liberty and Security

Though the Patriot Act has been providing security to the citizens of US, but some argue that it has been invading the liberties of the citizens as well. Since the Act gives the federal government rights to investigate and conduct surveillance, it has tended to generate concerns for the liberty of the US citizens. Under the Patriot Act new counterterorrist procedures and penalties were devised and some of which have been contradicting constitutional rights and some civil liberties. For example, the act gives rights to the federal government to examine the medical, financial and educational history of any person and to conduct searches without warrants at anytime in the offices and homes of the citizens and thereby confiscate any belongings without prior notification (Ashcroft & Dinh, 2011).

War on Terrorism and National Security

The War on Terrorism comprises of legal and policy changes in US counterterrorism efforts developed after 9/11. In order to secure the nation, the War on Terrorism has worked through transforming the military forces and strengthening the national security. The War has promoted national security which is evident in the fact that it has prevented the US from having another attack, modernized the tools of war and institutions for national security. Broad steps were taken as a part of the war which included designating major terrorist's organizations, freezing the assets of terrorists worldwide, dismantling cells and threats of terrorists and capturing, killing or incapacitating those involved in terrorist operations. In this manner the war has significantly promoted national security by extensively enhancing efforts to counter terrorist activities (Regoli & Hewitt, 2010).

NATO

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) refers to the alliance of European and North American countries and provides a distinctive connection for ...