Terrorism affects countries around the world every day. Killing innocent civilians, destroying buildings and starting conflicts between countries are among the effects of terrorism. Terrorist organizations destroy and kill for social, political or religious gain. For example, killing innocent people is a means by which to instill fear and convince the population to change their government's policies. Attacking crowded areas such as airports or educational establishments will outrage a great amount of people in a short time creating increased media coverage, which is the one of the main goals of a terrorist group. Not only will a terrorist group physically attack a location, cyber-terrorism is becoming increasingly dangerous. Cyber terrorists can attack a database or server leaking information or shutting power off in an area. This could for example open a dam and cause major unwanted destruction. 

 Terrorism is a global issue that has different forms as well as dangers. From physical attacks killing innocent people to cyber-attacks leaking confidential information and shutting down important facilities which help a country. Knowing the threats about possible targets and motivations can help decrease the amount of terrorist attacks in the future and prevent terrorist groups from negatively influencing the media and world, ultimately shutting these organizations down preventing death and war. But terrorism is generally seen as one sided. For example, civilians of another country could view Americas “War on terror” as just being terrorist-like attacks from the United States. The only difference in these two kinds of terrorism in reason people committed crimes. Taken from an Americans viewpoint our “terrorist like” activities overseas are just seen as a quiet war being carried out for far too long fighting for freedom and control. This sense of one sided terrorism is created by the media and their lack to show footage of large bombing and killings that aren’t happening in the U.S.

The definition of terrorism is interpreted differently based on who is being asked. In fact, the United States has over 20 different definitions for terrorism. Identifying one solid definition for terrorism is not an easy task due to the fact that it is a very broad topic. However, a YouTube video posted by Seeker Daily defines it well, “Terrorism: violence, or the threat of violence, against non-combatants or civilians, usually motivated by political, religious, or ideological beliefs” (What is the Definition of Terrorism?). This definition explains the idea of terrorism well while also keeping it broad and simple. Terrorism is used as a tactic in power struggles to instill fear in a nations population. An organization will result to terrorism when in conflict with a powerful nation to make said organization appear stronger and provoke a violent response from the nation. Recently, terrorist groups have begun using the internet as a form of terrorism. Cyber terrorism is more of a threat as technology advances and can cause a lot more damage than expected. For example, a cyber terrorist could attack computer networks that destroy the stock market, bring down an airliner, control electrical grids, as well as public transportation systems. “The Internet produces an atmosphere of virtual fear or virtual life. People are afraid of things that are invisible and things they don’t understand. The virtual threat of computer attacks appears to be one of those things” (Michael Stohl). Cyber terrorism should be scary to many people because of the unexpected outcomes. The general population doesn’t understand the increasing dangers of cyber-attacks as the world becomes more technology dependent. Not only are terrorist groups organizing cyber-attacks, they are using the internet to spread fear, impact public opinion with their message and to recruit new followers. 

Motivations of terrorist groups vary and not all organizations want the same thing. Terrorist organizations usually justify their attacks based social or political unfairness. They also take inspiration from religious and spiritual beliefs. For example, well known terrorist organization Al-Qaida and ISIS are groups that justify their actions based on religion. The goals of these organizations is to commit violent acts against nonbelievers and establish and Islamic-ruled state. “Terrorists thrive on media exposure, and news organizations around the world have been all too willing to give terrorists what they crave, publicity. If the news media gave terrorists the minuscule coverage their numbers and influence would decline. But, when hijackings and bombings are given prominent media attention, governments start feeling pressure from their citizens to resolve the crisis and eventually capitulate to terrorist’s demands” (Terrorism research). The motivations of an organization are also closely related to the type of attack the group will commit. A terrorist group seeking non-religious rather political goals will often attempt very selective attacks with a minimal amount of causalities. The reason behind this is to avoid backlash that could hurt the organization and also to maintain the image of being a rational group. Keeping the large attacks to a minimum will also promote external political and economic support to these organizations. On the other hand, a religiously motivated organization will attempt to inflict as many casualties as possible. Some of these organizations believe that causing the loss of life will help them reap benefits in the afterlife. Not only do motivations of an organization impact the type of attacks used, it also impacts the target. A politically motivated group is more likely to target a location symbolic of authority. For example, government offices or banks. But a religiously motivated organizations are looking for greater physical devastation. Schools and educations establishments are a popular choice for these groups because of two reasons that the novel Human Factors in Defense explains, “As a target choice, in terms of cost benefit, schools have two immediate ‘advances’. First by their nature, education institutions are places where numerous people gather on a daily basis.” The second being “Specific features of potential targets (accessibility, security measures) can influence a terrorist group’s ability to launch a successful attack and thus can influence the likelihood of its commission” (Human Factors in Defense). The targeting of children in terrorist attacks is used to cause widespread outrage and therefore extensive media coverage. Achieving widespread recognition has long been argued to be one of the fundamental goals of terrorist action. Other terrorist organizations commit violent acts to free prisoners, steal/extort money, satisfy vengeance, discourage foreign investments/ tourism etc. 

The future of terrorism has no signs of letting up. Many terrorist organizations have adapted to methods of counter-terrorism. Exchanging information between a terrorist group involves many disposable phones, internet cafes, and embedding information in digital pictures making their communication virtually untraceable. Weapons technology has also become more available with advances in technology as well as the purchasing power of weapons. The news media in the U.S. isn’t helping the problem either. With more information outlets available news networks compete for rating and audience, this creates the need for greater violence to attract the attention that terrorist organizations require. This give a group the motivation to cause a large attack, plastering the name of the organization and names of people involved on every news network around the world. A recent Post-ABC poll finds that fear among Americans about terrorist attacks has risen since the assault in Paris late in 2015. After the Paris attack 10% more people answered that a terrorist attack in the U.S. causing a large number of deaths is either somewhat likely or very likely. This poll also found that the majority of Americans think the U.S. should join a military response to the Paris attacks. However, there is hesitation “But the poll also finds evidence of the public hesitation about a major military commitment, with more saying the United States should play a supporting role, and only one-third of all respondents supporting deployment of large numbers of ground forces” (Scott Clement). As told by The Washington Post, the nation’s population is torn about getting our military involved. Being more fearful for a large terrorist attack may not be too insane, “In 2014, 32,685 people were killed in terrorist attacks. That's an 80 per cent increase on the year before, when 18,111 people were killed” (Melissa Clarke). While this is a huge increase in death due to terrorism, 13 times more people die from homicide a year then terrorism. Americans are worried about terrorist attacks but the majority of recent terrorist attacks don’t happen anywhere near the United States. Today most terrorist attacks happen in Iraq, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Syria. Americans are less aware of this because of the lack of U.S. news media coverage of these attacks. This being said some of deadliest attacks happen in Western Countries. For example, the September 11th attacks, the Madrid train bombing, and the London bombings. I believe Americans should be more fearful of terrorist attacks due to the fact that terrorist organizations are advancing and learning countries counter terrorism techniques. That being said, I believe cyber-attacks are a much greater threat now and prevention method need to be taken. 

Although most people see terrorism as a horrible act committed by organizations whose members are insane, some argue that terrorism is not one sided. A counter argument for terrorism is that as someone looks at this big picture it can go both ways. Americans see terrorist attacks on home soil as a declaration of war. For example, the attack on 9/11. Troops were immediately shipped off for retaliation. Once this war started, the United States invaded Afghanistan and then Iraq, imprisoned hundreds of captured "enemy combatants" without trial, tortured suspected terrorists, drastically ratcheted up homeland security, conducted drone strikes and/or targeted assassinations in several countries, and conducted a vast campaign of electronic surveillance at home and abroad (Stephen Walt). The actions of the United States against these countries was justified by their need to reduce jihadi appeal. But looking back at these actions over 15 years later did it really help? Civilians of these countries could view Americas “War on terror” as just being terrorist attacks from the United States. The only difference in these two kinds of terrorism in reason people committed crimes. For a Middle Eastern terrorist, Religion can be one of the greatest causers. In their respective religion (Islam), extremists are willing to die for their country, or foreign rule, the terrorist attacks concluded with discontent of foreign policies involving their country. Taken from an Americans viewpoint our “terrorist like” activities overseas are just seen as a quiet war being carried out for far too long fighting for freedom and control. This sense of one sided terrorism is created by the media and their lack to show footage of large bombing and killings that aren’t happening in the U.S. The use of violence in countries harboring terrorist organizations has hardly let up and not only did this cause the death of many local inhabitants it also created an outpouring of Islamophobia by United States citizens and politicians. 

I believe that terrorism is in fact one sided. Terrorist organizations have specific political, social, and religious motivations that clearly differentiates a terrorist group from a military fighting the actions of that organization. Looking back at the definition of terrorism the difference is clear, “Terrorism: violence, or the threat of violence, against non-combatants or civilians, usually motivated by political, religious, or ideological beliefs” (What is the Definition of Terrorism?). This definition makes a clear distinction that people on the side of the counter argument don’t see. The United States effort to fight terrorism is legitimate while some methods may be unorthodox. I believe the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq after the September 11th attack was completely necessary, even if the war is still going on and troops are still deployed in said countries as well as many neighboring countries. The United States is the world’s super power and that should be known to other countries. Terrorist goal is to instill fear and create media coverage. I stand by the choice to occupy countries and instill our own fear against these groups. Fighting terrorism is an extremely long process that could take the rest of our lives, but I feel safe knowing the United States military is there to support and fight for its citizens no matter what. The use of ground troops and drones in other countries by the U.S. in completely necessary in my opinion and should not be called terrorist actions. This is an important topic to the general population because it impacts all United States citizens. The military spends billions of dollars to be able to fight terrorism and keep our country safe. Also without the efforts of the U.S. military who knows the countless terrorist attacks that could have taken place on home soil. 

Terrorism is the use of violence against civilians motivated by political, social, or religious beliefs. Terrorism has different forms that are increasing in danger. Cyber terrorism is becoming more of a problem today and better protection against is needs to be implemented. Using strong passwords, more securing operating systems, securing personal networks, and securing data are ways to help prevent a major cyber-attack. The motivations of a terrorist organization have a direct correlation with the type of attack and the target. Religiously motivated organizations are more likely to commit a large scale attack on a populated area, while a politically motivated group is more likely to attack an authoritative building with minimal casualties. Terrorism can also be seen as two sided, meaning the United States commits terrorist-like acts against another country in the effort to stop terrorism. I believe that this statement is false and that all efforts by the United States are necessary and well thought out. Terrorism however continues to be a problem around the world and I believe greater efforts need to be taken in order to completely prevent terrorism and the spread of terrorism. 
