This module has introduced you to terrorist tactics and targeting. Recommend you read Maos book and the Al Qaeda manual. These two sources along with many others available for free on the internet invite persons and groups to imitate, motivate, plan, and act in accordance with their motivations. Understanding this capability and resource, this SLP will be historical in intent. The student will research one of the key domestic terror events or identified person who was charged with the perpetuation of the event. And then answer the basic questions outlined in this module.
Select one of the following events/person: the 1993 World Trade Center Bombing, the Oklahoma City Bombing, the Unabomber, the Centennial Olympic Park Bombing, 2001 Anthrax Attacks, or the Fort Hood Attack.
Project
Explain the following:
What was the target/s?
Why was it selected?
What tactics were used?
What tools were used?
What were the expectations?
What were the outcomes of the events; e.g., media coverage, public acceptance, goals achieved?
What vulnerabilities were recognized and mitigated after the event? Or, were they?
The following items will be assessed in particular:
Your ability to comprehend the historical (past, present and future) significance of the event you selected in the overall U.S. Domestic Terrorism paradigm and the potential differences in response and acceptance for and from this group/individual compared to others in the spectrum.
Some in-text references to modular background readings (APA formatting requested) and a reference page.
*Assignment Expectations
Length: This assignment should be at least 3 pages, not counting the title page and references. Paper format: (a) Cover page, (b) Header, (c) Body. Including an Abstract page/opening. The abstract begins on a new page and includes the page header. The word Abstract (no bold, italics, underlining) is centered on the first line of the page.
On the next line begins a brief yet succinct summary (abstract) of the main points of the paper. The summary is a single double-spaced paragraph and is not indented. It is typically between 150 and 250 words and includes the research topic, research questions, participants, methods, results, data analysis, and conclusions. Please ensure to incorporate an introductory (different from abstract) and concluding paragraph
References: At least two references should be included from academic sources (e.g. peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources, it MUST be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section (preferably in APA format).
Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your paper according to question.
Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted for minor errors, assignments are expected to adhere to standard guidelines of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar and spelling impact clarity.
The following items will be assessed in particular:
Relevance: All content is connected to the question.
Precision: Specific question is addressed. Statements, facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.
Depth of discussion: Present and integrate points that lead to deeper issues.
Breadth: Multiple perspectives and references, multiple issues and factors considered.
Evidence: Points are well-supported with facts, statistics and references.
Logic: Presented discussion makes sense, conclusions are logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.
Clarity: Writing is concise, understandable, and contains sufficient detail or examples.
Objectivity: Avoid use of first person and subjective bias.
***Required Reading
Boyd, J. (2011). Information warfare: OODA loop. Retrieved from http://www.valuebasedmanagement.net/methods_boyd_ooda_loop.html
Brandt, P. T. and Sandler, T. (2009). What do transnational terrorists target? Has it changed? Are we safer? Journal of Conflict Resolution. Retrieved from http://www.utdallas.edu/~tms063000/website/TargetSubstitution-20091003.pdf
Cilluffo, F. J., Cozzens, J. B., and Ranstorp, M. (2010). Foreign fighters: Trends, trajectories, and conflict zones. The George Washington University, Homeland Security Policy Institute. Retrieved from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/5609/d7acd4ded412e2d8ec54d31ac5a36ef74490.pdf
Silber, M. D., & Bhatt A. (2007). Radicalization in the West: The homegrown threat. New York City Police Department. Retrieved from https://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/files/NYPD_Report-Radicalization_in_the_West.pdf
Libicki, M.C., Chalk, P., & Sisson, M. (2007). Exploring terrorist targeting preferences. RAND Corporation. Retrieved from http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2007/RAND_MG483.pdf
Mao, Tse-Tung (1937). On guerrilla warfare. Retrieved from http://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/mao/works/1937/guerrilla-warfare/ [classic]
Mostaghni, M. (2010). OODA loop. Infantry, 99(1), 49-50. Retrieved from ProQuest in the Trident Online Library.
The Al Qaeda Manual (2002). Department of Justice. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/ag/legacy/2002/10/08/manualpart1_1.pdf