CJ 681 9-1 Final Project davis
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Final Project: The SARA Report Kenneth B. Davis
CJ 681 9-1: Final Project: The SARA Report Southern New Hampshire University
Final Project: The SARA Report Executive Summary: Provide a high-level summary of the contents of your executive report.:
This report will discuss Al-Qaeda, an extremist group that aims to establish a global Islamic caliphate through acts of terrorism. How they recruit individuals who may feel marginalized or share their extremist beliefs. It will also discuss the primary objectives of Al-Qaeda, which include carrying out acts of terrorism, destabilizing governments, and spreading fear. In terms of counterterrorism efforts, this report will discuss how Southern Nevada Counter-Terrorism Center (SNCTC) and, the United States employs a comprehensive strategy that focuses on disrupting terrorist plots, dismantling networks, and addressing the root causes of terrorism. The strategy aims to enhance national security and promote peace through short-term actions and long-term goals. I.
Scanning: In this section, you will provide a broad overview of the terrorist threats that exist in the region you selected and choose one terrorist organization
to focus on for your analysis. The Southern Nevada Counter-Terrorism Center (SNCTC) is the primary fusion center for
the state of Nevada and is located in Las Vegas. It currently has 20 different agencies who work 24-hour operations, 7 days a week. The center is used for all crimes and is split between
different types of sectors. There is The Tactical Analysis Section (TAS) which works with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), and also the Counter Terrorism Section (CTS) which is designated to identify and mitigate potential terrorist threats (SNCTC, 2020).
The SNCTC and LVMPD work closely to prevent and mitigate various terrorism organizations both domestic and international however, the center does not focus on just one
Final Project: The SARA Report group. Due to recent events like the mass shooting that took place during the Route 91 Harvest music festival in Las Vegas in October 2017. A gunman opened fire on the crowd from a hotel room, resulting in the loss of many innocent lives and injuring hundreds of people. Since then, the center and LVMPD started watching far-right extremist groups like the proud boys and other radical groups like the Oath Keepers. The Oath Keepers is a far-right, anti-government organization that primarily consists of current and former military, law enforcement, and first responders. They claim to uphold their oath to defend the Constitution and believe in resisting perceived government overreach.
However, it's important to note that the group has been controversial and has faced criticism for promoting conspiracy theories and potentially inciting violence.
The primary terrorist threat tends to be more focused on domestic extremist groups rather than international organizations like al-Qaeda. However, it's important to stay vigilant and maintain awareness of potential threats from all sources. Law enforcement agencies work diligently to monitor and address any potential terrorist activities, including those related to al-Qaeda. II. Analysis: This section will be the main component of your report. In this section, you
will analyze the terrorist organization at a micro level, consider how the organization uses radicalization to recruit followers, and discuss the role of the media in shaping the organization’s image. A. The Terrorist Organization:
1. Provide background information on the terrorist organization, including: Al-Qaeda was founded by Osama bin Laden along with a small group of Arab volunteers who had fought against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s. The group emerged from the remnants of the Afghan jihad against the Soviets and was initially conceived as a network to coordinate and support the activities of various Islamist militant groups. However, over time, Al-Qaeda evolved into a distinct organization with a global
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Final Project: The SARA Report jihadist agenda. Al Qaeda considers Shi’a Muslims to be apostates but sees their killing to be too extreme, a waste of resources, and detrimental to the broader jihadist project (Byman, 2016).
Al-Qaeda has employed various terror methods and tactics in the past. These include suicide bombings, vehicle bombings, armed assaults, and coordinated attacks on high-profile targets. They have also used tactics such as hijackings, hostage takings, and kidnappings to spread fear and gain attention. Al-Qaeda plans and executes terrorist attacks through a combination of careful planning, coordination, and recruitment. They may use encrypted communication channels to avoid detection and maintain secrecy. The planning process involves selecting targets, gathering intelligence, acquiring weapons or materials, and training operatives. The execution of attacks can involve coordinated actions by multiple individuals or small cells.
Al-Qaeda has utilized various tools and weapons in their attacks. These can include firearms, explosives, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and sometimes even vehicles as weapons. However, it's important to remember that discussing specific tools or weapons used
by terrorist groups can be sensitive.
Al-Qaeda's underlying motivation for carrying out terrorist actions is rooted in their extremist ideology and their perceived grievances. They believe in establishing a strict interpretation of Islamic law and view their actions as a form of resistance against perceived Western influence and oppression. They aim to disrupt and undermine what they see as corrupt governments and institutions.
B. Radicalization:
The ideology of Al-Qaeda is rooted in a radical interpretation of Sunni Islam, particularly the Salafi-jihadi strain. Al-Qaeda seeks to establish a pan-Islamic caliphate governed by its strict interpretation of Sharia law. The group's ideology is characterized by a vehement
Final Project: The SARA Report opposition to what it perceives as Western imperialism and influence in Muslim-majority countries, as well as a rejection of secular governance and non-Islamic ideologies. Al-Qaeda justifies its use of violence to defend and advance the interests of Muslims, particularly in regions where it perceives Muslims to be under attack or oppressed.
The core reason behind Al-Qaeda's existence is their desire to establish a global Islamic caliphate based on their extremist interpretation of Islam. They aim to unite Muslims under their ideology and challenge what they perceive as Western dominance and oppression. It's important to remember that their beliefs and actions are not representative of the broader Muslim community, which promotes peace and coexistence.
Their primary objectives include carrying out acts of terrorism to further their extremist ideology, destabilizing governments, targeting Western interests, and spreading fear and chaos. They aim to recruit individuals to their cause, establish a global Islamic caliphate, and challenge what they perceive as Western influence.
Identify the primary countries from which the organization recruits
.
Al-Qaeda has historically recruited individuals from various countries around the world. Primarily countries with a heavy Muslim presence , which are mainly Middle Eastern nations. Their recruitment efforts have targeted individuals who may feel marginalized, disenfranchised, or share their extremist beliefs. It's important to note that the organization's influence has extended globally, and they have sought to recruit individuals from different backgrounds. However, it's crucial to remember that the vast majority of people from these countries do not support or engage in terrorist activities.
Al-Qaeda attempts to radicalize individuals who may feel marginalized, oppressed, or share their extremist beliefs. They target vulnerable individuals who may be searching for a sense of purpose or belonging. Examples of individuals they may attempt to radicalize include those who feel socially or economically disadvantaged, individuals who have
Final Project: The SARA Report experienced discrimination or injustice, or those who have been exposed to extremist propaganda.
C. Role of the Media:
Al-Qaeda has utilized both traditional and social media to promote its cause and disseminate propaganda. While their online presence has evolved over time, they have leveraged various platforms to reach their target audience and spread their extremist ideology.
In terms of online presence, Al-Qaeda has had websites and forums dedicated to sharing their propaganda, recruitment materials, and ideological teachings. These platforms have provided a space for like-minded individuals to connect, discuss, and plan activities. However, it's important to note that efforts have been made to counter and remove their online presence to limit their influence.
To reach their target audience, Al-Qaeda has used a combination of traditional media outlets and social media platforms. They have released videos, audio recordings, and written statements through both mainstream media channels and online platforms. This allows them to reach a wide range of individuals, including those who may be sympathetic to their cause or searching for extremist content.
In terms of propaganda dissemination, Al-Qaeda has employed various tactics. They have created professionally produced videos that showcase their activities, highlight their perceived successes, and glorify their fighters. These videos are often designed to evoke emotions and appeal to potential recruits. Additionally, they have used social media platforms
to spread their messages, recruit followers, and inspire acts of violence. This includes using encrypted messaging apps to communicate securely and avoid detection.
It's worth noting that efforts have been made by governments, tech companies, and
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Final Project: The SARA Report counterterrorism organizations to counter Al-Qaeda's online presence and disrupt their propaganda dissemination. These efforts aim to prevent the spread of extremist content and reduce the potential for radicalization.
The media has played a significant role in shaping the public's perception of Al-Qaeda and its actions. Through their coverage, the media has brought the organization into the public eye by reporting on their activities, attacks, and ideology. News outlets have covered major events related to Al-Qaeda, such as the 9/11 attacks, which brought global attention to the group and its extremist agenda.
The media's portrayal of Al-Qaeda has influenced public bias towards the organization. While there may be variations in individual perspectives, the general sentiment tends to be one of fear and condemnation. The media has highlighted the group's acts of violence, including bombings and attacks, which have instilled fear and a sense of threat among the public.
At the same time, the media has also sought to provide context and analysis to help the public understand the motivations and origins of Al-Qaeda. However, the coverage has largely focused on the group's extremist ideology and its impact on global security, leading to
a general lack of empathy towards their cause.
The media has had both positive and negative impacts on counterterrorism efforts against Al-Qaeda. On one hand, media coverage has helped raise awareness about the organization's activities, tactics, and ideology. This increased awareness has allowed governments, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence services to better understand the threat posed by Al- Qaeda and take necessary measures to counter it. For example, media reports have helped disseminate information about specific individuals involved in terrorist activities, leading to their identification and subsequent apprehension. News outlets have also highlighted the importance of public vigilance and reporting suspicious activities, which can aid in
Final Project: The SARA Report preventing potential attacks. However, the media's coverage of terrorist incidents can also have unintended consequences. Excessive or sensationalized reporting can inadvertently provide the organization with the attention and publicity they seek, potentially inspiring copycat attacks or attracting individuals sympathetic to their cause. Additionally, the media's focus on certain aspects of counterterrorism efforts, such as controversial surveillance programs or the balance between security and civil liberties, can sometimes overshadow the broader efforts to dismantle Al-Qaeda networks and prevent future attacks. Overall, while the
media plays a crucial role in informing the public and supporting counterterrorism efforts, it is important for journalists and news outlets to strike a balance between providing accurate information and avoiding inadvertently amplifying the message and impact of terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda.
III.RESPONSE:
The United States employs a multi-faceted counterterrorism strategy to address organizations like Al-Qaeda. In the short term, the strategy focuses on disrupting terrorist plots, dismantling their networks, and capturing or eliminating key leaders. Long-term goals involve preventing radicalization, promoting international cooperation, and addressing the root causes of terrorism through initiatives such as countering extremist propaganda, promoting social inclusion, and fostering economic development. Current counterterrorism strategies of the Biden administration are not at the top of the list of priorities. Biden has stated “ terrorism is not an existential threat,” as issues such as energy and climate change takes precedent. With an increase of domestic attacks to include mass shootings and school shootings, the Biden administration believes that “right-wing extremist groups as more of a threat to democracy than that of al-Qaeda and ISIS (Baumann, 2021)”. The strengths of the counterterrorism strategy involve intelligence gathering and
Final Project: The SARA Report international cooperation, while weaknesses may include the difficulty in preventing lone wolf attacks and the spread of extremist ideology. When it comes to Al-Qaeda, the counterterrorism strategy aims to address their methods and motivations. It aligns with their known methods by focusing on intelligence gathering, military operations, and disrupting their networks. However, it may fall short in addressing their underlying motivations, such as
ideological appeal and recruitment. It's a complex challenge, but efforts are being made to constantly adapt and improve the strategy. The effectiveness of the current counterterrorism strategy in addressing and mitigating the threats posed by Al-Qaeda is a complex topic. It's important to note that progress has been made in disrupting their networks, capturing key leaders, and preventing large-scale attacks. However, the threat still persists, and it's an ongoing battle. The evidence of the strategy's effectiveness can be seen in the decrease in successful attacks and the dismantling of terrorist cells. But it's also worth mentioning that the organization has evolved and adapted, making it a continuous challenge.
Strategy Recommendations:
To address the weaknesses in the current counterterrorism strategy, some potential changes
or enhancements could include:
1. Strengthening efforts to counter extremist ideologies through education, community engagement, and promoting alternative narratives.
2. Enhancing international cooperation and intelligence sharing to effectively track and disrupt transnational terrorist networks.
3. Investing in programs that address the root causes of radicalization, such as poverty, inequality, and social exclusion.
4. Improving coordination and communication between different agencies and departments involved in counterterrorism efforts.
5. Continuously adapting and evolving the strategy to keep up with the changing tactics and motivations of terrorist organizations.
These changes can enhance the protection of our region from the terrorist organization in a
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Final Project: The SARA Report few ways. By countering extremist ideologies through education and community engagement, we can help prevent individuals from being drawn towards radicalization. This can reduce the pool of potential recruits for the terrorist organization. Improving coordination
and communication between different agencies ensures a more efficient response to threats. By enhancing collaboration, we can better identify and address any security gaps or vulnerabilities in our region. Addressing the root causes of radicalization, such as poverty and
social exclusion, can help create more inclusive societies. When people feel a sense of belonging and have access to opportunities, they are less likely to turn to extremist ideologies. These changes aim to create a multi-faceted approach that not only focuses on disrupting the organization's activities but also addresses the underlying factors that contribute to their appeal. It's all about taking a comprehensive and proactive stance.
implementing these changes in the counterterrorism strategy can have a significant global impact. Strengthening international cooperation and intelligence sharing allows for a more unified and proactive response to terrorism. Terrorist organizations often operate across borders, so by working together, countries can share vital information, track terrorist networks, and prevent their activities from spreading globally. Improving coordination and communication between different agencies globally enhances the overall effectiveness of counterterrorism efforts. When countries collaborate and share best practices, they can learn from one another's successes and failures, ultimately strengthening their collective ability to combat terrorism on a global scale.
These changes foster a more comprehensive and collaborative approach, tackling the underlying factors that contribute to terrorism.
To effectively implement these changes, The Southern Nevada Counter-Terrorism Center (SNCTC) would require a combination of tools, resources, and training. Here are some key elements. The fusion center would benefit from state-of-the-art technology for
Final Project: The SARA Report intelligence gathering, data analysis, and information sharing. Trained and experienced professionals are crucial for the fusion center's success. This includes intelligence analysts, law enforcement officers, linguists, and subject matter experts who can effectively analyze data, identify patterns, and collaborate with international partners. Building trust and cooperation with local communities is vital. The fusion center should invest in outreach programs, cultural awareness training, and community partnerships to foster collaboration and gather valuable information from the public. By having the right tools, resources, and training, a regional fusion center can effectively implement these changes and enhance its capabilities in countering terrorism.
For the Southern Nevada Counter-Terrorism Center (SNCTC) the media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and disseminating information. By leveraging this platform effectively, the fusion center can amplify its efforts and engage with a wider audience to support the objectives of the counterterrorism strategy. Utilizing the media effectively can support the objectives of the strategy. The fusion center should establish relationships with journalists and media outlets to disseminate accurate information, raise public awareness, and
counter terrorist propaganda.
ASSESSMENT:
The desired outcomes of the counterterrorism strategy are to enhance national security, prevent terrorist attacks, disrupt terrorist networks, and protect the safety and well-being of the public. The strategy aims to promote international cooperation, strengthen intelligence sharing, and implement effective counterterrorism measures. By addressing the root causes of
terrorism, promoting community engagement, and utilizing a comprehensive approach, the strategy seeks to create a safer and more secure global environment.
To measure the ongoing performance of the counterterrorism strategy, various types of data
Final Project: The SARA Report will be needed. This includes:
1. **Incident Data**: Information on terrorist incidents, such as the number of attacks, casualties, and the nature of the attacks, helps assess the effectiveness of the strategy in preventing and mitigating terrorist acts.
2. **Intelligence Data**: Data from intelligence agencies, such as threat assessments, intelligence reports, and analysis, provides insights into emerging threats, trends, and the effectiveness of intelligence gathering and sharing.
3. **Law Enforcement Data**: Data on arrests, prosecutions, and convictions related to terrorism helps evaluate the strategy's impact on disrupting terrorist networks and bringing perpetrators to justice.
4. **Border Security Data**: Information on border crossings, visa applications, and screening procedures helps assess the effectiveness of border security measures in preventing the entry of individuals associated with terrorism.
5. **Financial Data**: Data on suspicious financial transactions, money laundering, and the disruption of terrorist financing networks provides insights into the strategy's effectiveness in cutting off financial support to terrorist organizations.
6. **Community Engagement Data**: Data on community outreach programs, public awareness campaigns, and the level of community involvement helps evaluate the strategy's success in fostering trust, resilience, and cooperation within communities.
By analyzing and monitoring these types of data, policymakers can assess the ongoing performance of the counterterrorism strategy, identify areas of improvement, and make informed decisions to enhance its effectiveness.
Specific benchmarks that can be used to determine if the counterterrorism strategy is on track to achieve its desired outcomes. First Measure the number and severity of terrorist attacks over time to assess if there is a consistent decline in incidents, then track the number of key leaders, operatives, and facilitators apprehended or neutralized to gauge the effectiveness of dismantling terrorist networks, and then Monitor the number of individuals identified and diverted from engaging in extremist ideologies through community outreach programs and interventions. Lastly and what may seem as the most important benchmark, we should Measure the effectiveness of border screening procedures in detecting and preventing
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Final Project: The SARA Report the entry of individuals associated with terrorism. By tracking these benchmarks, policymakers can assess the progress of the counterterrorism strategy and make necessary adjustments to ensure its effectiveness.
Final Project: The SARA Report References:
Baumann, Z. (2021, April 8). Biden's National Security Strategy: Domestic threats take centerstage. ICCT. Retrieved January 18, 2024
Blanchard, C. (2007, July 9). Al Qaeda: Statements and evolving ideology.EveryCRSReport.com. Retrieved January 3, 2024
Byman, D. (2016). Comparing al Qaeda and Isis: Different goals, different targets. Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/comparing-al-qaeda-and-isis-different-goals-
different-targets/
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Scalise, S., & Ellzey, J. (2022, August 14). Remembering Biden's Afghanistan failure one year later
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SNCTC. (2020). Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center. SNCTC. Retrieved August 27,2022, from https://www.snctc.org/
"What's Wrong With Fusion Centers – Executive Summary"
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American Civil Liberties Union
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