Example Of Domestic Terrorism Article Review

The problem of domestic terrorism is neither new nor unmonitored. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has kept a close watch on domestic fringe groups for a while now. However, the absence of a dedicated unit has limited the monitoring at the minimum. Unlike the jihadist version of terrorism, the domestic version usually reacts quickly to a certain event or incident. Since 9/11, there have been over fifty domestic terrorism plots reported compared to three jihadist plots. The 1995 bombing in Oklahoma resulted in the formation of the Domestic Terrorism Executive Committee. However, soon after 9/11, this committee was assigned to monitoring foreign terrorist groups. In the last thirteen years, more Americans have died due to domestic terrorism than to jihadist terrorism. Most of the time, the investigation into a domestic terrorism plot commences with a tip from family, relatives or even a member of the outfit. There hasn’t been any significant progress in uncovering new plots with intelligence from the community. After the recent Boston Marathon bombings, the Domestic Terrorism Executive Committee (DTEC) might finally be revived. However, its possible revival has brought on more questions than answers. The timing of the revival talks has been too close to several police shootings involving the African-American community. There are fears allayed by the community that racial profiling could rear its ugly head. There are significant numbers in prison populations in the United States who have found new spiritual roots. The majority of those who embraced the radicalized American version of Islam are from the African-American community. Political parties have also held reservations on the misuse of the committee to label anti-government speech as acts of terrorism. This perception has been brought forth by politicians after the IRS conducted enquires into the accounts of opposition party members (Chuck, “Domestic Terrorism Task Force 'More Than Overdue,' Experts Say”).

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Domestic terrorism has stalked the United States right from the days of the Civil War. White Supremacist and right-wing groups have operated in what was once the “South-controlled states”. As time went by there were newer issues that took center stage for domestic terrorists. The trend did not follow foreign issues such as the Israeli occupation or sanctions against Iraq. The domestic terrorist groups were more focused on internal matters that the government or its agencies had handled inappropriately. The Ruby Ridge shootout and the Waco siege caused Timothy McVeigh, a former U.S. Marine and veteran of the Gulf War to bomb the Alfred P Murrah Federal building on 19 April 1995 killing one hundred and sixty eight people. This was the worst act of terrorism on American soil prior to 9/11 and still the worst domestic terrorist attack of all time.
Today, there are over fifteen domestic terrorism plots that have occurred since 9/11. Yet, there is no word on the DTEC or a dedicated task force that will deal with domestic terrorism. This lack of action by the Federal government is surprising. We have spent billions of dollars to fight extremist elements belonging to Al-Qaeda type organizations however reluctant to constitute a small task force to keep an effective check on the internal fringe. Nowadays, prisons in the United States are brimming with inmates who are radicalized. They find religion upon entering prison and most of the time they find domestic versions of Islam. These radical groups extend their roots outside the prison walls and often enjoy support from fringe groups on the outside. Although correctional facilities have specific teams that monitor and watch radicalized zealots within prison walls, there is a lack of deterrence. Overcrowded prisons and already understaffed penitentiaries will find it hard to provide any able support to federal agencies. The FBI has been tracking White Supremacist groups since the time of the Second World War. However, without any committed backup, it will be very hard for federal agencies to ascertain where action is appropriate and avoid situations like the Ruby Ridge incident. A task force is required to maintain the integrity of the operation without involving too many outside departments.

References

Chuck, Elizabeth. Domestic Terrorism Task Force 'More Than Overdue,' Experts Say. NBC News, 11 June 2014. Web. 9 March 2015.