Questions for Study and Writing - Military Response and Homeland Security
1. What are the basic conditions that must exist in order for terrorism to be used as a weapon? Is terrorism more disruptive to some societies than to others? As a weapon, where does terrorism's essential power lie? For some ideas on these (admittedly large) questions, consult articles from the list above. Then choose one of the questions, and formulate a response, using support from more than one of the articles.
2. Take a look at the website that accompanies The Lessons of Terror (see link below), in which Caleb Carr traces the history of terrorism from the days of the Roman empire. If you're feeling especially energetic, read the book. Do you agree with Carr that terrorism is almost always ineffective? http://www.thelessonsofterror.com/
3. "Stop the bombing, Stop the war" was the chant at one of the anti-war rallies held in Manhattan in October 2001. At the same rally, some counter-demonstrators marched saying "America, love it or leave it," and "Step up the bombing, win the war." How could two such different opinions exist in the same city little more than a month after it had been attacked? Is there any way groups with such radically different opinions can talk to each other? And consider this: If two groups in one city can be so radically opposed, what is the implication for conflicts between countries and cultures on opposite sides of the world?
