Eric Beougher_Research Paper_HMLS 302

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Eric Beougher Introduction to Homeland Security HMLS 302 7381 Dr. Kirkland Research Paper 5 December 2023

Abstract The Salafi jihadist organization, Al-Qa'ida, is acknowledged as a major national security threat to the United States. This group has orchestrated several attacks within the U.S. and internationally. Their belief system is based on a radicalized interpretation of Islam that advocates for a literal application of the Quran and a commitment to jihad. Their strategic targets include political, economic, and essential infrastructures, with the intention of causing extensive casualties and chaos, thus destabilizing American interests. Al-Qa'ida utilizes tactics such as bombings, suicide missions, aircraft hijackings, abductions, and potentially weapons of mass destruction. The group remains a persistent danger due to its global network and charismatic leadership. Its goals are to establish an Islamic state governed by strict Sharia law, spread its extreme doctrinal views, expel Western influence from Islamic regions, and topple current regimes in these areas. Al-Qa'ida actively disseminates messages and propaganda to weaken the U.S. influence and to motivate Muslims around the world to participate in their cause. To counteract these threats, the U.S. has enacted several counterterrorism legislations and strategies, including the USA PATRIOT Act, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, and the National Strategy for Homeland Security. Furthermore, this document proposes additional strategies to improve these measures and strengthen the United States' homeland security initiatives.

Part 1 Profile Emerging from the Mekhtab al Khidemat (MAK), a group created to counter the Soviet forces in Afghanistan in 1979, Al-Qa'ida was formed by Osama bin Laden and his mentor Sheikh Abdullah Azzam in the late 1980s. Initially developed from the MAK, this organization aimed to support mujahedeen fighters worldwide and extend the struggle of jihad beyond Afghanistan's borders. Their objective was the removal of Western presence from Muslim lands and the establishment of nations under strict Islamic law. Al-Qa'ida has since built partnerships with militant groups across various nations such as Egypt, Libya, the Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, Algeria, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Somalia. These affiliations have helped spread their radical Islamic ideology and facilitated international recruitment. The group has executed several high- profile terrorist acts, including the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings in Africa, the September 11 attacks in 2001, and bombings in Pakistan, Tunisia, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Utilizing tactics ranging from bombings and suicide missions to assassinations and kidnappings, Al-Qa'ida has maintained its relevance and continues to pose a critical threat internationally, despite the impact of bin Laden's demise on its operations. Ideology The enduring influence of Al-Qa'ida is attributed to its foundational ideology, which seeks the removal of Western influence from Islamic nations and aspires to establish a global caliphate governed by a strict Sunni interpretation of Sharia law. As noted by Bruce in 2008, the organization upholds a strong ideological framework rooted in fundamentalist Islamic tenets. It was conceived as a driving force for Salafi jihadism, with the ambition of mobilizing Muslims

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worldwide. Influential figures such as Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri have been pivotal in propagating radical ideologies, sustaining a global jihadist movement that has morphed into an extensive insurgency. The longevity of such groups is contingent on their ability to boost capabilities and constantly inspire their ranks. The essence of their persistence lies in the rapid recruitment of new adherents. Their ideology serves a dual purpose: it energizes the militants and convinces them of the moral integrity of their mission. By instilling in their followers the belief that they are engaged in a legitimate and historical crusade, Al-Qa'ida has successfully persuaded many to see the West as a dehumanized foe, legitimizing drastic measures against them. Targeting Al-Qa'ida employs a strategic approach in selecting its targets, with a focus on those that hold significant political, economic, and infrastructural value. The goal of such selections is to maximize the impact of their attacks, causing not only physical destruction but also widespread fear and economic turmoil. The group's broader aims, which include establishing an Islamic caliphate, spreading their interpretation of Islamic teachings, expelling Western influence from Muslim nations, and overturning existing governments in the Islamic world, inform its choice of targets. Al-Qa'ida has proclaimed a religious conflict against the United States, Western countries, and Muslim governments that do not subscribe to its stringent Islamic views. According to the coercion hypothesis, the organization's strategy is to inflict substantial suffering to drive Western presence out of Islamic territories. The damage hypothesis suggests that by significantly debilitating the U.S. economy, they aim to impair America's capacity for international engagement. The rally hypothesis points to their objective of rallying global support and attracting new recruits. Lastly, the franchise hypothesis indicates their intent to garner backing and establish strongholds for jihad activities. The coercion and damage hypotheses are

particularly reflective of Al-Qa'ida's tactical methods, with the organization carefully orchestrating attacks for extensive destruction and influence. Tactics Al-Qa'ida utilizes a range of attack methods to advance its objectives. As outlined by Alexander & Swetnam in 2001, the organization's core techniques include bombings, suicide missions, aircraft hijackings, and abductions. Improvised explosive devices (IEDs), such as car bombs and roadside explosives, are commonly used for their lethal potential and the relative simplicity of their construction. The Anti-Defamation League in 2017 noted that Al-Qa'ida often coordinates multiple suicide bombers to carry out simultaneous attacks, as seen in the 2005 bombings in London and Amman, causing substantial damage and panic. Hijackings are another tactic, with the most infamous being the September 11 attacks involving the commandeering of four airplanes, resulting in profound tragedy. Kidnappings for ransom have also been used by Al- Qa'ida, evidenced by their creation of a kidnapping manual in 2004 to finance their operations. Furthermore, the group has exhibited interest in acquiring and potentially using weapons of mass destruction, encompassing nuclear, chemical, and biological weaponry, to escalate the devastating impact of their terrorist acts. These strategies are indicative of Al-Qa'ida's dedication to causing widespread destruction and casualties. Capabilities Following the demise of Osama bin Laden, Al-Qa'ida remains a potent threat to the United States and its allies. Terrorism authorities, including Bruce Hoffman, have pointed out Al- Qa'ida's enduring danger and its wider global reach. In her 2022 testimony, Avril Haines, the Director of National Intelligence, affirmed Al-Qa'ida's persistent endeavors to target the United States. The risk posed by Al-Qa'ida has possibly been heightened by the U.S. military's exit from

Afghanistan, as this may provide the group with opportunities to strengthen and revive assaults on the U.S. Byman & Mir, in 2022, highlighted that under Ayman al-Zawahiri's direction, Al- Qa'ida has extended its influence. While its core is positioned along the Afghanistan-Pakistan frontier and in Iran, Al-Qa'ida has broadened through affiliate groups across the Arabian Peninsula, Africa, and Asia. It sustains ties with other jihadist factions and continues to galvanize Muslims globally to further its objectives. Despite intensive counterterrorism efforts against it, Al-Qa'ida's sway is considerable and constitutes an enduring menace, affecting stability in areas such as Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, and continues to be a major security concern worldwide Overall Goals Al-Qa'ida is committed to a set of strategic goals that span from immediate actions to broader, long-range ambitions. Their primary long-term goal is to create a unified Islamic state or caliphate, upholding strict fundamentalist Islamic principles. This includes the eradication of Western influence in Muslim-majority countries and the overthrow of what they consider to be illegitimate, apostate governments in these areas. In the near term, Al-Qa'ida targets the removal of American and Western military, political, and cultural presence from Islamic countries such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and various North African nations, viewing this influence as an obstacle to establishing their desired caliphate and as support for regimes they deem un-Islamic. Their approach to achieving these ends involves the destabilization of existing governments to pave the way for rule based on their interpretation of Islamic law. Al-Qa'ida's broader strategy includes undermining the economic and political might of the United States to decrease its ability to back these governments, aiming to foster conditions that they can exploit to establish control. Ultimately, they seek to replace current governments with ones that follow religious rule. To

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disseminate its fundamentalist ideologies and recruit fighters, Al-Qa'ida produces propaganda to inspire Muslims to engage in jihad, which they assert is an obligatory act. The organization also provides support to insurgents in Arab countries, advocating for a unified jihadist front that aligns with their vision rather than individual regional objectives. Analysis of Attacks Al-Qa'ida's initial assault on American soil was in 1993, when Ramzi Yousef set off a bomb in the World Trade Center, resulting in six deaths and over a thousand injuries. This incident, as the FBI reported in 2022, was also linked to further planned attacks on landmarks in New York City. Yousef, along with accomplices, was captured, which heightened Osama bin Laden's hostility toward the United States. Under the shelter of the Taliban in Afghanistan, bin Laden continued to train operatives and plan additional strikes. In 1998, Al-Qa'ida detonated bombs at U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, killing over 200 and injuring around 4,500 individuals. The United States, in turn, ramped up its anti-terrorism efforts, such as establishing a Counter-terrorism Division in 1999, and placed bin Laden on the FBI’s ten most wanted fugitives list. Al-Qa'ida's attacks persisted, including a 2000 suicide boat attack near the USS Cole in Yemen, which resulted in the death of 17 U.S. Navy sailors and injuries to 40 others. The most devastating was the September 11, 2001 attacks, executed through the hijacking of four airplanes, leading to thousands of casualties and prompting the U.S. to launch extensive military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Al-Qa'ida also conducted attacks beyond American borders, with a significant one in Morocco in 2011, reported by Reuters. Despite a lull in major attacks post-2011, the organization continues to be seen as a significant threat to international security. Released Statements or Propaganda

Al-Qa'ida's communication strategy and propaganda efforts are orchestrated to stir psychological impact and communicate complex political narratives to audiences in the Muslim world and internationally. As per EveryCRSReport in 2007, the primary purpose of these messages is to inspire and instruct operatives to initiate new attacks. The leadership, including figures such as Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri, have historically released statements to provide direction, inspire action among terrorist operatives, or to draw in new members. Post the London bombings in 2005, Al-Qa'ida’s statements reaffirmed its commitment to its terrorist objectives, specifically its intent to expel U.S. and British forces from Iraq. The messaging and political implications of Al-Qa'ida's propaganda suggest ongoing plans to attack the U.S. and its allies. In 2021, the Anti-Defamation League emphasized that Al-Qa'ida's propaganda is crafted to weaken the image of the United States and to present the group as a potent adversary. For instance, the 2021 propaganda release "America Burns" aimed to portray the U.S. as weakening, while casting Al-Qa'ida and aligned insurgent groups as rising powers. This material, which was circulated widely on social media and through Al-Qa'ida's publication One Ummah magazine, also touched on racial issues, appealing to racial minority groups in the U.S. to join their cause as a counter to racism and oppression. These initiatives highlight Al-Qa'ida's persistent focus on carrying out attacks against the United States. Part 2 Homeland Security Policies The evolution of the terrorist threat, particularly from groups like al-Qa'ida, has significantly shaped the development and implementation of U.S. homeland security policies. President George W. Bush underscored that protecting the United States from adversaries is a fundamental

responsibility of the Federal Government. He observed that in the 21st century, this task has become more complex due to the growth and enhanced tactics of terrorist organizations. In 2002, Bush noted that, traditionally, threats to the U.S. required substantial military power and industrial resources. However, modern threats emerge from networks of individuals who can leverage advanced weaponry and technology to cause major disruptions and damage. Organizations like al-Qa’ida, with their structured systems, have the ability to penetrate open societies and utilize modern technology to challenge powerful nations like the U.S. and its allies. Addressing these threats, according to Bush, requires a multifaceted approach that includes military action, enhanced homeland defense, intelligence, law enforcement, and comprehensive strategies to reduce or eliminate terrorists' capacities to execute attacks. The U.S. committed to supporting countries fighting terrorism, even those harboring terrorists. The persistent threat of terrorism, coupled with the explicit intentions of terrorist groups to acquire weapons of mass destruction and plan further attacks, has led to the establishment of stringent homeland security measures. These include the 2001 USA PATRIOT Act, the 2004 Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, and the 2007 National Strategy for Homeland Security. Policy Assessment The US Patriot Act Following the 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush enacted the USA PATRIOT Act in October 2001, a measure aimed at strengthening homeland security and expanding the capabilities of federal agents and law enforcement in the U.S. This Act was centered around four main objectives to enhance the nation's counter-terrorism efforts. First, it aimed to optimize the use of existing tools in the fight against terrorism and organized crime. Second, it emphasized improved information sharing and cooperation among various government agencies, enabling

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more efficient investigations and counter-terrorism actions. Third, the Act called for significant updates to existing laws, integrating new technologies to address evolving threats. Finally, it introduced stricter penalties for those engaged in terrorist activities, thereby amplifying law enforcement's investigative and prosecutorial powers. The USA PATRIOT Act has played a crucial role in curbing terrorist activities within the U.S., particularly those related to al-Qa'ida. According to the Department of Justice in 2006, the Act has been central in aiding the federal government to more effectively investigate and tackle national security threats, employing advanced tools and approaches appropriate for modern technologies and threats. Its effectiveness in counter-terrorism led to its enhancement and reauthorization in 2005, with a focus on combating terrorist financing, expanding the death penalty for terrorism-related offenses, and strengthening security in mass transportation. The Department of Justice has noted the Act's success in thwarting over 3,000 individuals associated with al-Qa'ida and other terrorist groups globally, disrupting numerous terrorist plots and cells, and leading to the apprehension of a significant number of al-Qa'ida's senior leaders. Additionally, the Act has enabled law enforcement to arrest hundreds of terrorists linked to various attacks. These accomplishments highlight the pivotal role of the USA PATRIOT Act in effectively reducing terrorist activities linked to al-Qa'ida. The emphasis of the Act on information sharing, inter-agency collaboration, and the adoption of modern technologies continues to be essential in detecting, preventing, and responding to terrorist threats and capturing terrorist operatives. Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (IRTPA) brought about substantial changes in how terrorism intelligence is collected and investigated. A notable outcome of this act

was the establishment of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) position, who oversees the intelligence community and assumes the role previously held by the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Addressing various key issues, IRTPA focused on enhancing aspects like FBI operations, security clearances, terrorism prevention, protecting U.S. borders and transport networks, and implementing recommendations from the 9/11 commission, while also considering the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) role in upholding civil rights amid heightened security measures (Bureau of Justice Assistance, 2004). IRTPA played a crucial role in reorganizing the intelligence community and refining strategies to tackle terrorism threats. It also fostered greater information sharing, leading to improved coordination among federal agencies in detecting and countering terrorist activities. This act specifically aligns with countermeasures against groups like al-Qa'ida, focusing on enhancing the intelligence community's capabilities in combating terrorism. The FBI's adoption of IRTPA led to significant reforms that bolstered its intelligence capabilities. Post-9/11, the FBI's priorities underwent a major shift, and IRTPA provided the necessary tools and direction to enhance its operational strategies. This act was instrumental in establishing robust intelligence programs across federal agencies, improving information collection, analysis, and dissemination, thereby enabling these agencies to collaborate more effectively against terrorist threats, including those from groups like al-Qa'ida. However, while IRTPA advocates for the use of technology in intelligence gathering and sharing, it mainly recommends basic tools such as the FBI intranet, online law enforcement platforms, secure internet router protocol networks, and global intelligence communication systems. This approach has been critiqued for not fully addressing the evolving and

technologically sophisticated nature of modern terrorism, suggesting a need for more advanced technological solutions within the intelligence community. National Strategy for Homeland Security The National Strategy for Homeland Security, recognizing the threat posed by terrorist groups like al-Qa'ida, is dedicated to protecting the United States from terrorist attacks and enhancing national security. The strategy emphasizes the need to adapt to evolving terrorist threats and outlines four main goals. The first is to prevent and disrupt terrorist attacks. The second goal is to protect American citizens, vital assets, and infrastructure, especially from groups like al-Qa'ida that aim to weaken the U.S. by targeting its political and economic resources. The third objective focuses on responding and recovering effectively from terrorist incidents to minimize their impact. Lastly, the strategy aims to lay a strong foundation for long- term success by transforming homeland security structures and systems, incorporating advanced technologies and resources for better preparedness and incident management. A comprehensive national strategy is crucial to counter groups like al-Qa’ida. It requires the collaboration of federal agencies, the private and public sectors, non-profits, communities, and citizens. The strategy also highlights the importance of international partnerships for a coordinated response to terrorism. The 2007 strategy, building on the initial 2002 framework, indicates a deeper understanding of terrorist threats, integrating past experiences and learnings for future challenges. This evolution shows the strategy's effectiveness in addressing threats from groups like al-Qa’ida, which views the U.S. as a primary target due to its global influence. Al- Qa'ida's consistent threats to attack the U.S., aiming to damage resources and infrastructure and create panic, are met with the National Strategy for Homeland Security's commitment to enhancing homeland security efforts, combating terrorism, and ensuring the nation's safety.

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Recommendations The three homeland security policies established over a decade ago might not fully reflect the current techniques and strategies used by terrorist organizations, which have increasingly adopted advanced technological methods for spreading their ideology, recruiting members, and planning attacks. To keep pace with these evolving threats, a revision of these policies is necessary to address contemporary terrorist tactics and capabilities. The recommended updates to these policies include a focus on research and development, integration of modern technological advancements like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 5G networks, and the recruitment of a technically skilled workforce. First, an increase in research and development funding is essential for these policies. Investing in this area can significantly support national defense objectives by enhancing the analysis of security threats, tracking changes in terrorist activities, and developing informed counter-terrorism strategies. Therefore, prioritizing research and development is a critical step in upgrading homeland security policies. Second, adapting to modern technological advancements such as AI and 5G networks is crucial. With terrorists employing sophisticated technologies for their operations, it is vital for the United States to use similar or superior technologies to counter these complex threats. Implementing AI can enable more centralized access to data, suggesting a need for policies that focus on consolidating data into secure, shared datasets to improve interagency information sharing. Additionally, the integration of 5G networks can enhance communication, surveillance, and information dissemination, thereby strengthening national security efforts. Lastly, the policies should emphasize attracting and retaining a workforce skilled in science and technology within the intelligence community. Countries with highly skilled

personnel are better equipped to defend against foreign terrorist threats and enhance national security. Consequently, homeland security policies must include strategies for developing human capital, ensuring the intelligence community is staffed with individuals who can effectively utilize technology, engage in critical thinking, and analyze terrorism-related trends to devise efficient counter-terrorism measures. Conclusions The United States confronts a major challenge with terrorism, notably from al-Qa'ida, which continually threatens attacks on American territory. Al-Qa'ida has a history of carrying out terrorist activities both in the U.S. and internationally. Their goals are to diminish American and Western presence in Muslim countries, promote strict Islamic beliefs, overthrow existing governments for religious dictatorships, and create a caliphate. The U.S. is a key barrier to these objectives, making it a prime target for al-Qa'ida. Presently, al-Qa'ida remains influential and strong, with branches in various nations and new jihadists ready to execute attacks. There are reports of their access to weapons capable of mass destruction, indicating the potential for high- casualty attacks in the future. In response, the U.S. has implemented comprehensive homeland security strategies focusing on preparedness, prevention, and response to terrorist threats. These measures have effectively reduced terrorist incidents, but continual updating and enhancement are necessary. This involves integrating research and development, staying abreast of new technologies, and improving workforce skills. Advancing these areas is vital to maintain and improve the effectiveness of homeland security against the changing tactics and capabilities of terrorists. References:

Alexander, Y., & Swetnam, M. S. (2001). Osama bin Laden's al Qaida: Profile of a terrorist network. Transnational Publisher Inc Anti-Defamation League. (2017). Al Qaeda. https://www.adl.org/resources/profile/al-qaeda Anti-Defamation League. (2021). Al Qaeda releases "America burns" video, framing US as nation in crisis. https://www.adl.org/resources/blog/al-qaeda-releases-america- burnsvideo-framing-us-nation-crisis Bruce, R. (2008). The search for al Qaeda: Its leadership, ideology, and future. Brookings Institution Press. Byman, D., & Mir, A. (2022). How strong is al-Qaeda? A debate . War on the Rocks. https://warontherocks.com/2022/05/how-strong-is-al-qaeda-a-debate/ Department of Justice. (2006). Fact sheet: USA Patriot Act improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 . https://www.justice.gov/archive/opa/pr/2006/March/06_opa_113.html United States Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs. (2004). Summary of Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 [PDF document]. UMGC. https://leocontent.umgc.edu/content/dam/course-content/tus/hmls/hmls- 302/document/SUMMARY%20OF%20INTELLIGENCE%20REFORM%20AND %20TERRORISM%20PREVENTION%20ACT%20OF%202004.pdf

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