ISIS: Radical Islamist Groups In The United States

When discussing terrorism, the groups which most frequently come to mind are those which operate either internationally or specifically in foreign countries, such as al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Al Shabab. However, the United States has a number of domestic terror groups some well-organized, some loosely connected that have perpetrated serious attacks over the last few decades. Al-Qaeda's attacks on September 11th, 2001, and the subsequent wars born out of the United States' response to these attacks have meant that domestic terrorism is less widely discussed topic, this does not mean that domestic terrorist groups do not present a serious threat to the United States and its citizens. By examining known terrorist organizations within the United States and their classifications, it will be possible to demonstrate how and why the country has seen a rise in domestic terror over the last three decades, as well as some possible government responses to these groups that could help to prevent individuals from joining in the first place.

Although the threat posed by foreign terrorist organizations is often foremost in the public consciousness as a result of al-Qaeda's attack on September 11th, 2001, the threat from domestic terror groups remains a central concern of those responsible for homeland security. In fact, while the United States has not suffered from another foreign attack in the decade since 9/11, research by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, along with non-governmental organizations, has found that the number of domestic terror groups has increased, a trend only exacerbated by the economic recession (U.S. Department of Justice, 2009, Domestic Terrorism). While there are a wide variety of individual groups and ideologies, most domestic terror groups falls into one of three broad categories: religious extremism, white supremacy, and anti-government and separatists movements, including the militia movement. Examining these domestic terror groups in greater detail will aid in better understanding the full spectrum of threats considered by homeland security personnel.

For the past few years, the terrorist group ISIS has made headlines around the world with their acts of terror and rapid spread. Naturally, people all over the Earth have called for the obliteration of ISIS, and many have looked to the US for action. The question that prevails the most: should the US put soldiers in Syria to try and directly destroy this radical terrorist group? The safest, most reliable answer is an emphatic no, the US should not put "boots on the ground" against ISIS.

Radical Islamists are activists whose main goal is to form an international group of Islamic believers. They are determined to form this group in whatever way they can, even using violence and having mass killings. The United States of America allows them to be radical because of their needs such as, oil. They take teachings from the Qur’an and radicalize them into violence and harsh beliefs, however, the majority of Muslims do not believe in most all of the ways of radical Islamists.

Islamic States of Iraq and Sham ISIS, Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, al Qaeda in Iraq, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Islamic State, Da’ish is an active group formed c. 2014. ISIS is a terrorist group that sole purpose is pushing their beliefs on others and if their religion isn’t accepted in the appropriate way (how they expected) they then result to violence. Da’ish is the official name of the terrorist group known as ISIS, dramatically arrived and shocked many people in the West. The horrifying and violent events that have occurred since the appearance if ISIS struck fear into the hearts of people all across the world. Even though fear is an extreme emotion, the hatred that came with it is even stronger and is more Ernest.

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, also known as Isis, terror group has been an important issue in the United States for the past couple of years. After the recall of troops from Iraq, radical Islamist movements started to begin and Isis was formed. The first issue of Isis is they have grown in numbers over the years. Secondly, Isis controls thousands of square miles of ungoverned territory. Their high supply of troops and land allows them to creatively think of major attacks, including attacks on the U.S. Lastly, when people see the attacks from Isis, some people naturally gravitate towards these groups. Two months after 9/11 attacks Osama Bin Laden said “When people see a strong horse and a weak horse, by nature, they will like the strong horse.” Isis will continue to grow in power if countries do not come together to help totally eliminate them.

Counter-terrorism expert Steve Emerson, senior advisor to the RAND Corporation Brian Jenkins, Ryan Mauro and the Clarion Project have documented and exposed the reality of radical Islam in the United States. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1, English Standard Version). Since the attacks on 9/11, the American public has settled into a false sense of security while the internet has enabled homegrown radicalization and enlarged the footprint of radical Islam inside the United States. “Many law enforcement officials fear that a new style of jihadist group is appearing, a hybrid of foreign and homegrown terrorists” (White,

Terrorism has been conducted throughout the world on numerous occasions. The groups that perform these actions come from multiple countries from all over the world. The United States even has some forms of terrorist groups and individuals. One of the biggest terrorist attacks was the destruction of the Twin Towers carried out by Al-Qaeda. Also recently there has been attacks in Paris and Great Britain, which were ISIS’s plan. The biggest terrorist organizations include the Taliban, Al-Qaeda and quite recently ISIS. The Taliban was founded in 1994, by Mullah Mohammed Omar, and they kill people in the name of jihad. Al-Qaeda was founded by Osama Bin Laden and also kill for jihad. Finally ISIS was founded recently hand continues to grow rapidly. They kill indiscriminately and how they see fit (Ppcorn, n.d.).

During the historic years of 1981 to 1989, Ronald W. Reagan, actor and politician, was elected and ran as President of the United States of America. All was well with his presidency, until his second term, in the fateful year of 1985, when Iranian terrorists captured seven hostages and held them as collateral against the United States. Unbeknownst to the American people, this situation would set in motion an incredible string of events that would create turmoil within the country in two years time. President Reagan authorized the negotiations with Iran in trading these Americans for thirty million dollars and 2,000 assorted missiles to aid in the ongoing war with Iraq. With the money received from the Iranians in the exchange of weapons for

Domestic terrorism has been at the fore front of terrorism the same as foreign terrorism. The biggest number of terrorists attacks that have been successfully carried out in the United States, were by US citizens who had no ties to foreign terrorist groups. Currently in American society, the far right wing extremist groups is the greatest leading threat to American security. The leading group of the right wing extremist that pose the greatest threat is the white supremacist groups.

On November 4th, 1979, nearly 3,000 militant student stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran, Iran taking in 63 American hostages. Iran freed 13 hostages consisting of women and African Americans, but retained custody of the remaining 53 personnel. (Lambert 2015) After a grueling five months of failed negotiations, President Jimmy Carter approved the U.S. military to

Along with the loss of voters due to economic policy, many Americans blamed Carter for the Iran hostage crisis that begun in November of 1979. The newly formed government of Iran believed that America was not in support of this change and would plan for a government of their choosing to be put in place. It was believed that this was being planned in the American embassy. To prevent this situation from happening, an invasion planned by Iranian politician Ebrahim Asghazadeh was carried out early in the morning of November 4th 1979. Around 400 Muslim Students were gathered and overran the security and took the embassy hostage. The situation escalated during Carter’s continuing presidency as he approved a rescue mission known as Operation Eagle Claw. This mission would soon fail due to numerous problems with the helicopters and eight American servicemen would loose their lives and many would be injured. The failed mission would soon become public and as Carter would tell the American people about the attempt his political popularity would take a large hit and re-election did not seem possible for Carter. The crisis would go on to be resolved after Carter had already lost the presidency. During the final days of

For the America, maintaining the “special relationship” with Israel is in line with its interests. First, due to the special geography, Israel can serve as an important backing for the U.S. to preserve its dominance in the Middle East. Second, a powerful Israel with strong military capacity can help the U.S. fight against Islamic extremists and terrorists. Third, supporting Israel is in accord with the broadest conception of the American national interest --- supporting like-minded societies, because US-Israel relationship is based on moral obligation, shared cultural and political values and common strategic interests. Therefore, Israel constitutes “the most enduring and the most immediate interest” (Pollock

The Iranian Hostage Crisis started on November 4 1979 and ended January 20 1981. A group of Iranian students stormed the U.S Embassy in Tehran, taking more than 60 american hostages. The United States fearful of stirring up hostilities in the Middle East didn’t come to the defense of its old ally. October 1979 President Carter agreed to allow the exiled leader to enter the U.S. for treatment of an advanced malignant lymphoma. On November 4 a group of pro-Ayatollah students smashed the gates and scaled the walls of the American embassy in Tehran.

Both terrorist and transnational organized criminal groups utilize illegal activities to further their agendas and increase their coffers. Some of the methods employed are: kidnapping, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. Recently these two groups have begun working together to accomplish their goals. There has been evidence that organized crime groups have provided logistical support to terrorists (Rollins & Wyler, 2013). The collaboration of these two groups strengthens both groups exponentially. But the organized crime groups, on most occasions, do not share the same ideological views as the terrorist groups. They are in it for the money, and sometimes the risk of working with terrorists is too high.