Domestic Terrorism Midterm Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

home(prenominal) Terrorism Midterm - Essay ExampleWhile the statement by the FBI is not explicit, it is implied that the target moldiness be a US policy, establishment, or political movement, and the act must be violent, though the exposition of violent may be vague and ambiguous.Domestic terrorist act may be directed both from to a higher place or from down the stairs. Terrorism from above is carried out by a government or knowledgeability that has some legitimate authority. It may be done covertly, where the terrorism is carried on outside formal policy. As an example, the Dirty War in Argentina that utilized death squads was covert terrorism from above (Vohrkyzek, Olson-Raymer, and Whamond, 2001, p.13). It may also be overt as in the case of the Hutus policy of genocide in Rwanda (Vohrkyzek, Olson-Raymer, and Whamond, 2001, p.13). Domestic terrorism from below is when a group or individual within a country targets a legitimate institution as a nominateation to draw atten tion to, or change, an official policy. Environmental activists such as the Environmental fire Front (ELF) are guilty of domestic terrorism from below.Mao, Guevera, Marighella, and Fanon were not defined as terrorists during their time of activity. History has rewritten the definition of terrorism and they now f each(prenominal) under the new definition. However, initially all these figures were guerilla leaders, which are differentiated from terrorists. Guerilla warfare is different from terrorism in that it is an organized beat back that believes it has legitimacy due to popular support. In addition, it strikes at government and military targets as a means to overthrow a government. However, these leaders differed in that Marighella believed that random violence could create chaos and an environment for revolution, term Mao and Fanon believed it should not be used against the native population. Guevera was more of a classic guerrilla fighter. Guerrillas represent a political m ovement, while terrorism supports an ideological agenda. However, both aspects promote violence as a means to an end. Once in power both Mao and Castro utilized violence and terrorism from above as a means to sustain power and oppress the opposition. More recently the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) has been similar to the previous revolutionary brass sections. They have some legitimacy by way of apprehension as supporting a significant group of oppressed people. In addition, they have a vigorous organized military faction. Their agenda has been the creation of a Palestinian State, though they have used terrorism to promote their goals. They have targeted innocent people, used suicide tactics, and even acted against their own citizens. All of these rebels and organizations have their grow in revolution, but have resorted to terrorism to further their goals. For the PLO and others, this is counter-productive, as the stigma of being a terrorist organization is a costly pri ce in todays environment.3.) Historical TerrorismIt could be argued that the actions of the US settlers against the native population was terrorism from above. In this context, terrorism from above has existed in the US since the first Europeans arrived. It has also been argued that slavery was terrorism from above (Vohrkyzek, Olson-Raymer, and Whamond, 2001, p.36).