Historical fact
It is a historical fact that ever since the conclusion of the Second World War during the previous century, the United States has been in the forefront in assuring the status quo of world peace, often times finding the need to intervene in another nation’s or region’s internal affairs for the promotion of this cause. Such was the case especially during the more troubling times of the Cold War with the former U. S. S. R. , where each of these superpowers deemed it necessary to extend their influences far beyond the physical limitations of their respective shores.
Based on the resulting effects of the United States’ seeming intrusion on another nation’s sovereignty, as evidenced in the consequences of these actions, it truly seemed that the United States had been correct in their self-professed mission of policing global governments to ensure that peace is maintained, and that democracy instead of communism, will prosper. A classic example of this struggle with communism was the Vietnam War from 1955 to 1975, wherein South Vietnam was largely supported by the American military, and the North by the former Soviet Union.
Despite of the cataclysmic if not humiliating defeat, the aforementioned war was an epitome of the American resolve to fight for democracy, even on foreign shores. Another instance where the American advocacy for democracy was tested was the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, wherein because of the Soviet’s assistance to the Cuban government in their nuclear build-up program, specifically with missiles that had the capability to strike the American mainland, a total nuclear war between the two superpowers was almost initiated.
Although the real reasons for the cancellation of the war would forever likely to be left unanswered, what is significant in this event had been the United Sates’ absolute steadfastness in implying to the would-be transgressors of democracy, that this nation is willing and able to defend the cause of freedom. Based on the abovementioned cases alone, it is very evident that in order for world peace to be truly maintained, at least in the general sense, the United States of America, being the sole superpower left standing in the global arena, must actively participate in policing the entire world.
After all, some of his trusted allies, such as France, have always been in support of pro-active actions against warring nations. This can be evidenced in a recent survey done in France, wherein it was “found that 70% are in favor of joining a military effort” (Daley 2001). Thus, just as it is important to assure that the home front is safe from externally-influenced attacks, the American government should always be wary of international factors that possess the capability to cause a global imbalance on peace.
We should always remain vigilant on international affairs, as this would have a direct impact on the very manner of our existence. Question #3: Ever since the tragic event of the 9-11 Attack at the very heart of the American nation, numerous safety measures were employed as additional means of assuring the safety of the American people. However, as terrorism is a relatively new opponent and much unlike America’s previous enemies they have no definite country in which to concentrate our attention to, the risk of being once again attacked is always an existing reality.
The very timely and fortunate apprehension of Faisal Shahzad, who planned on “driving a car packed with explosives into Times Square” (The Editors 1) serves as a classic example of the ever-present danger of terrorism. Imaging the consequences in casualties and loss of human lives if this attempt were successful would justify the strict enforcements being carried out by the government, such as in airports, ports, and other points of entries.
The statement made by Richard Clarke, who was the national coordinator for security and counterterrorism during President George H. W. Bush’s term, that “Homegrown plots are highly likely, and some will succeed” (The Editors 1), and that “because we are being increasingly effective in attacking terrorist leaders in Pakistan, the probability that they will strike…is likely on the rise” (The Editors 1), clearly highlights the reality that terrorism is within our midst. It may be possible and in fact even easier to preempt a terrorist attack originating from an external country, but when it is assimilated into a society, stopping them 100% of the time becomes next to impossibility.
Clarke had been very clear in his point: “These semi-spontaneous attacks are, however, much more difficult to detect in advance. There are little or no cell structures to infiltrate, few warnings and minimal signs of preparation” (The Editors1). Perhaps the best way of assuring the safety of the American public from future terrorist attacks is to continue the very strict measures being imposed on all of the possible entry points of the nation, while at the same time increasing the level of intelligence gathering being done on suspected cells, whether sleeper or otherwise.
The ongoing method of posting numerous CCTV’s along the busy streets of America’s major cities, such as New York, is also helpful in hoping to mitigate the chances of future attacks from happening. As pointed out by Michael Black, a computer science professor from Brown University, “Image analysis won’t be able to pick out a known terrorist in a crowd, but it could rule out a possible suspect” (The Editors 1). With the dramatic increase in technological innovations, perhaps the best way to combat urban terrorism is to rely on these technological breakthroughs.
Works Cited Daley, Suzanne. The War on Terror Finds Wary Support in France. NYTimes. com. 4 October 2001. 31 May 2010 <http://www. nytimes. com/2001/10/04/world/the-war-on-terror-finds-wary-support-in-france. html? scp=10&sq=America%20guardian%20of%20the%20free%20world&st=cse&pagewanted=1> The Editors. Times Square, Bombs, and Big Crowds. NYTimes. com. 3 May 2010. 31 May 2010 <http://roomfordebate. blogs. nytimes. com/2010/05/03/times-square-bombs-and-big-crowds/? scp=22&sq=war%20on%20terror&st=cse>
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