Threats to Homeland Security essays

Threats to Homeland Security essays The United States has always faced threats from abroad, but also increasingly from within. In the 21st century, new threats have been introduced due to technological, biological, and chemical advances. These new concerns compromise the security of our nation, while the threats of classic warfare that have existed in the past still exist. The War on Terror has made terrorists abroad seek new ways to harm our country. Besides the fear of international terrorists, the threat from within in country from anarchists or rebels is an equally important concern. Our country has two major fronts of concern, the domestic threat, and the growing international one. Although the War on Terrorism focused on threats from abroad, many of the new threats to our country lie within our own borders. One form of domestic terrorism is Lone Wolf terrorism. This form occurs when an individual believes strongly in a certain cause and is willing to inflict violence on his own country. The most well known lone wolf is Timothy McVeigh, known for the Oklahoma City Bombing. McVeigh believed he was a crusader, defending the constitution. He hoped to start a revolution against what he believed to be a tyrannical federal government. In order to carry out his attack he parked a van containing 4,000 pounds of explosive material outside of the Federal Alfred P. Murrah Building, where it destroyed about half of the building, killing 168 people, including children in a day care on one of the floors. This attack was the second most deadly terrorist attack in the United States, the first being 9/11. This is one example of domestic terrorism that our own citizens have p articipated in. Although this is a severe problem, the most dangerous threat comes from outside of our borders. Therefore, securing our nations entry ways, including our ports and expansive borders, is vital for our security. The United States has over 300 sea and...