Global Security, Travel Dreams, and Effective Communication

Terrorism: Global Challenge and US Policy

Terrorism is an international problem in today's global community. Many nations are affected, whether directly or indirectly. Most nations oppose terrorism, while others condone or even support active, brutal terrorism and terrorist groups.

Defining Terrorism

Terrorism is defined by the US State Department based on four key elements:

1. A threat of violence or an act of violence.
2. A political objective.
3. The violence and threat of violence is a direct attack on civilians, making civilians a primary target.
4. It is perpetrated by a sub-national group or individual, often supported by a nation or nations.

Terrorism vs. Acts of War: Case Studies

Two examples often used to distinguish terrorism from non-terrorism are the bombing of the US Embassy in Dar es Salaam and the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

• In the Dar es Salaam bombing, it is believed that a sub-national actor, Osama bin Laden, was involved.
• Regarding Nagasaki and Hiroshima, the US government agreed to drop the bomb. This was a general agreement of the American government, a national actor.

Though both events fit three criteria for a terrorist attack, the US government's general decision to drop the bomb automatically makes it an act of war, not terrorism, as it was perpetrated by a national actor.

Goals and Counter-Terrorism Strategy

One of the goals of terrorism is to make the terrorist's views heard. This is often achieved through the total media blitz that usually occurs after an attack. The media provides an excellent window for terrorists to broadcast their demands and views immediately following an attack.

The US maintains a very strict policy concerning terrorism. Our country refuses to negotiate with terrorists or give in to any of their demands. We do all we can to bring terrorists to justice after they commit crimes. We aim to isolate terrorist-sponsoring nations, such as Iraq, from the rest of the world and actively perform counter-terrorism measures.

The Joy of International Travel

Preparing for My Next Trip to Prague

I am busy preparing for my next holidays outside of my country. I would really like to travel to Prague. Everybody says it is a magical place, with lovely streets and nice people. I am counting down the days until I can travel again!

Why I Love Traveling

I truly feel free when I travel. You can observe the differences between people, and I learn valuable lessons from all the places I visit—discovering ways to become a better person and adopting ways of thinking that promote happiness. Above all, I love meeting people from different cultures and engaging in long conversations.

I hope to meet some of you during my next trip (it is scheduled for November. I really hope so!).

Useful Phrases for Discussion and Writing

These phrases are helpful for expressing opinions, structuring arguments, and concluding thoughts:

Expressing Personal Opinion

• In my opinion
• Personally
• It seems to me that
• As I see it
• I don't believe that
• I think that
• I feel that
• I disagree that

Introducing Arguments and Counterarguments

• One advantage
• On the one hand
• On the other hand
• Some people think that
• Others believe/argue that
• It is probably true that
• Obviously

Transition and Conclusion

• Therefore
• Moreover
• Furthermore
• In addition
• However
• In conclusion
• To conclude