Terrorism and Homeland Security : Perspectives, Thoughts, and Opinions

This volume brings together the work of academic researchers and law enforcement and intelligence personnel to present a sober appraisal of the issues surrounding the current state of our security infrastructure. Topics discussed include the history of terrorism and the rise of transnational anti-Western Islamism, progress made in protecting nations and individuals from terrorism, an analysis of a captured al-Qaeda training manual, suicide bombings, and political propaganda. The book also examines cooperative antiterrorism efforts among nations, insider threats, intelligence gathering, terrorist threats south of the border, and tools for locating bomb makers and clandestine labs.

Since 9/11, the terms homeland security and terrorism have become firmly entrenched in our lexicon. The days of walking through a simple metal detector at the airport are over, and our security landscape is forever changed. Terrorism and Homeland Security: Perspectives, Thoughts, and Opinions brings together the work of academic researchers and law enforcement and intelligence personnel to present a sober appraisal of the issues surrounding the current state of our security infrastructure.

Topics highlighted in this thought-provoking volume include:

• The history of terrorism; the growth of the Taliban, Hamas, and Hezbollah; and the rise of transnational anti-Western Islamism
• Progress made in protecting nations and individuals from terrorism
• An analysis of a captured al-Qaeda training manual
• The concept of martyrdom and suicide bombing
• Political and strategic warfare and propaganda
• Cooperative antiterrorism efforts between the United States and the European Union
• Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear terrorism
• Insider threats and how citizens can help their communities be vigilant about detecting terrorism
• Intelligence gathering by means of interpersonal contact
• Terrorist threats south of the border
• Tools for locating bomb makers and clandestine labs

An examination of the causes and effects of terrorism and the complicated issues surrounding homeland security, this thought-provoking anthology provides a broad perspective for understanding the threat we face and how we can best meet the challenges of 21^st century homeland security.