Terrorism Today: The Past, The Players, The Future
- Book Review,
by Clifford E. Simonsen
Book Description
This important book uncovers terrorist activities in the United States and around the world, drawing from the authors' blend of academic and professional experiences. Concisely and expertly written, it includes relevant, current data and vivid photos, providing an effective overview of the many sectors and operations that have changed our world. An unbiased perspective ensures an objective presentation of the facts, and a chronological progression of coverage places concepts within a framework that the reader can easily understand. With the most up-to-date coverage of terrorism available today, this book gives a balanced treatment of practical examples, technology, history, and research. It explores the various elements of private and public security and safety, including homeland security and aviation security practices. Topics include: the defining and history of terrorism, terrorism around the world, and counterterrorism. Not only an excellent primer for those involved with the current security systems which have come into play since 9/11/2001, but a necessary read for anyone wishing to understand the players who participated in and the events that occurred before and since this terrible tragedy.
From the Back Cover
Exploring the subject from a global perspective, Terrorism Today, Second Edition, examines the history of terrorism, where it came from, where it is today, and where it seems to be headed in the future. Completely updated to include coverage of the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the ongoing war on terrorism, and other recent developments around the world, Terrorism Today, Second Edition, is a comprehensive and current introduction to international terrorism.
About the Author
Jeremy R. Spindlove is presently the Regional Director in Loss Prevention, Health and Safety, for a world leader in third party logistics management. He has spent more than thirty-five years in both policing and private sector security operations and administration on an international scale. During his police service in Great Britain he was the first officer on the scene of the IRA bombing of the Horse and Groom Pub in Guildford. During his service as an aviation security expert with British Airways he was assigned to trouble spots in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, spending two years in Baghdad at the start of the Iran-Iraq war. He also spent several months in Beirut during the Israeli invasion of Southern Lebanon, and saw further duty in Amman, Jordan. He has served as Director of Security at the Vancouver International Airport, Canada; and has written and presented many papers on terrorism and aviation security, and presented a seminar on aviation security to the International Aviation Management Institute at the University of British Columbia; and at the governor of the state of Washington's Annual Conference on Security. He has authored a contributory text on victims of terrorism, titled Victimology–A Study of Crime Victims and Their Roles, edited by Judith M Scarzi and Jack McDevitt. He is an active member of the American Society for Industrial Security. Jeremy Spindlove is pleased to have been able to co-author with Professor Simonsen this, the second edition of Terrorism Today, and to have experienced the unique blend of his writing talent with his own personal experiences. Clifford E. Simonsen, Ph.D., CPP. Presently the President of Criminology Consultants International, Clifford Simonsen has more than forty years of experience in criminal justice, security and law enforcement. As a career Army officer, he retired as a Military Police Colonel. His background includes a Ph.D. in Public Administration, (with an emphasis on criminal justice administration and deviance) from Ohio State University, and a Master's in Criminology from Florida State University. He is also a graduate of the Army War College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. Dr. Simonsen is the author of dozens of articles on the fields of crime, criminal justice, delinquency and security and is the author or coauthor of several texts in a broad range of disciplines. These include Corrections in America: An Introduction (loth ed.), juvenile justice in America (4th ed.), and Private Security in America and Security Administration. Dr. Simonsen has taught at several universities, both full-time and as an adjunct. He is a lifetime member of the American Society for Industrial Security (and a Lifetime Certified Protection Professional). He also belongs to the American Correctional Association, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences and the International Association of Professional Security Consultants. Dr. Simonsen is pleased to be coauthoring this second edition with Jeremy Spindlove and sharing in his depth of experience with terrorism on both a local and international scale.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
When the authors decided to write the first edition of an introductory text about a subject as complex and rapidly changing as terrorism, it became a daunting task very quickly. The very concept of terrorism includes such a wide range of activities that the most difficult task became how to make a text short enough to be effective for instructors, casual readers and student but long enough to convince colleagues, professionals and practitioners that it adequately covers an acceptable depth into this fascinating discipline. We must admit that at times it seemed like we were trying to paint a moving bus, with the players, organizations and operations changing faster than the words could be written down. This second edition, which picks up where the first left off (a few months before 9-11, is also written in an admittedly broad-brush manner, re-examines where terrorism came from, where it is today, and where it seems to be going as we reel from the impact of 9-11, the War on Terrorism and the arrangement of new pieces on the world chessboard. This new world arrangement has need of new and specific countermeasures. The student will soon appreciate that there is no easy answer to the question, "What is terrorism?" It will become apparent, in the course of reading this new edition, that most terrorism actions are committed by poorly articulate groups of fanatics or dissidents, often with conflicting goals and little interface. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. However, it: shown that many of these groups are continuing their plans to Upset security and safety in the United States and around the globe. The knowledge we have assembled will, it is hoped, stimulate students and others to seek out ways to offer better safety and security to all persons worldwide. Your authors have attempted to provide a clear overview of many of the sectors and operations that comprise the broad terms terrorism an counterterrorism. We explore some specific subjects and locations in greater depth than others, reduce redundancy and cover as many differences and similarities as possible. The second edition is presented in the firm belief that any learning experience should be enjoyable as well as educational. For the instructor, we offer a text that has been organized and written with the goal of making the planning for teaching and the learning experience interesting as possible, and effective at the same time. This is accomplished by covering the essentials of the subject and each chapter with a large array of pedagogical tools. Security is an ancient need for humans, a basic rung on the ladder of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. But never, has America's—and all o mankind's—sense of security been so badly shaken as by the events of 9-11 and by escalating terrorist acts abroad and in the American homeland. As with most fields of human endeavor that are just now entering into an academic discipline, the available material presenting scientific theory, literature and research is not very extensive in the field of terrorism. The Information Age has provided most of the materials we have gathered fog this introductory text. They have come from a large range of resources found on government sites on the Internet, along with articles, news clips and textbooks dealing with specific areas of interest. Much of the information and data are current, fresh as this morning's news, from diverse sources. We continue to challenge our colleagues in academia and in the operational security, law enforcement and the military to conduct the basic research, collect the data, and develop the theories that will help us transform terrorism into a true topic for academic development and practical knowledge for those who battle this 21st century scourge. THE TRADITION CONTINUES The methodology for textbook development, used successfully in the past for several other introductory texts, will continue to be the foundation for this one. It will build on the comments of readers, instructors and students to provide future editions of this text that work well for all three, such as: An engaging writing style, resulting in a book that is highly readable and effective as an informational, teaching and learning tool; A balanced treatment of practical examples, technology, history and data from available documents and academic research; An eye-pleasing design for easy reading, with features such as clearly understood examples of current and historical photographs, illustrations and other supplemental materials to augment the basic text; A systems approach to exploring the varied elements of terrorism, terrorists and the various motives for terrorist groups as a potentially integrated and interrelated series of subsystems; An unbiased presentation of a wide range of topics makes for a text suitable for instructors and students from many disciplines and points of view; In-chapter; and end-of-chapter materials that augment the textual materials with examples of events, persons, stories, terms to remember, review questions and bibliographic suggestions for further reading; An Instructor's Manual that features test banks and other aids for the busy instructors, many whom are adjuncts who are tilling the fields of law enforcement, security or the military in a full-time capacity. ORGANIZATION OF THE TEXT This second edition is divided into three major parts and fourteen chapters that build from an historical background to predictions about the twentyfirst century regarding terrorism. It should be noted that materials have been placed in the body of the text, such as "Terrorism Bytes," "Terrorism Briefs" and "Terrorism Players." And "Terms to Remember," "Review Questions," and extensive "Endnotes" have been placed at the end of each chapter, for their content and applicability to the subject matter being covered. These should be considered as important as the textual materials themselves for presentation and study. The materials selected come from the best and most current available sources in the field. Your authors choose to present them in their original form, or blend them into their own writing to minimize confusion. PART ONE THE DEFINING AND HISTORY OF TERRORISM An in-depth historical look at terrorism and its origins, types and history will provide the student with a background necessary to understand the background of yesterday and the evolution of terrorism today. Chapter 1 Defining Terrorism This chapter will set the basic definitions for terminology used throughout following chapters and allow the student to understand and differentiate between terrorist acts and ordinary criminal acts. Defining issues, operational terms, useful typologies, as well as forms and tactics of terrorism will be explored. Terrorism as criminal behavior and its use as a method of action are covered. Such acts as ambush and assassination, arson, bombing, hijacking, hostage taking, kidnapping, blackmail and protection are included. Chapter 2 A Brief History of Terrorism In this rather short chapter, the act of violence can be described as a logical progression, but taking place in microseconds in a single individual. Violence perpetrated for ideological reasons and for a systematically promoted cause or complaint is shown to be much different. Pogroms by the Church, the Inquisition, the Holocaust, the PLO, the Phoenix Program, Tiananmen Square and guerrilla warfare are among the examples, which illustrate how individual terrorism can grow into a national or religious crusade. Also explored are the motives and methods employed by individual terrorists or groups with some perceived agenda as compared to the motives of a state for suppressing dissent and revolution. The reader/student is introduced to the concept of state-sponsored terrorism a concept that supports terrorist groups and individual terrorists with weapons, money and supplies to achieve their goals. From the Crusades to the frictions between religions around the world today, this section discusses how these got started and where they seem to be today. PART TWO TERRORISM AROUND THE WORLD The reader/student will be brought up to the events of the twentieth and early twenty-first century in general terms leading to terrorism from both the left and right wings. The right wing factions of various countries and regions will be examined and discussed and the difference shown as to goals and objectives. The left wing factions of various countries and regions will be examined in a similar methodology and contrasted with the right wing's goals and the difference discovered as to goals and objectives. Regions and nations are covered in the investigation of terrorism its many different factions and their interrelationships. Chapter 3 North America and the Caribbean The reader/student examines the events leading up to 9-11 and the dots that were not connected to prevent that cataclysmic event and what has happened since. The kinds of terrorists and groups found in Canada are discussed, as is their conflict with their French and English origins. The general types of "home-grown" terrorism in the United States are examined and analyzed to see how they compare with those in other parts of the world of the world. The United States is shown to be no longer free from the violent terrorist actions plaguing the rest of the world thus far, but perhaps not for long. The peaceful and idyllic islands of the Caribbean and Cuba are shown to have been impacted by the drug terrorism trade and use as shipping stops. Chapter 4 Great Britain and Northern Ireland The background for the "Irish Problem" is detailed and brought up to date with examples of friction and terrorism on both sides of the issues. This long chapter provides a model for the student in examining the other terror spots of the world. It shows similarities and differences in the use of terrorism in meeting political or religious goals. Ireland and Mainland Britain have been embroiled in the violence of terrorism for more than three decades and the current political processes and the methods employed to reach a solution to the violence are examined. The concern of security forces and the export of terror knowledge to other international terror groups is also discussed. Chapter 5 Western Europe The French have used or supported terrorist acts and the student will see that the Germans thrived on terrorism and were led into blind obedience and violence many times. Use of terrorism by the Mafia and Mussolini's fascist thugs shows the changing political patterns of the Italians over the centuries. The turbulent history of Spain from the Inquisition to the fascist reign of terror under Franco is examined, along with the many terrorist activities in Spain, especially those of the Basque separatists. In the twenty-first century Europe is now seen as the target for .international terror cells plotting and planning mayhem in other regions as well as their adopted homes. Chapter 6 Eastern Europe and the Balkans The sad history of the multiracial, multireligious region formerly known as Yugoslavia is examined from the partisan terrorism and German terrorism in WW 11 to the divided state that has seen constant interracial and interreligious fighting since its breakup. Terrorism and even genocide will be shown to be main weapons in these battles for ethnic purity. The Russians are examined as having a long history of national terrorism to keep the populace under control, from the Czars to the Soviet Union and the murders of fifty million countrymen by Stalin. Chechnya after the fall of the Soviet Union is shown to be continuing to use tactics of terror. Chapter 7 North Africa and the Middle East An examination of an area of the world where terror is the primary weapon in local and international conflicts gives the student the "big picture." Slowly we realize that the conflicts are all similar in that troubled region and that terror is the primary weapon used by either side. The 3000-year battle between the Jews, Christians and Arabs remains to be seen as the hotbed of terrorism and is covered in detail as to the problems faced in this ancient feud for land and minds. Algeria, Libya, Egypt and other hot spots of state sponsored and religious terrorism are covered as well. Chapter 8 The Persian Gulf The Persian Gulf states have been involved active warfare or constant terrorism, (religious or political). This most valuable source of the world's petroleum remains a hot bed of violence and terrorism today. The persecution of the Kurds in Iraq, the use of oil revenue to sponsor worldwide terrorism and use the constant threat of the use of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons stir the pot of terrorism in this area. The Gulf War and Saddam Hussien's constant tricks keep the pot boiling. Efforts to unseat Saddam are shown to lead to another crisis in the Gulf. The struggles for prominence among the states that ring the Persian Gulf are examined in some detail. Chapter 9 Northeast, Central and Southern Africa From the long struggle for freedom from apartheid in South Africa to a quite different struggle in Zimbabwe, the Dark Continent is shown to have suffered many trials. The genocide in the Congo, Uganda and Rwanda is explored, as well as the tribalism that divides most regions. The threat of right-wing directed warfare against the new black governments is shown to be a new and escalating problem. The great potential of this region, though it has gigantic problems as well, makes its nations the hope for the future. Chapter 10 Southern and Southeast Asia India has a long history of terrorist tactics, as well as nuclear weapons. The war against the British imperial rule taught them that terrorism works. Following independence, India has had to fight many terrorism attacks from religious factions and from rebel causes. Pakistan and India have a longstanding state of war and the Punjab has used terrorism to try to gain independence from India. Afghanistan, the first battlefield of the post9-11 War on Terrorism is also reexamined. Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, has suffered a long and ongoing war of terrorism by the Timal Tigers and other splinter groups, so peace remains far from certain. The terrorism used by the rest of the world is found in many parts of Southeast Asia, and the local conflicts, religious and ideological, seem to echo the themes seen elsewhere on the globe. From the Khymer Rouge in Cambodia to the guerilla fighters in the jungles of Malaysia and Indonesia, terrorism has found a long-term home in Southeast Asia. Chapter 11 The Pacific Rim China is shown to have moved past the terror-filled period following the ascension of communism. Terror as a philosophy can be traced back in Chinese history as a viable means to control that vast nation. From the "Huks" (Hukbalahaps), who fought against the Philippine government at the turn of the 20th century, then fought against the Japanese as U.S.-supported Filipino guerillas in World War II and the Japanese occupation, on to the terrorist tactics of the Marcos regime, the history of the Philippines has also shown that terror can be a useful tool in controlling a large and poor country. Japan has been stricken with fanatical terrorism that extends back into history through the occupation of China and the Pacific islands in World War II on up to use of chemical terrorism in the present. Indonesia and Malaysia are shown to have many terrorist groups. Chapter 12 Latin America The so-called "banana republics" have suffered with long struggles using terrorism against the people by repressive dictators, as well as terrorism against the governments by rebel causes. Major conflicts are examined in terms of past history and present status. The roles of Mexico and Cuba in these struggles are pointed out to the student. The "other America" is shown to have been rife with terrorist activities for a long time, from the Shining Path of Peru- to the "disappeared" in Brazil and Argentina. The drug cartels in Colombia, as well as political upheavals, have shown this region to be very violent and dangerous as suppressive governments invite terrorist organizations to emerge. Mexico is shown to have a long history of terrorism and revolution. PART THREE COUNTERTERRORISM This final part will discuss the kinds of efforts being expended around the world to find ways to deter or discover terrorism and find other ways to deal with it. The final chapter will examine what the future of terrorism might be. Chapter 13 Countering Terrorism Around the World Efforts, political and operational, are examined to determine which are effective and which have failed. These range from national paramilitary groups to local activities by regular citizens. The importance of intelligence gathering, the cycle of intelligence, and the proper uses of intelligence against terrorism are studied in detail. The threats to aviation from acts of terror along with maritime piracy will be discussed. Worldwide types of antiterrorist groups and strategies are examined, from the Delta Force in the United States, to the Mossad in Israel, the Special Action Squads in the United Kingdom and many other highly organized and effective agencies. The strategies of the United Nations and regional governments are discussed and analyzed as to their success or failure. Chapter 14 Terrorism in the Twenty-First Century The authors will make an attempt to predict the most likely spots where the pressure from terrorism will be found at the start of the twenty-first century, and what possible effects the War on Terrorism will have in the future. This will include looking at the possible and probable threat from Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).
Buy from Amazon
Compare Prices
|
|
Home
