One measure that was introduced after 9/11 was to find and destroy all terrorist training camps. All branches of the military are used, force, aggression and reconnaissance being main attributes to achieving this aim.
Two more aims introduced in response to 9/11 were find to find and destroy Al Qaeda and capture Osama Bin Laden. To achieve this plan, intelligence and the military is used to destroy the hierarchy, and destroy Al Qaeda as well as detaining both terrorists and suspected terrorists in Guantanamo Bay (Cuba).
US, UK and all countries not harbouring terrorists strengthened home security. This was not a direct response to 9/11. One Method used to accomplish this aim includes the pass of the USA patriot Act 2001, which states ‘the purpose of the USA Patriot Act is to deter and punish terrorist acts in the United States and around the world’. The UK’s anti terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001 also strengthens security and extends the powers to the police, Security agencies and courts to deal with terrorist, suspected terrorists and their supporters. Some examples of strengthening security include restrictions on liquids with was a response to a 2007 foiled terrorist attack and, extra passport and back checks as well as bag limitations (a reaction to the 2001 9/11 attacks).
The Overall aim on the ‘War on Terror’ is to eliminate terrorism completely, however this aim is, on the whole, an unachievable aim, for the reason that societies/religions will never be completely happy with how the world is and will always attempt to change it. Nevertheless the methods that are being used to achieve the elimination of terrorism are a combination of the methods previously stated. This aim uses both intelligence and military force although there is a bigger emphasis on the military.
In conclusion, the aims and methods of the ‘War on Terror’ are a combination of responses to the 2001 9/11 attack and 2007 foiled attack, as well as the ‘War on Terror’ overhaul. The main aim is too eliminate terrorist altogether, which would mean accomplishing the previous 4 aims.
By Lucy Plant
