Highlights
•New strategy highlights framework to tackle threats to US homeland
•Law enforcement and citizens urged to enhance understanding of communities
•Homegrown radicalization can be undermined in “battle of ideas”
On October 9, 2007, the White House’s Homeland Security Council issued an updated, “National Strategy for Homeland Security.” The 53-page Strategy provides a framework designed to help the US face complex and dynamic threats from terrorism, as well as natural disasters and other hazards.
In order to successfully protect the homeland from terrorism threats, the Strategy places an emphasis on the notion that homeland security is a shared responsibility.
Strategy Highlights
For example, the federal government is largely held accountable for devising national strategies, disaster plans and addressing large-scale threats such as border security or the tracking of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). However, the Strategy also highlights the “frontline role” of citizens at the state, local and Tribal government levels as equally important in the prevention and disruption of terrorist activities in the country. Well-informed communities practicing diligent behaviors will be a key determinant in our country’s efforts in detecting and disrupting homegrown terrorist attacks.
As terrorist groups vow to strike the US homeland and as the threat of homegrown extremism becomes an increasing reality, an active citizenry committed to detecting suspicious behavior and combating homegrown radicalization will be crucial for keeping our country safe.
Domain Awareness Crucial in Strategy
According to the Strategy, uncovering terrorists and terrorist activity in our open and diverse society requires an element of physical domain awareness. This awareness needs a combined effort from citizens, law enforcement, the private sector and the general public. In order to detect a deviation that could possibly indicate unusual or suspicious behavior, citizens must be aware of the normal daily and weekly trends of activities in their communities. In addition, local law enforcement is also encouraged to study potential local extremist identities, activities, capabilities and modi operandi.
Recent incidents of citizens reporting suspicious behavior can potentially highlight a community’s susceptibility for an attack or terrorist plot that may be in progress.
•September 10, 2007: New Jersey State Police were anonymously notified that a 25-year-old man was allegedly taking photographs of an I-80 bridge that spans the Delaware River gorge. A state trooper responded to the tip and discovered that the man was a “person of interest” on a federal terror watch list. However, as police could not find a camera in the man’s possession or in the car, the man and his family were permitted to leave without charge (Source).
•May 7, 2007: Six men were arrested for plotting to attack Fort Dix military base in New Jersey (Previous Report). Authorities were first notified of the plot after a shopkeeper in Cherry Hill, New Jersey was asked to copy a video onto a DVD that showed 10 men training with weapons at a firing range.
•Over the past few months, workers at several California fire stations have reported suspicious incidents of two men taking photographs and videos of station activities. On numerous occasions, the men taking the videos fled as firefighters attempted to approach the two for questioning (Source).
Engaging Communities to Prevent Radicalization
The Strategy places a high priority on strengthening grassroots dialogue and interaction with Muslim Americans, a potential target for homegrown radicalization. As seen in other Western countries, the process of homegrown radicalization is most often triggered by events ranging from loss of employment to instances of racial or religious discrimination. The individual then may experience feelings of disenfranchisement or alienation towards society or government. The detached individual seeks to fulfill a sense of self-purpose and is therefore vulnerable to an extremist ideology.
As extremists or domestic terrorist groups seek recruits for radicalization, engaging key communities in a “battle of ideas” will be essential in preventing such violent radical transformations from developing.
The Strategy also emphasizes the need to uncover possible sources for violent Islamic radicalization. Local law enforcement and communities are encouraged to counter such sources of radical ideologies by explaining US foreign policies, promoting the values of citizenship, democracy, religious tolerance and the protection of civil rights.
A Combined Effort
While terrorist groups continue to plot attacks and seek recruits for radicalization, fully benefiting from the new Strategy will require a continuous and balanced effort from all US citizens.
An active and diligent citizenry will help contribute to the disruption of terrorist activities and homegrown radicalization.
