ABSTRACT

Terrorism is commonly defined as the use of force or violence against persons or property in violation of criminal laws for the purpose of intimidation, coercion, or ransom (FEMA, 1998

 

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. The intent of terrorism is to cause property damage, physical injury, or economic damage to people or to an entity, such as a government, corporation or research institute. Terrorists often use threats to generate publicity for their cause while creating fear among the public and convincing citizens that their government is powerless to prevent attacks. An underlying purpose of terrorism is to generate fear and anarchy, hopelessness and hate. A terrorism attack can take a number of different forms — dependent upon the technology available, the nature of the underlying political issue, and the strength of the target. Bombing is the most frequently used tactic in the U.S. and around the world; recall the recent events in Spain, Iraq and Israel, Indonesia, Russia and Western Europe, and, closer to home, at the World Trade Center, Capitol Building and Pentagon, Mobil Oil Headquarters, and the Federal Building in Oklahoma City. More subtle forms of attack include assaults on transportation systems, utilities, public services, and critical infrastructure such as water and food.