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Independent vs. centralized acts of terror
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Terrorist - Undated (AP Photo)
In the immediate history of America at least three, and maybe more to come, terrorist plans have been thwarted by Federal Agents. The one that posed the most immediate threat to the public was that conceived and acted on by Mr. Ajibullah Zazi in Colorado. But, two others were thwarted through the diligence of the government. Had they not detected and acted as they did the threat of the suspect’s actions would have been incredibly immediate and lethal. We all owe our anti-terrorism agents, local, state, and national, great appreciation and admiration for a job well done.
The question as to whether or not these attempts are directed by Al-Qaeda or other organizations has been circulating through every facet of communications. The answer, for those familiar with Terrorism Tactics, is really quite simple. An examination of the means by which the central figures of each case shows incredibly obvious signs and symptoms of independent action. And, even though Ajibullah Zazi has received training from Al-Qaeda operatives in Pakistan, he did not receive complete training in organizing, supporting, directing, and executing an attack.
There are five steps, or "elements," to every terrorist attack that is supported and directed by a disciplined and organized group. Each element of the attack is deliberate and thorough. The organization of the effort is quite complex and involves far more than the actors alone. There are intelligence, logistics, and command & control operatives that are required to select and research targets, move money and materials, assign actors, and coordinate efforts in a compartmentalized environment.
In an organized terrorist attack, there are no random calls on the internet for bomb builders, and attack assistance. These elements are taken care of from within the organization. The materials are secured through logistical and financial operatives while assembly of the materials is done by another. The intelligence gathering is done by a third, and the leadership element is the only thing that links them all. One element is unaware of the other and knows only what function it is to perform immediately.
In these most recent three cases, there is a severe absence of an orderly process towards the final desired act of violence. The typical method of operation (Modus Operandi) hasn’t been followed. In addition, compartmentalization and other practiced security protocols are also lacking. This condition in the effort suggests strongly that they are not Al-Qaeda sponsored efforts. However, the actions of these individuals do match those of independent and spontaneous attacks planned by sympathizers who are of the same mindset as organized terrorist groups but not a part of such organizations.
Sympathetic Terrorist Actors are by-products of organizational propaganda and individual idolizing of the attacks executed and the attackers involved in terrorism sponsored by the organization of common belief. They are moved to immulate or repeat the actions of others who have opted for violence to resolve conflicting or confrontational socio-political issues. However, their actions are limited and without the resources of the greater terrorist organization or network. They become all of the support actors and mechanisms in one person or small group of persons. The result is lowered security and very easy detection by authorities.
It is far more difficult for the authorities of any country to "nail" the entire terrorist network behind any one or more terrorist attacks and/or plots by a larger, more disciplined, better staffed, and better supported organization. This is due primarily to the internalization of all aspects of the attack effort and the compartmentalization of each element and mechanism involved. Only the central commanding element knows the entire plan. None of the other actors do. This is in great contrast to what we see with the Zazi, Smadi, and Finton cases.
Each of the primary suspects took it upon themselves to carry out unsponsored and ad hoc attacks against U.S. domestic targets. They were unaware of and did not follow key elements in planning and executing a terrorist attack as established by Hamas, Quds Force, Hezbullah, Al-Qaeda, and a multitude of other Jihadist organizations throughout the world. They lacked discipline in the activities and left a bread-crumb trail for investigators to detect, follow, and act on. In short, these people were sloppy in their work and fully trained terrorist operatives would have been far more difficult to detect.
What weighs heavily on the minds of federal and local law enforcement officials’ is the possibility, or more accurately the actuality, of the better disciplined and supported terrorists in the area. These recent arrests are commendable achievements. The sympathizers must not be ignored at all as they do commit independent acts of violence which result in property destruction and innocent human death. Timothy McVeigh is a very good example of how lethal an independent terrorist actor can be. However, at this very moment far more dangerous elements remain at-large and un-detected. These elements are the better financed and trained terrorists of Al-Qaeda and other extremist groups.
What is so interesting about the relationship of sympathizer terrorists and organizations of similar mentality is that it isn’t blissful at all. Independent terrorists are loose cannons on deck during a hurricane. The damage to the over-all movement and its own internal efforts is often catastrophic. In investigating those related to the Zazi case it is entirely likely that the better hidden and more serious terrorists will be discovered. This is something that the organizations could not possibly plan for or have any means to detect. This certainly plays well for the U.S. government and people but not at all for the terrorists and groups desiring to effectively execute attacks on significant targets.
Although terrorist groups acknowledge and appreciate what is in the hearts of independent terrorist actors, they discourage independent action. It is easy to see in propaganda and recruiting documents. They need members and they want all who hold the same values to join them. But, rarely do you see them encourage independent action as few succeed and all compromise the cause they hold common. These recent arrests are testimony to the vigilance and hard work of various government agencies indeed. But, until the American people start seeing the arrests of "Professional terrorists" and the halting of far more serious and lethal attacks that are centrally directed by Al-Qaeda, these agencies need full economic, social, and political support in order to dig deeper, see farther, and reach beyond to catch a very cunning and lethal enemy to America in its entirety. Like terrorist cells that act on their own and without support, investigative agencies acting alone and without support will fail to fully protect the people, property, and interests of this great nation. Let's make sure they get our support.
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