CNN Report on Global Terrorism... Is President Obama and His Administration's Approach In Combatting it Right?

Rational Nation USA
Purveyor of Truth

Given the recent terrorist attack in Paris France it is understandable the heightened concern in the USA over possible terrorist attacks again being unleased on our soil, and indeed the possibility is real. However, the 24/7 barrage of negative media coverage, mostly from FOX "News", the GOP hyperbole with respect the how President Obama and his administration is handling the threat, as well as its policy on taking Syrian refugees into the USA is lacking of rational thought and analysis. Responding out of fear rather than an understanding of facts and a sober analysis of the possible repercussions of our actions is both foolhardy and dangerous. The following report helps put things in perspective.

CNN - The deadly terror attacks in Paris and Beirut last week are consistent with a worldwide trend of increased terrorism -- now at its highest level ever -- according to a new study.

Deaths from global terrorism increased by 80% in 2014 with 32,658 people being killed, says the study.

The report highlights that despite 78% of terrorist acts being concentrated in five countries -- Pakistan, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq(emphasis added)--terrorism is spreading, with more countries recording attacks and deaths than previously.

The Global Terrorism Index report, which was released Tuesday, says there has been a "dramatic rise" in terrorism over the last 15 years. There are nine times more people killed in terrorist attacks today than there were in 2000.

Islamist groups Boko Haram and ISIS together were responsible for 51% of claimed global killings in 2014.

SKIP

Most deaths from terrorism are not taking place in the West. Excluding the 9/11 attacks, since 2000 only 0.5% of deaths from terrorism have occurred on Western soil(emphasis added).

Of the attacks that did take place in the West, "lone wolf" attackers are the main perpetrators -- causing 70% of all deaths since 2006.

The majority of "lone wolf" attackers are a mixture political extremists, nationalists, racial, religious and white supremacists and, to a lesser degree, Islamic fundamentalists.

SKIP

"Terrorist activity is a significant driver of forced migration," cites the report. "Ten of the 11 countries most affected by terrorism also have the highest rates of refugees and internal displacement. This highlights the strong connection between the current refugee crisis, terrorism and conflict."

Political violence and conflict are the two factors most closely linked to terrorism.

Between 1989 and 2014, 92% of all terrorist attacks took place in countries where state-funded political violence was widespread.

Drivers of terrorism differ however. In developed countries, socioeconomic factors such as lack of opportunity and low social cohesion are significantly linked to terrorism. In less-developed countries, internal conflicts, political terror, and corruption are strongly linked to terrorism.

Since there are clear sociopolitical factors that foster terrorism, it is important to implement policies addressing these associated causes, said Steve Killelea, founder of the Institute for Economics and Peace. "This includes reducing state-sponsored violence, diffusing group grievances, and improving respect for human rights and religious freedoms, while considering cultural nuances," wrote Killelea {MORE BELOW THE FOLD}

Those who are really thinking this through know that President Obama is acting reasonably, rationally, and in our nation's best self interest as well as those of other Western nations.

Via: Memeorandum

Comments

  1. Jersey McJonesWed Nov 18, 07:01:00 PM EST

    And I think Obama would, like most decent people, like to clean up that horrible mess in Iraq and Syria, and I am glad he refuses to go it alone. His critics in the House have not even given him an AUMF for Syria. They are to be ignored, and we don't move in, until the House, and all the major powers decide to move in together. The President is doing a good job, but if people want him to do more than they need to understand it is not he standing in the way. France, Germany, Britain, Russia, China, India, Brazil - you name 'em, and our own friggin' Congress, they ALL need to get on board. Otherwise, Obama's course seems like the only sane one.

    JMJ

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dave MillerWed Nov 18, 07:35:00 PM EST

    Agreed JMJ... if the other powers, the Arabs included will not participate and send ground troops, we should stay out, and demand the GOP leaders explain with specifics their plan. At least Graham has called for 100,000 troops. While I disagree, he at least is willing to posit a specific solution, something no other candidate has done.

    ReplyDelete
  3. (O)CT(O)PUSThu Nov 19, 04:24:00 AM EST

    Obama has been cautious and "measured" in his approach, which the GOP often spins as weakness. Obama has good reason to be measured. American boots on the ground would inflame the situation and play directly into the narrative of ISIS. It takes fortitude to resist these taunts, which the current pandering GOP is not especially good at.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Les CarpenterSun Nov 22, 09:29:00 AM EST

    I, like all of you, believe the president's cautious and measured handling of the situation is the wise and prudent approach. It is time the other powers threatened and impacted by ISIS and other terror organizations step up.

    As for the GOP, it seems they are not particularly adept at doing much of anything, except hyperbole and obstruct.

    ReplyDelete

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