Order Number |
636738393092 |
Type of Project |
ESSAY |
Writer Level |
PHD VERIFIED |
Format |
APA |
Academic Sources |
10 |
Page Count |
3-12 PAGES |
Module Three due 10/27:
This module’s lecture considers the various ways the U.S. has attempted to combat al Qaeda, insurgent forces, and the Islamic State. These methods include: conventional warfare (occupying territory and attempting to fight enemy forces in a traditional manner, while not focusing much on the local society); Counterinsurgency (COIN/the Petraeus Doctrine); and Counter-Terrorism (use of SOF, drones, and air strikes).
For this discussion board, critically think about these methods of combating these threats, including their strengths and weaknesses in relation to specific threats as well as how well these methods have worked so far. In doing so, discuss what sort of strategy you believe the United States should adopt in combating the Islamic State and al Qaeda. Should the U.S. adopt the same strategy for both threats, or a different strategy for each threat? What sort of footprint should U.S. forces have “on the ground” and to what extent should the U.S. work with others (such as countries within the region as well as other Western powers) to combat these threats? What is your sense of the effectiveness of the current U.S. strategy in combatting the Islamic State
Module Four due 11/3:
This module’s lecture focused on an important aspect of the current U.S. strategy (as much as we can say a true strategy exists in a formal sense) in combating international terrorist threats: the use of UAVs to eliminate these threats. From Afghanistan and Iraq to Yemen, Syria, and other countries, drones are increasingly relied upon to eliminate these threats. However, the increasing use of drones does raise certain concerns. Such concerns include issues of sovereignty, civilian casualties, and even whether a strategy relying upon drones in conjunction with SOF (rather than large numbers of “boots on the ground,” for instance) is the best option for combating threats like al Qaeda and the Islamic State.
For this module’s discussion board, consider these concerns and the overall costs and benefits of drone strikes. Do you think these concerns are valid? Why or why not? What about the benefits of using drones (such as keeping pilots out of harms way, the ability to conduct surveillance of specific threats, the ability to strike targets with high levels of precision, and so on)? Do your views differ when considering the specific threat, such as al Qaeda versus the Islamic State? Feel free to relate this discussion to your overall thoughts on U.S. strategy in combating terrorist threats as well as any knowledge you have about the use of drones from government or media reporting.
Module Five due 11/10:
In this module, we have begun to discuss some of the United States’ changes and responses to national security concerns after September 11, 2001. So far, we have looked at both domestic issues, such as increased surveillance of U.S. citizens, and international issues, such as rendition and the use of enhanced interrogation.
For this discussion board, assess these post-9/11 changes. Do you agree with actions the U.S. has taken? Explain why or why not. You may find that you agree with some of the actions and not others. You might also have your own suggestions on actions the U.S. should be taking to improve national security and protect against future terrorist attacks. If so, feel free to share your ideas.
Though this discussion board is very open-ended, be sure to give your responses serious thought.
Module Six due 11/17:
Our topic this module builds upon the discussion we started in the last module. Specifically, we look towards the tension that exists between Freedom and Security. Based on what we covered this module and last, assess the questions posed toward the end of this module’s lecture. These questions include: Are the actions taken by the government since 9/11, including increased domestic surveillance, a threat to freedom? Is it problematic that many of these actions were undertaken in secret? Has the balance between security and freedom shifted too far towards security? Should we willingly give up some freedom for greater security? Should we accept a certain level of insecurity in a free society?
In considering these questions, feel free to elaborate upon your own general thoughts beyond these questions as well. Information from the assigned readings may also prove useful in supporting your views