<Author>Michael</Author>
<Topic>Fighting Terrorism</Topic>
<Source></Source>
<Nationality>USA</Nationality>
Terrorism is a serious world problem. Even before the attacks on the World Trade Towers in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D. C. , on September 11, 2001, the last two or three decades have increasingly seen a continuing rise in international terrorist acts. When traveling in Europe in 1986, the American government warned American tourists to be careful of possible terrorist attacks. While teaching in Swaziland in southeast Africa in 1990-91, I was warned by the American Embassy to he alert to possible terrorist attacks. In 1995, terrorists attempted to destroy the World Trade Center by a vehicle bomb. In 1998, terrorists destroyed the American embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. Many attacks against American installations and individuals have continued. since that time. In 2002, a terrorist attack against the Indian Parliament was prevented. In Israel and Palestine t terrorism continues. Israel and Palestine have appeared to be engaged in terrorism and counterterrorism for several years. The former Yugoslavia and Kosovo conflicts included many acts of terrorism. The Russian government has faced many terrorist attacks in the last several years. Even sports events are subject to terrorism. beginning with several past Olympics. It seems that early in the twenty-first century. on almost a daily basis, we hear of more and more terrorist attacks against governments, leaders, and innocent individuals.
After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the US, which many leaders around the world called an affront, not only against America, but against the entire civilized world, the US and many other countries led a concerted attack against terrorism, particularly in Afghanistan. The Taliban government there was eliminated, and replaced by a more democratic government, but at great cost of many innocent lives and more than six billion refugees. There appears to be a broad terrorist network in many parts of the world. Only time will tell if the American and other attacks against the bases of terrorism in Afghanistan and elsewhere will have been successful.
Since coming from the US to China, I am told by people and family members writing me email messages that the America that I left is not the US that I will return to. Apparently, there has been a great sadness among both young and old in the US over these tragic attacks. The American government, in its efforts to counter terrorism, may have restricted guaranteed freedoms in various ways. One of the most important things that I have heard in the news and from individuals is that the American people are resolved not to allow terrorism to destroy the fabric of American culture.