My original thoughts about terrorism were heavily influenced by recent terrorist attacks on the United States. The motivation behind events such as 9/11 and the Boston Bombing are difficult for fellow Americans to understand. It seems delusional to validate the killings of so many innocent people through religion or politics. The video, A Legacy of Violence,(Setton Mudd & Carroll, 2000) by no means justifies terrorist acts, but explains them as a military and political tactic. By focusing on the history of the development of terrorism, and using examples outside of the U.S., it was easier to learn about the mentality behind terrorist attacks. The segment of the video (Setton et al, 2000) discussing the Irish rebellion for independence
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Furthermore, I was most surprised by the historic account of the Irish Republican Army, or IRA. I would think a seemingly, large and ongoing conflict, such as Ireland 's fight for independence, would be well known in the United States. However, my only previous knowledge of the IRA is from the fictional television show Sons of Anarchy. The television show depicts the modern IRA as an underground rebel group, which uses illegal firearm sales, human trafficking, bombings, and drive by shootings to achieve its goals. Although this portrayal seems to have some factual basis, the historically rich fight for an independent Ireland, led by Michael Collins, is not given any account on the show. I am shocked that this is the American media outlet for such a long standing and horrific political conflict. My original thought was that the coverage and entertainment productions about Michael Collins and the IRA preceded my attention to such matters. However, the American Civil War predates the IRA, and yet, it consistently is reflected in mainstream entertainment. For example, the movie The Patriot, was released in 2000, and is …show more content…
I am left with several dark foreshadowing’s of our country 's fate. If the United States refuses to negotiate with terrorists, do we then resemble the extremists who murdered Michael Collins for achieving a peaceful solution? Big Stick diplomacy, the idea that you can seek peace, but persuade your way by flexing military power, only works if you have the biggest stick. Unfortunately, with advances in military technology, I fear that the enemies of the U.S. will soon have their own military power. They will also have the advantage of guerilla warfare and self-sacrifice. My last thought being, if the evolution of terrorism continues, and the history of Ireland repeats itself, I hope the American government would be flexible enough to consider all peaceful
Furthermore, I was most surprised by the historic account of the Irish Republican Army, or IRA. I would think a seemingly, large and ongoing conflict, such as Ireland 's fight for independence, would be well known in the United States. However, my only previous knowledge of the IRA is from the fictional television show Sons of Anarchy. The television show depicts the modern IRA as an underground rebel group, which uses illegal firearm sales, human trafficking, bombings, and drive by shootings to achieve its goals. Although this portrayal seems to have some factual basis, the historically rich fight for an independent Ireland, led by Michael Collins, is not given any account on the show. I am shocked that this is the American media outlet for such a long standing and horrific political conflict. My original thought was that the coverage and entertainment productions about Michael Collins and the IRA preceded my attention to such matters. However, the American Civil War predates the IRA, and yet, it consistently is reflected in mainstream entertainment. For example, the movie The Patriot, was released in 2000, and is …show more content…
I am left with several dark foreshadowing’s of our country 's fate. If the United States refuses to negotiate with terrorists, do we then resemble the extremists who murdered Michael Collins for achieving a peaceful solution? Big Stick diplomacy, the idea that you can seek peace, but persuade your way by flexing military power, only works if you have the biggest stick. Unfortunately, with advances in military technology, I fear that the enemies of the U.S. will soon have their own military power. They will also have the advantage of guerilla warfare and self-sacrifice. My last thought being, if the evolution of terrorism continues, and the history of Ireland repeats itself, I hope the American government would be flexible enough to consider all peaceful