A simplified definition of terrorism is “an act or threatened act of violence against innocent people for political purposes” (White, 2014, p. 4). Since the sarin attack on the Japanese subway in 1995, governments are taking measures to prevent and respond to terroristic attacks utilizing chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear weapons (CBRN). Robyn Pangi identifies that chemical attacks, such as the one committed by the Aum Shinrikyo (Aum) in Japan, are different from conventional terroristic attacks because the effects of the attack can be reduced due to interventions made both prior to and after the attack (2002). Interventions for CBRN attacks include; intelligence gathering, training for responders, and limiting the ability of acquiring
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The Japanese governments perception of terrorism was limited to hostage situations and any activities taken by the government to preemptively investigate potential terrorist organizations was minimalized due to the desire for a “free society” (Pangi, 2002, p. 6). The structure of the legal system did not allow for information sharing or cooperation. Police departments worked independently based on jurisdiction and were in essence in competition with other departments. Since the attack on the subway, the Japanese government removed the Aum as a recognized religious organization. This took away Aum’s tax exempt status and allowed a more intense investigation into the organization and its holdings. A law was written that forbid the manufacturing, possession, and use of sarin and other biologicals (Pangi, 2002, p. 32) which gave the police more latitude and increased ability to conduct surveillance. The changes to the laws enabled law enforcement to proactively investigate organizations. Japan continues to withhold information about the Aum and other terroristic activities within the country to other countries that could be effected, including the United States. According to John Parachini, countries need to openly share information about terroristic activities in order to minimalize their effects globally (2003). Sanctions can be made against countries that are not effectively controlling terroristic activities and controlling access to substances used to create CBRN weapons. Effective counterterrorism efforts include countries working together, sharing intelligence, and controlling access to all conventional and non-conventional
The Japanese governments perception of terrorism was limited to hostage situations and any activities taken by the government to preemptively investigate potential terrorist organizations was minimalized due to the desire for a “free society” (Pangi, 2002, p. 6). The structure of the legal system did not allow for information sharing or cooperation. Police departments worked independently based on jurisdiction and were in essence in competition with other departments. Since the attack on the subway, the Japanese government removed the Aum as a recognized religious organization. This took away Aum’s tax exempt status and allowed a more intense investigation into the organization and its holdings. A law was written that forbid the manufacturing, possession, and use of sarin and other biologicals (Pangi, 2002, p. 32) which gave the police more latitude and increased ability to conduct surveillance. The changes to the laws enabled law enforcement to proactively investigate organizations. Japan continues to withhold information about the Aum and other terroristic activities within the country to other countries that could be effected, including the United States. According to John Parachini, countries need to openly share information about terroristic activities in order to minimalize their effects globally (2003). Sanctions can be made against countries that are not effectively controlling terroristic activities and controlling access to substances used to create CBRN weapons. Effective counterterrorism efforts include countries working together, sharing intelligence, and controlling access to all conventional and non-conventional