Discuss the five key dilemmas facing terrorist groups

Question

Expand on each of the five by giving a recent example from an outside source. In addition, provide a counterterrorism tactic which the United States could or has deployed to break-up or destroy this dilemma in the organization.

What will be an ideal response

Answer 1

1 . Action versus Secrecy: Action is necessary to advance the cause, publicize it, and gain recruits and supporters. As more attacks are made it becomes more difficult to maintain internal secrecy. However, internal secrecy also complicates the task of communicating and coordinating with the various parts of the terrorist movement. 2 . Growth versus Control: As a terrorist movement grows the leader must relinquish operational control and delegate tasks to lower ranking leaders. 3 . Recruitment versus Retention: Poor recruitment can cripple or cause a terrorist organization to fail. Recruitment must be based on that individual and not a blanket approach, as there are many different reasons as to why a person will join a terrorist group. Because the recruitment process is tedious, the maintaining of those recruits is very important. 4 . Success versus Longevity: Terrorist organizations must balance the risks associated with conducting operations with the need to ensure their own long-term survival. Ensuring longevity may require the organization reinvent itself, or to adopt long-term goals. 5 . Resource Acquisition versus Constituencies: The use of roving and stationary bandits as a means of creating a flow of resources. Examples from outside sources and counterterrorism tactics will vary, but should be cited, credible, and viable.