Why is there confusion in defining Homeland Security?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

• The reason for the initial confusion about policy is that America had no common definition of homeland security.
• Issues surrounding homeland security were confused because the country was dealing with a new concept, a new meaning of conflict, and a change in the procedures used to defend the United States.
In the past, military forces protected the homeland, projecting power beyond U.S. borders, but the world changed with the end of the cold war in 1991.
• Another reason for confusion lies in the fact that the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was responsible for protecting the borders and the country's interior.
• Coupled with this state of affairs were bureaucratic efforts to redefine relations among agencies.
• The situation was further complicated when state and local governments became involved.
• Finally, a host of private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and health care systems were involved in security efforts. It was not easy to find a common definition for homeland security.
• Confusion remains. For example, there are debates about the constitutionality of some aspects of governmental functions and laws that followed the 9/11 attacks.
• There are tremendous differences of opinion about the use of the military in the war on terrorism, and this is highlighted in passionate debates about the effectiveness of the Iraq War.
• Foreign policy relationships and the use of intelligence also are debated within the homeland security discussion.
• Many federal, state, local, and tribal police agencies still search for their mission.