Asymmetric Warfare -- Exposing America's Weaknesses
Abstract
The morning of September 11, 2001 changed the face of America. Terrorism is no longer a word reserved for television broadcasters when describing events taking place halfway around the world. Watching the smoke billowing into the clear blue skies that September day, Americans knew that they were no longer safe at home or at work. Terrorism had come to America. As they sat glued to their television sets, the fact that terrorists were no longer a foreign problem was repeated over and over by commentators. When the first plane hit the World Trade Center, most of them assumed it was a tragic accident. The plane must have veered off course due to a mechanical failure or pilot error. But when a second plane rammed the second tower right before their eyes, it was clear this was no accident. A choreographed terrorist attack on the United States was underway and its citizens were helpless to stop it. The vulnerabilities of America became clear to the world in those few moments. As the smoke cleared and the rubble was cleaned up, it would be naive to think this was the last asymmetric attack that terrorists will inflict on America. Americans need to ask hard questions and be ready to make difficult changes so that they can maintain the freedoms they hold so dear. How did these terrorists cause so much death and destruction within U.S. borders? What made these buildings the targets of choice? Could anyone have prevented it? The answer to the first two questions is simple: they watched how Americans live in this land of the free and discovered their weaknesses. By exploring these thoughts, just like a terrorist would, Americans can expose major flaws in the way they conduct business and correct them before they are exploited again. The author hopes that this exercise will lead the nation to the answers it needs to prevent future attacks.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA476449
Entities
People
- Bradley A. Kinneer
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College