CRS Issue Statement on Terrorism

John Rollins, Coordinator 
Specialist in Terrorism and National Security

Terrorism remains a transnational threat, and understanding the global nature of the numerous organizations and persons wishing to harm U.S. national security interests is central to formulating sound strategic policy and overseeing its effective implementation. The past year has witnessed an increase in terrorist actions by both affiliated but decentralized and non-associated groups of individuals claiming allegiance to terrorist organizations and their underlying ideologies. Many of the past year's terrorist attacks were conducted by individuals or small terrorist cells that received support ranging from resources and training to having minimal connections, if any, with the terrorist groups to which they claim allegiance. 

The terrorist threat to U.S. global interests remains a critical issue for the current Administration and 111th Congress. Over the past year, numerous individuals were arrested in the homeland and abroad for conducting attacks and planning terrorism related activities directed at U.S. national security interests. All of the attacks—successful and unsuccessful—were of a transnational dimension and ranged from a lone shooter who may have become radicalized over the Internet to a continued focus of terrorist organizations wishing to use airliners as platforms for destruction.


Date of Report: January 11, 2010
Number of Pages: 3
Order Number: IS40398
Price: $7.95

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