Guard 1

Matthew Guard
English 1201
Prof. Artis
Fall Semester 2015
Al Qaida: Has U.S. policy actually spread terrorism?
Ill be honest, I think the United States current policy on terrorism is incredibly too soft.
Why should terrorists feel afraid to attack the United States when there are no serious
repercussions? The rules of engagement for our military operating overseas is extremely
hampering the success in Iraq and Afghanistan, leaving our soldiers and Marines feeling like
they are fighting with their hands behind their backs. You cannot conduct nation building until
you expel those who oppose it. Even U.S. citizens have little fear of joining terrorist groups such
as Al Qaida and ISIS (the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) they dont even lose their citizenship
after returning from conducting terrorist operations overseas. I think this is a very important
topic that needs to be addressed, as we are seeing a sharp increase of terrorist activities not only
in the Middle East but the western world, including the United Sates. These organizations need
to know that these attacks will not be tolerated and that there will be grave consequences to any
nation that funds or harbors them. Our government claimed to have reduced Al Qaida to an
inoperable status after ending operations in Iraq but this statement is no longer true. With the rise
of groups like ISIS, Al Qaida are once again conducting operations in Iraq, Syria and Yemen.
Recent messages have been more focused on America, urging lone wolves to attack soft targets.

Guard 2

I would like to find out the true extent of Al Qaidas influence today and how our current
terrorism policy has either hindered or facilitated their growth. Another key question that I am
looking into is what are some no-nonsense ways to contain this current wave of Jihadists while
not creating more in the process?