The Terrorist Attacks of 9/11 and the Resulting Changes to U.S. Homeland Security On 11 September 2001, al-Qaida conducted a well-organized, coordinated attack against multiple major targets in the United States. These attacks were largely successful in achieving their goals, except for Flight 93, which was prevented by passengers aboard the airliner. Despite the latter, these attacks, described by many observers as a “Second Pearl Harbor,” not only successfully attacked their targets, but achieved greater long-term, strategic gains for the group, led by Osama bin Ladin. Clearly, the nation was caught off guard by these attacks. Why was al-Qaida successful in carrying out these attacks?

According to some sources, the problem lay in a communications breakdown or poor information sharing among agencies such as the FBI, CIA, and National Security Agency (NSA). Also, al-Qaida operatives in the U.S. were able to blend into their communities. Read Investigating 9/11 for an interesting report concerning missed opportunities and lack of communication among intelligence agencies. As a direct result of these attacks, U.S. Homeland Security undertook a re-evaluation in all government sectors, particularly among the two major domestic entities most responsible for defending the Homeland: The Intelligence Community The Department of Defense (DoD) Both groups implemented massive changes, backed by profound (and controversial) legislation from the White House and Congress.

The 9/11 attacks served to make important changes in: Legislative, Administrative, Judicial and, Military sectors. All the changes created the formation for Homeland Security as we know it today. Therefore, it is essential to explore and understand the attacks of 9/11 and the resulting changes that took place soon after that event, as well as the decision to take the nation to war in Afghanistan -- a war that continues to this day.

Required:

1. Explain how al-Qaida was able to establish terrorist cells within the United States capable of carrying out these attacks without detection.

2. Go to the DHS Website https://www.dhs.gov/about-dhs. Pick a mission and comment on it. For example, if it is Prevent Terrorism and Enhance Security, explain what is being done, perhaps write about a recent terrorist act in the US, or explain what measures are used by businesses, hospitals, schools, etc.