Rail Security & Funding in Light of the Current Terrorism Threat
Ever since September 11, 2011, increased terrorist action around the globe threatens the daily lives of American citizens abroad and at home. As Johnston and Nath explain: "Terrorism has existed as a global phenomenon for years, but it is only in recent decades that it has gathered momentum and sought to influence our daily lives" (255). Because of significant advances in technology, communications, weaponry, and transportation; terrorists are now able to network more readily, efficiently and sophisticatedly. This enhanced capability of terrorist networks has even led to the need for officials to protect domestic targets from both homegrown and international terrorist threats.
Historically, terrorist groups target sites of significance to nations; whether they include political, economic, military or cultural sites. Al Qaeda's attack on the World Trade Center (WTC) and the Pentagon showcased to Americans and the world the "extent of destruction that well-orchestrated attacks could generate on the world's largest superpower" (Johnston and Nath 255). The multiple successful domestic attacks illustrated to the world that terrorism knows no political, economic or geographic boundaries or potential for destruction.
The September 11 attacks by Al Qaeda also highlighted a serious concern for U.S. officials. As Johnston and Nath describe it: "The events of September 11 exposed critical security flaws within the US transportation system that required urgent attention" (255). The size, nature and scope of the U.S. transportation network makes it highly vulnerable to terrorist attack and an ongoing prized target of both international and domestic terrorists. Funding is challenged by the multiple modes of transport and the competing factions for security funding within each sector, especially the rail transit sector.
The followi...