The terrorists’ focus has increasingly been targeting the oil industry. Al Qaeda has described oil as the, “umbilical cord and lifeline of the crusader community” (Lauft). Intelligence ought to explore the vulnerabilities of foreign oil and its financial impact on the United States’ economy.
The terrorists’ close association to Islam poses the next intelligence agenda: analyzing radical Islam’s agenda and religious stance. Such an analysis ought to include studies on Sayyid Qutb, and inspiration to al Qaeda according to the Al Qaeda Manual. An investigation will also help realize the terrorist’s intent and assist in infiltrating the network.
Further intelligence needs to be gathered on groups’ usage of terrorism as a political ploy; in the words of the Code of Federal Regulations, terrorism being used for political or social objectives. Such issues need an analysis of both foreign intelligence and domestic, counterintelligence to realize their political agenda.
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) are of upmost concern because of their physically devastating effects. (Nuclear weapons are discussed in further detail later.) Biological weapons are readily developed by knowledgeable agents, and they pose grave social risks. Intelligence needs to monitor terrorists’ operations and analyze their biological weapons’ capabilities.
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Resources
Lauft, Gal (2004). Terror’s Next Target, retrieved January, 16 2009 from www.iags.org/n1216041.htm
White, Jonathan R., (2009). Terrorism and Homeland Security (6th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
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