About International Laws Regarding Terrorism (Essay Sample)

International Law and Terrorism
Name of Student
Institution Affiliation
Abstract
Terrorism is a criminal offence that has a large adverse effect on the general well-being of the population worldwide. The phenomenon majorly occurs as some people or groups of people are in pursuit of a particular aim, such as political, religious, or ideological, which differentiate terrorist attacks from ordinary criminal acts of murder. Terrorist attacks do not discriminate against one individual since the main plan is that the agendas are passed across to instil fear among thousands of people. This fear has become a symbol of the vice, ensuring that terrorists’ messages are heard. The acts of terrorism influence the very nature of how international relations, affecting individuals who are mainly innocent and unaware of the ideologies sort by terrorists. The United Nations has made several treaties, such as International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings 1997 and International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism 1999. The treaties clearly show that terrorism is not accepted at the international level, and when it occurs, the country publicly condemns such acts, as was in the case of Paris attacks. The states also offer support to countries affected and even help in the apprehension and extradition of perpetrators of terrorism. This paper will show that there are more civilised and less destructive ways to voice out one’s concerns and that the international community does not support acts of terrorism, with many states having a separate housing unit for terrorists in prison. Since in most cases, the municipal law takes precedence over international law, there is a need for treaties that will make international relations easier and allow the states to decide on the action to be taken when a terrorist is apprehended, to avoid conflict of interest in the matter.
International Law and Terrorism
Introduction
Terrorism activities instil fear in an entire nation or state. This is mainly because the activities involved affect the average person more than politicians or organisations that the message is intended to. Municipal law serves as the basis for protection of citizens against terrorism (Byers, 2002). However, a wide range of implications associated with the vice makes it an international affair of critical importance, demanding action from the international community, such as military support, as seen in the case of ISIL and Somalia. The intervention of international community is due to the fact that terrorists tend to commit the crime and hide in other parts of the world, hence requiring international cooperation to hunt them down and bring to justice (Cassese, 2001). Hijacking is considered a continuing crime in the international community, as the aircraft moves through various territories. Such an act is meant to instil fear in people and the terrorist capitalises on this in their activities. Various laws have been enacted by the international community to curb terrorism because the vice has become rampant.
The common misconception is that terrorism has to do largely with Muslim Religion and that its followers are the enemy. This is clearly a political propaganda aimed and alienating a group of people and associating them with a particular activity, which in this case is completely wrong (Galicki, 2005). Every individual has a right to subscribe to any religion, be it Muslim, Christianity, Hinduism or any other as long as that religion does not in any way promote acts of terrorism. Terrorism is referred to as instillation of terror in the community by passing particular ideology. Hence, not only the ideology of Muslims should be isolated, as various groups of people that have no relation to Islam may do exactly the same thing (Guillaume, 2004). We show restraint and do not persecute a group of people simply due to some biases against them. The United States recently issued travel notices banning Muslims of various countries from entering the United States. Although the majority of people believe that government has the right to pass such laws in order to protect the nation, this may bring adverse effects as well. In particular, feeling oppressed by the international community, Muslims may be radicalised and think that the only way to fight is to join terrorist organisations (Kellogg, 2005). Personally, I believe that the Muslim faithful should not be generalised as a terrorist and face the wrath of this enactment, instead, the enactment should single out the perpetrators of terror. The executive order stated that “It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks, including those committed by foreign nationals.  The screening and vetting protocols and procedures associated with the visa issuance process and the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) play a crucial role in detecting foreign nationals who may commit, aid, or support acts of terrorism and in preventing those individuals from entering the United States.  It is, therefore, the policy of the United States to improve the screening and vetting protocols and procedures associated with the visa issuance process and the USRAP.”
The aspect of terrorism was largely seen by many as a concept of the west, but the same is frequently observed in Africa and in such countries as Kenya and Nigeria. Currently, Kenya is in Somalia waging a war against the Al-Shabaab, meaning that the country was no longer able to ignore the situation and simply do nothing about it. In Kenya, the effect of terrorism has had adverse effects all over the country. Many lives have been lost in such acts. For instance, the El Ade attack on the Kenyan Defense Forces claimed more than a hundred soldiers. Terrorist groups are trying to send their messages by committing inhuman acts. In addition, a terrorist group Boko Haram, trying to establish an Islamic State in Nigeria kidnapped school girls. Terrorist organisations have an established system of communication, which is able to cross the borders, which necessitated international communities to form a strong alliance to deter and capture those who seem to be involved in organised crimes, such as attacks (Paust, 2000).
It is important to note that the weapons used by terrorists never runs out. To make matters worse, they always have a good supply of money and ammunition, with this encouraging people to actively get involved in terrorism and benefit from the same. United States Patriot Act prohibits dealing with terrorists or supporting them in any way. In a similar vein, the international community has a number of strict laws that prohibit the vice.
The issue of terror...