Terrorist Group Profile and Homeland Security Policy Term Paper

Terrorist Group Profile and Homeland Security Policy - Term Paper Example Following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the United States under the Bush Administration launched an attack on the stronghold of the Taliban Militia in Afghanistan because they were harboring the Al-Qaeda who were found to have been the mastermind of the terrorist attacks that occurred on American soil in September 11, 2001 (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2011). The United State’s invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 led to the defeat of the Taliban forces; and Al-Qaeda lost its primary training camps for would be terrorists. The destruction of the Al-Qaeda’s main training ground however did not prevent the group from making other numerous attacks against the United States, its personnel (civilian and military), and its allies from different parts of the world. The reason behind this is that Al-Qaeda has other cells or hidden bases in other countries that its members can use to communicate with the leaders of the group. Asi de from this, it has forged alliances with other extremist groups in the world, hence establishing its roots locally without the need for the leaders like Osama gin Laden to be personally present within a given place or country that is targeted for an attack (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2011). Al-Qaeda’s Ideology The ideology of the Al-Qaeda group in the beginning is mainly based in the performance of the jihad, where all Muslims are called forth to destroy and kill American servicemen and civilians including their allies who are located in Muslim countries especially Saudi Arabia. Since Al-Qaeda considers the United States and its allies evil, it is their belief that they must find ways and means to make â€Å"jihad† or perform a struggles against the so called evil forces of the West... Terrorist Group Profile and Homeland Security Policy The policies that will be discussed here are solely based on the written directives and guidelines built by the National Homeland Security Department, which will serve as the basis on how the United States will make means and ways to counter potential terrorist attacks to keep the nation safe. The first part of this paper will talk about the terrorist group Al-Qaeda. The discussion will give enlightenment as to how the group evolved after the Afghan War. The group’s ideology, tactics, targets and capability will likewise be pointed out. The second part of the paper will talk about the National Homeland Security policies in relation to terrorism. The policies will initially be introduced and will be evaluated against the data or information gathered about Al-Qaeda in the conclusion. Compared to other terrorist groups, Al-Qaeda fares better in terms of member support that does not only stem from the countries of each leaders and strategists. It is a well-footed radical organization, which proved to be able to render massive destruction that does not only cripple the economy of a country but puts fear in the heart of its citizens. Although Al-Qaeda is currently considered to be quite unbreakable due in part to its cells in other countries worldwide, the implementation of the Department of Homeland Security’s policy on general aviation security and the policy on proper information sharing can hinder the repeat of the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States.

Significant person Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Significant person - Essay Example The size of his feet and hands is normal, not too big or too small. His head is square shaped with a notably short neck and narrow shoulders. He has a birth mark of two black dots on the other shoulder with two hairs and we use to call them cockroaches and he enjoys it. His sense of hearing is exceptionally good and his voice is loud when he talks. His voice also vibrates when he laughs and he is always smelling cigarettes in his breath when you are closer to him. He likes to use gestures when speaking like nodding the head when emphasising a point. He keeps a moustache which makes her facial expression look fun. My father is 59 years old and is an ambassador and I mostly admire him for his great achievements in life. He finished his high school in Qatar and obtained a diploma in Lebanon. He went on to obtain a Masters Degree in San Diego, CA. He is married and has six children of which four are boys and two are girls. We are originally from Qatar but we are living here because of his ambassadorial post. His position gives him status in the society though I am not very familiar with his

Sample Statistic, p-value, Confidence interval Assignment

Sample Statistic, p-value, Confidence interval - Assignment Example 1) What is the null hypothesis (H0) tested? H0: Ï€ ≠¤ 0.5 2) What is the alternative hypothesis (H1)? H1: Ï€ > 0.5 3) Sample statistic: a. What is the meaning of the sample statistic? A sample statistic is calculated numerical value that characterizes some aspect of sample set of data, often meant to estimate the real value of the corresponding parameter in an underlying population. What is its value? 0.05 4) Test statistic: a. What is the meaning of the test statistic? The test stat is the distance of the sample proportion from the population proportion in standard errors of the distribution of the test statistic b. What is its value? 0.8944 5) Critical values: a. What is the meaning of critical value? Critical value(s) is a factor used to compute the margin of error. Critical value(s) of the test statistic bounds the rejection region(s) of probability alpha = the risk we are willing to take of rejecting H0 when H0 is true b. What is (are) the critical value(s)? Critical lower value is 1.6449

S.W.O.T. Analysis of Kroger Co Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

S.W.O.T. Analysis of Kroger Co - Term Paper Example There are 2,461 multidepartment stores and supermarkets owned by Kroger, and 954 of them have fuel centers. Apart from the supermarkets, Kroger operates 375 fine jewelry stores and 784 convenience stores (GlobalData, 2012). All the jewelry stores of Kroger are located in malls, which are situated in leased locations. Eighty-three convenience stores are operated under franchise agreements. Close to 51 percent of the convenience stores managed by subsidiaries were initially operated by company-owned facilities. The convenience stores provide a limited variety of general merchandise and an assortment of staple food, and, in general cases, sell gasoline. Kroger’s supermarkets stock an average of 11,000 private label items. The company also operates 39 manufacturing plants. The plants consist of 10 bakery or deli plants, 17 dairies, 3 beverage plants, two cheese plants, two meat plants, and 5 grocery product plants. The supermarkets are usually operated under format, which entail c ombination drug and food stores (combo stores), price impact warehouses, marketplace stores, and multi-department stores (Thomson Reuters, 2012). SWOT Analysis Description SWOT analysis is described as a strategic planning tool utilized in the assessment of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) involved in a business venture or in a project. It entails specifying the aim of the project or the business venture and recognizing the external and internal factors that are unfavorable and favorable to accomplishing that objective. The purpose of any SWOT analysis is to recognize the main external and internal factors that are crucial to accomplishing the objective. SWOT analysis categorizes main pieces of information into two major classes, internal and external factors. Internal factors include the weaknesses and strengths internal to the company or the organization. External factors entail the threats and opportunities presented by the outside environment (Research an d Markets, 2012). The internal factors can be seen as weaknesses or strengths depending on their effect on the objectives of the organization. It is important to note that what may look, as strength to one objective can be a weakness for another objective. The factors may entail all the 4P’s (product, place, price, and promotion), finance, personnel, and manufacturing capabilities. The external factors may include technological change, socio-cultural changes, legislation, competitive position, changes in the marketplace, and macroeconomic matters. A matrix is used to represent the results of the SWOT analysis. However, SWOT analysis has its weaknesses. For instance, it may tend to influence companies or organizations to gather lists rather than reflect on what is crucial in accomplishing objectives. The resulting lists presented are not critical and lack clear prioritization. For instance, weak opportunities can appear to balance the strong threats (Research and Markets, 2012 ). SWOT Analysis of Kroger Co. Strengths Kroger Co. has passed through the economic recession with little success because of its strong market position. Kroger held the first and second market share position in 39 out of the 42 major markets in the year 2009. The company’s brand equity offers a strong competitive advantage over the other companies. In 2009, it was listed 82nd in Global 500 Brand Raking. This strength will continue serving the

The Cell Cycle and Cancer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Cell Cycle and Cancer - Essay Example G1 phase, where synthesis of â€Å"RNA, protein, and organelle† takes place is the second phase that precedes the S phase (Dudek, 2006, p. 123). At the S phase, DNA molecules synthesizes before â€Å"ATP synthesis† at the G2 phase (Dudek, 2006, p. 123). The last phase of the cell cycle is the M phase. It is the stage at which cells divide and consists of a number of stages, â€Å"prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis† (Dudek, 2006, p. 123). A change in regulation in the cell cycle, leading to cancer, is therefore most likely to occur at the M phase of the cell cycle. This is because cancer cells results from uncontrollable cell division, yet cell division at the M phase (Hacker, Messer and Benchmann, 2009). There exist a number of differences between normal cell cycle and cancer cell cycle. Normal cell cycle is for example regulated by cell environmental factors while cancer cell cycle is independent. Unlike cancer cell cycle, normal cell cycle is limited to available space. The normal cells also die, unlike cancer cells (Annenberg Foundation, n.d.). Annenberg Foundation. (n.d.). Rediscovering Biology: Molecular to Global Perspectives, a 13-part Multi-media Course for In-service High School Biology Teachers, Annenberg/CPB Guide. Los Angeles, CA: Annenberg

Increasing Taxes on Alcohol and Cigarettes Essay Example for Free

Increasing Taxes on Alcohol and Cigarettes Essay †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Sin taxes† on cigarettes and alcohol are designed to boost revenue, not improve public health †¢Minimum alcohol pricing will exacerbate poverty and entrench inequality without discouraging binge drinking †¢Most of the costs of drinking and smoking fall on individual consumers, not the public. There is no economic justification for increasing taxes on smokers and drinkers. In a report released today, The Wages of Sin Taxes (Download PDF) by Christopher Snowdon, the Adam Smith Institute condemns the government’s decision to increase taxes on cigarettes and alcohol this year and to introduce minimum alcohol pricing. The report argues that ‘sin taxes’ (taxes on commodities seen as harmful to health) are ineffective in reducing consumption and are not necessary for recouping lost revenue. The taxes are highly regressive and force the poor to pay for the government’s mishandling of public finances. The taxes don’t work Cigarette taxes are now so high that increases drive smokers to the black market instead of discouraging consumption or raising more revenue. Sin taxes are more likely to deter moderate users than heavy users, whose demand for cigarettes and alcohol is relatively inelastic. A heavy smoker or an alcoholic is unlikely to reduce consumption because of a price rise, making sin taxes an unreliable way of reducing consumption or improving public health. The victims of cigarette and alcohol duty Sin taxes hit moderate and heavy users alike. Research has shown that previous rises in cigarette tax have made only 2.3% of smokers quit, with the other 97.7% just paying more in tax. Taxes on cigarettes and alcohol are regressive and hit the poor hardest. The average smoker spends  £1660 a year on cigarettes – 20% of the bottom 10%’s income. Sin taxes are the most regressive indirect taxes, as they tend to target products that are disproportionately consumed by the poor. Minimum alcohol pricing is also deeply regressive, only affecting the cheaper drinks consumed by the poor. Punishing poor people for enjoying a drink or a cigarette exacerbates poverty and treats the poor like children who need to be controlled by the state. The public cost of smoking and drinking Taxes on cigarettes and alcohol have often been justified by studies that claim to estimate the â€Å"social cost† of these vices. These studies include intangible costs borne by individual consumers, such as â€Å"emotional distress†, lost years of life, and individual expenditures on cigarettes and alcohol. These are personal costs, not social costs. They also fail to include the economic benefits the alcohol and cigarette industry gives to the UK in terms of employment and government revenue. Most of these studies should be relegated to the bin of junk statistics. In fact, smokers and heavy drinkers do not cost the state more. Though smokers may cost more during their working lives, but non-smokers require greater expenditure in pensions, nursing care and welfare payments. Chronic diseases associated with old age are far more expensive than the lethal diseases associated with smoking and alcoholism. Smokers and drinkers are not a burden on the state, and the myth of saints subsidising sinners should not be used to justify tax rises. The appeal of ‘sin taxes’ Despite the fact they hurt the poor and do not change consumer consumption, sin taxes have always been popular with governments as a source of revenue. Sin taxes and minimum alcohol pricing should be recognised for what they really are stealth taxes and paternalism designed to control the poor. Chris Snowdon, author of the report and Adam Smith Institute fellow, says: â€Å"Campaigners for sin taxes and minimum pricing often claim that â€Å"healthy citizens† are forced to bear the cost of other people’s lifestyles. In fact, the evidence shows that smokers take less from the communal pot than the average Briton and the money raised from alcohol duty comfortably pays for any burden drinking places on public services. If the aim of policy is to make individuals pay their way, the government should slash the beer tax and subsidise cigarettes. We are not seriously suggesting the government does this, but if politicians insist on increasing taxes on these products, they sh ould admit that the purpose is to raise revenue. Essentially the government is forcing the people who are least likely to live to extreme old age to pay for the escalating costs of an ageing population.

Whos Life Is It Anyway Essay Example for Free

Whos Life Is It Anyway Essay The play ‘Whose Life is it Anyway? ’ by Brian Clark explores conflicting issues and views through the protagonist predicament. Having conflict is essential in drama. Conflict is created through disagreement of different perspectives and allows the audience to question their values in society. The three keys areas of conflict that arise in the play are the dignity of choice, professionalism and desire. Dignity of choice is a key conflict that is conveyed throughout the play. Ken is a paraplegic resulted from an accident which stripped him from his dignity of choice, unable to make decisions himself. Throughout the play, dignity of choice has been portrayed effectively in many key scenes which lead to the tension of the issue of euthanasia. A key incident where Ken has had his dignity of choice removed was when he was forced to take the injection as one of a series of measures to keep him alive. The author utilises dramatic techniques to further enhance the conflict of dignity of choice. Contrast is employed to portray the two conflicting ideas in the play between Dr Emerson’s concept and Ken’s notion of the right to be discharged. Ken’s quote: ‘’Don’t stick that thing in me! ’’ suggests his lack of authority over his own decisions as he is powerless against Dr Emerson. Another key conflict that is skilfully portrayed throughout the play is professionalism. Ken has a strong view on his subject of euthanasia and the doctors are having a hard time caring for Ken without being emotionally affected. During the scene with Mrs Boyle, Ken confronts her with many of his own opinions about his rights and decisions. Mrs Boyle being so called ‘’professional’’ by Ken completely ignores Ken and continues with her own perspective of what should happen. Ken says ‘’You doctors with your appalling so-called professionalism, which is nothing more than a series of verbal tricks to prevent you from relating to your patients as human beings’’. This suggests the professionalism of the doctors ignoring the patients as human beings. The play writer uses stage directions to portray the anger which builds up as well as the lack of oxygen built up by the anger and tension, over the ignorance of Ken’s views by Mrs Boyles so called ‘’professionalism’’. The last conflict of desire is presented strongly through the use of techniques and language throughout the play. The playwright uses symbolism, to symbolise Ken as a skateboard. This objectifies Ken, describing him useless and dehumanizes him from normal humans. The conflict of desire is presented as Ken tells Dr Scott that he still has ‘’a man’s mind’’ and feels ‘tremendous sexual desires’ even though he knows that he can never again have a physical relationship. This suggests the conflict of being human or mechanical as he is rendered useless in the face of his desires. Overall, the conflict is essential as it provides issues presented towards both sides and creates the question of values in society. The play writer has successfully achieved his purpose through the use of dramatic devices and has produced a strong purpose in showing the conflicting views and values of euthanasia in our society.