Throughout the history of modern terrorism, government officials

Challenging Assumptions

, counterterrorism professionals, and academic scholars have sought to understand the root motives and ideological causes, mechanisms, and processes related to terrorism. Unfortunately, many of their theories were not rooted in fact and are essentially untested assumptions. The problem is that some of these assumptions, biases, and mindsets have become the basis of American counterterrorism policy. If they are false, then our counterterrorism policy is flawed and will more than likely fail.

In this module's discussion, you will examine some of these assumptions and biases to understand if they are supported by facts or flawed ideas that should be challenged. Choose one of the assumptions below. Take a stance on whether the assumption is true or false and build a case supporting your stance. Make sure to incorporate scholarly facts and resources.

· Terrorism is caused by poverty.

· Terrorists are crazy.

· Terrorism is increasingly lethal

· Terrorism is predominantly anti-Western.

· Terrorism is a successful tactic.