Terrorism in America: its effect on Sub-Saharan Africans

By Steve Paterno

December 29, 2009 — The threats of Islamic Fundamentalists’ terrorism, aimed at attacking Americans have forever left a negatively profound mark on the life of many; the Americans and foreigners alike. To the Americans, they have to content with the situation and adapt to the life of constant threats of terrorism. Rigid legislations such as Patriot Act, significantly alien to the American culture of freedom had to be inconveniently enforced, regardless of robbing Americans of their fundamental rights. The once convenient and leisure traveling has become nightmare, due to security measures put in place, because of terrorist threats. The intrusions of government into private life of American citizens have become acceptable norm. Foreigners, who travel to either live, work or study in America , are subjected to different rules than ever before.

Since the Islamic Fundamentalists sworn death to Americans, the level of terrorism threats are increasing and changing in nature. At first, the threats were minimal; targeting American interest abroad whereby few citizens were barely affected. Then, the terrorists shifted their modus operandi, by making numerous attempts to carry attacks into American homeland. Their successful attacks on American homeland in September 11, 2001 , has rejuvenated their quest for the destructions of America and emboldened them to carry more similar brazen attacks.

Although the US counter terrorism efforts are helping to thwart terrorists planned attacks in some instances, the efforts are far from being effective to keep Americans protected and safe. The flaws in American tactical and intelligence approaches as well as the laxity in security measures will make Americans vulnerable as the terrorists will continue to exploit and maneuver through the system. In Afghanistan where Americans are waging war on terrorism, signs of terrorists’ resurgence are already manifested there. With US announcement to pull its troops out of that country in two years time, the terrorists will likely reclaim their safe havens. The American efforts in Iraqi war have not completely rooted-out the terrorists’ threats and the dangers continue to affect the presence of American in the region and far beyond.

The US terror watch list has not just remain controversial, but also flaw to the core. According to US Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano, the terror watch list is like “MySpace” Internet social network where no one checks anymore to spot out potential terrorists. Suspected terrorists persistently elude the system, despite the existence of their names on terror watch list. The recent fouled terror attack on American commercial airliner, carried by a young Nigerian Muslim, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, presents yet another unique sets of challenges to US counter terrorism efforts. The attack even in a more negative ways, will further implicate Africans of Sub-Saharan origins, who may wish to travel to either live, work or school in America.

Until recently, Africans of Sub-Saharan backgrounds were less suspected to have connections with terror groups and involvement in terrorist activities, targeting American homeland and interest. However, this has all changed in the Christmas of 2009, when that Nigerian boy tried to blow up a packed American commercial airliner in apparent suicide attack. Though Africans will be viewed differently and will be scrutinized more by Americans, the most important thing to remember is that majority of Africans of Sub-Saharan origins have a more positive outlook of America. Most of Africans will still have great desire to come to America and are inspired by American Dream of attaining a better life than trying to blow themselves along with other people. Hence, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab depicts an isolated case; even his father took the trouble to alert the US authorities about his estranged son.

In awake of US intervention after September 11, 2001 , especially its involvement in Iraqi war, America popularity plummeted from across the globe, but the African countries were still the only ones maintaining a favorable view of America. To many Sub-Saharan Africans, American interventionism is seen as positive sign. In a region that is plague with poverty, diseases, and wars, America is looked at as a force of good not evil as viewed in other regions like the Middle East. Currently, America is leading the world in providing relief aid to the needy, majority of which are the impoverished people in Africa. America also greatly involved in combating African leading killer diseases; HIV/AIDS and malaria. The US is also playing important role in pacifying some of the most horrific conflicts in the continent like the one in Sudan.

If the news reports are confirmed that this Christmas terrorist, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, tried in Amsterdam to sneak into the plane by disguising as a Sudanese refugee, then it is just one more piece of evidence against the evilness of terrorist group, who are hell-bent to use all means, including capitalizing on the vulnerabilities of others to achieve their evil aims. What is needed to be noted is that a Sudanese refugee may worry more about his safety and protection, but not blowing up himself, let alone blowing others. A refugee by its definition is someone who seeks protection due to persecution. The Sudanese refugees, wherever they may be are among the persecuted by a government of a minority in Khartoum —the government that nurtured Islamic Fundamentalists’ terrorism, and by nature is a terrorist regime.

In light of its attempt in fighting global terrorism, perhaps it is now a high time that the US administration review its policies in Sudan. The administration still has greater chance to prove that America is a positive interventionist, and it can succeed in doing so.

Steve Paterno is the author of The Rev. Fr. Saturnino Lohure, A Romain Catholic Priest Turned Rebel. He can be reached at [email protected]