ARE WE SAFER?ARE WE SAFER?Assessing the Findings of the National Intelligence Estimate on Terrorism after 9/11

“Eight years after the Sept. 11th attacks, the hundreds of billions of dollars and thousands of lives expended in the name of the war pose a single, insistent question: Are we safer?" How would you answer that question? What facts or opinions do you have to support your answer? Where might you look for more information?"

Are We Safer?Are We Safer?

Ask the class to discuss what it means to be safe. Does the information they learn from news sources make them feel more or less safe? Why? The statement above asks if we are safer. Who are "we?" Are we safer than what, safer than when, safer than who?

What Does it Mean to be Safe?What Does it Mean to be Safe?

You will investigate the question, "Are we safer now than we were just after 9/11" by reading the key judgments from the National Intelligence report "The Terrorist Threat to the US Homeland”.In ten separate groups, each group will be assigned one key judgment (summary and bullet points) to investigate further. Read and discuss the facts, opinions and interpretations offered in the judgment you were assigned, using the following questions to guide the discussions:

-What specific threat is outlined in the summary?-What specific threat is outlined in the summary?-How do the bullet points (if applicable) support the summary judgment?-How do the bullet points (if applicable) support the summary judgment?-What evidence is offered to support this assertion?-What evidence is offered to support this assertion?-Summarize your findings.-Summarize your findings.

After several minutes, give each group two to three minutes to report their findings to the class.

Are We Safer Now?Are We Safer Now?

As a class, read and discuss the article "Six Years As a class, read and discuss the article "Six Years After 9/11, the Same Terror”After 9/11, the Same Terror”

1. What analysis does Scott Shane offer readers about the National Intelligence Estimate?

2. How does his interpretation reflect your personal reading of the report?3. What interpretations of a possible terror threat has President Bush offered in

the past few years, and how do they compare with the national intelligence findings?

4. Why might they offer conflicting perspectives on the threat of terrorism in the United States?

5. How do the report's title and basic findings compare with a presidential brief dated August 6, 2001?

6. Why might this be significant in assessing the U.S. government's progress in averting further terror attacks?

7. Why might it be significant to note that there have been no new attacks on American soil since 2001?

8. In what way does Max Boot think that the report "cuts both ways?“9. How would you describe the tone of the article?10. What sources, other than the report, does Shane cite in his analysis? Why might

these be significant sources of information?

Write letters to your appropriate representative that expresses your point of view on the current state of security in the United States and in your respective community. Ask what steps they have taken or suggest measures you would like them to take to ensure safety. Include specific, relevant information to support your positions. Mail your letters and share responses with the class upon receipt.

Dear Dear Chambliss, Saxby Chambliss, Saxby -(R - -(R - GA)GA) 416 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510 (202) 224-3521

Isakson, Johnny Isakson, Johnny - (R - - (R - GA) GA) 120 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510 (202) 224-3643

1. What affect have past acts of terrorism had on your life and the lives of others in your community, if at all?

2. What, if any, concerns do you have about your safety in light of the National Intelligence Estimate?

3. Do you feel that the analysis presented by Scott Shane offered a balanced view of the issues? Why or why not?

Further Discussion QuestionsFurther Discussion Questions

Extension Activities

Prepare a thorough argument supporting one perspective on the main issues raised in the article that cites specific supporting evidence and hold a classroom debate.

Prepare an ArgumentPrepare an Argument

Prepare an illustrated timeline that demonstrates the steps taken after September 11, 2001 to ensure the safety of the United States against terrorist threats.

Illustrated TimelineIllustrated Timeline

How has the threat of terror affected immigration to the United States? Why might this group be impacted by fears about terrorism? How might your life be affected by new immigration laws that restrict immigration or allow for an increase in the number of immigrants who become citizens? Investigate the main issues in the debate concerning immigration and write an analysis that addresses your perspective on this issue.

Effects on ImmigrationEffects on Immigration

Based on your knowledge, what information do you think members of your community should consider about the threat of terrorism? What could you do to inform the public and what affect might your actions have on their lives?

A Safer Community A Safer Community

Interdisciplinary Connections

Investigate the costs associated with an aspect of the government's response to the 9/11 attacks, such as money allocated to the states for defense, military spending, excavating Ground Zero or health costs for soldiers injured during the war in Iraq. How might the costs change (increase or decrease) in the next year, and why? Prepare an economic report based on your findings.

EconomicsEconomics

What physical or psychological impact might the threat of terror have on citizens? Investigate post traumatic stress disorder, fear and anxiety and their long term effects on humans. What are some triggers for PTSD or anxiety? What coping mechanisms are offered to help people deal with those disorders? Prepare posters that illustrate your findings, and share them with the school's health office.

HealthHealth