Terror plots continue to increase on United States soil. Although many have been foiled by law enforcement officials, some, like the Christmas Day Terrorist, as labeled by the media, are increasingly becoming more likely to succeed. This Nigerian National who attempted to destroy a Northwest Airlines aircraft as it came on final approach to Detroit is a vivid demonstration how United States protection resources still have their challenges on effectively reacting to actionable intelligence. Terrorist such as this individual often hide under the Muslim extremist ideology of Jihad. Jihad... this term has various meanings and components amongst Muslims. However, my research indicates that Jihad dominantly means struggle to most Muslims. This term has become the billboard terminology for the religious war against western culture. Jihad is often related to the preservation of the Islamic state; however, it has come to describe the ideology of militant Islamic groups’ associated with terrorism.

Ideologies stem from ones perception of social and political forces. We understand that Muslim extremist often use their perception of Jihad to motivate acts of terror against western cultures. Ideology is perhaps the single most important weapon in this new war on terror. Understanding the components of extreme Muslims ideology is essential in diffusing terror organizations. However, is American law enforcement lumping all acts of mass violence as a terrorist action?

I agree that terror can be instilled by one person just as effectively as an organization. However, preventing attacks relies on understanding individual motives. Terrorist organizations rely on ideologies, predominately religious, rather than self compiled reasons for their violent acts. Terrorists belong to an organization that continues to learn from its foot soldiers actions. Information, both organizational successes and failures, are thoroughly analyzed. The data extracted from this analysis is used for future terrorist acts. In essence terrorist organizations are a living organism that strives for success and instilment of its ideological values.