The Effects of Terrorism: A Trauma and Victimological Perspective

For a long time, the United States has been a victim of Islamic terrorist groups due to its military activities in the Middle East. Countries like Iran sponsor some terrorist groups that execute attacks in the U.S. soil. According to George Bush, some of these countries, like Iran, Iraq, and North Korea that support terrorism are 'Axis of Evil.' Currently, countries like North Korea, Iran, Syria, and Sudan are 'Axis of Evil,' and their activities could affect the welfare of America and its allies in the long term.

Iran was declared as a terrorism sponsor for a long time and continues to support Islamic terrorist groups. The country sponsors groups like the Palestine Resistance Group in Gaza (Terrorism, 2019). The country also uses its proxies to gather intelligence, implement foreign policies, and create general instability in the Middle East. Syria is another country that sponsors terrorism. It works closely with Iran, particularly in supplying weapons to promote terrorism in the region (Counterterrorism, 2019) . Despite the USA's efforts to halt Syria's chemical weapons project, not much progress has been made. North Korea also remains listed in the list of states sponsoring terrorism after its removal in 2008 was revoked in 2017 after the Shayrat strike. The last country on this list is Sudan. Despite being cooperative in the fight against terrorism, some Sudanese are still involved in terrorism. According to Blanchard (2013) , s ome of these Sudanese nationals are part of the al-Shabaab group, which attacks the eastern Africa region; some were involved in the Westgate attack in Nairobi.

Sponsoring terrorism to have numerous adverse effects on the USA and its allies. Terrorism poses a threat to the lives and property of the U.S. and its allies citizens. In the cases of mass bombing, such as 9/11, lots of lives are lost as well as property. Terrorism also causes instability in the economy, where foreign investors are unable to invest in countries targeted by terrorists. Besides, terrorism causes trauma in society, as an individual lives with the fear of being attacked (UNODC, 2018). This often affects the quality of life in individuals.

In conclusion, terrorism is a major problem facing the USA and its allies. Currently, Sudan, Syria, North Korea, and Iran remain as major terrorism sponsors for helping terrorists. This kind of terrorism results in economic instability, loss of life, and property to the USA and its allies. Proper measures should be taken to prevent terrorism at all costs.

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