AIRPORT AND BORDER SECURITY

Airport and Border Security

Airport and Border Security

Introduction

The aftermath of September 11th has demonstrated in graphic terms the vulnerability of the United States to unconventional attacks by an unconventional enemy. The relative ease in which the terrorist successfully hijacked four commercial airplanes, and used them as weapons against the United States was unimaginable prior to 9/11. “Al Qaeda proved terrorist attacks could come from unexpected directions, using more imagination than conventional power. This new sense of insecurity has defined the post-11 September world for the U.S” (Henrikson, pg. 1).

Even more concerning was the economic “ripple affect” that was created, as a result of shutting down the airline industry, which crippled the U.S. economy. If terrorist were to attack a U.S. seaport it would not only cause local devastation, but would also be devastating to the global economy. “At least one nightmare scenario-and there are many variations to it - envisions terrorist in a foreign port slipping a nuclear weapon or dirty bomb into a shipping container full of tennis shoes, furniture or flat-screen televisions. A few weeks later, as the container reaches a U.S. port or moves onward into the U.S. heartland, the terrorist detonate their device, killing thousands of innocent people and bringing global commerce to its knees” (Watkins, pg. 18). Post 9/11 security initiatives have only marginally advanced the U.S. capacity to deal with the terrorist threat to our nations seaports. This research paper will focus on the security measures that have been put in place post 9/11 and the vulnerabilities that still exist today.

The growth of international trade and the global economy is linked to the free flow of maritime commerce. More than 95 percent by volume of our non-North American foreign trade arrives by ship. Shipping containers provide an easy method for packing, shipping and delivery of goods; which speeds up trade and facilitates commerce. With the enormous amount of unchecked containers arriving everyday at U.S. ports, the possibility of terrorist smuggling a weapon (nuclear, biological, or chemical) into one of those containers is a real threat. “As a matter of geography, defending America's ports and coastline poses major challenges. Our nation has 361 seaports and river ports, 95,000 miles of coastline and about 26,000 miles of navigable waterways.

A huge number of ships and a staggering amount of cargo move through these waterways and ports. Every year, 8,100 foreign cargo boats make 50,000 visits to the joined States. They deliver an average of 21,000 containers every day, or nearly 8 million containers a year. They reach from 3,000 docks worldwide.” (no author, pg. 88). The challenge the United States face deals with how to prevent terrorist from smuggling huge quantities of contraband (explosives, weapons, etc.), into shipping containers destined for American seaports. The vast amount of containers that arrive in the U.S. unchecked provides an easy vehicle for smugglers, and makes prevention extremely difficult.

Security measures

The security measures that have been initiated since 9/11 have increased security measures at ...