TERRORISM - Consequences

Question 1

Consequences of Terrorism on Individuals and their Families

Answer 1

*Physical health
*Psychological health
*Economic impact
*Islamophobia

Question 2

Physical Health Consequences

Answer 2

*Can include broken-bones, soft-tissue injuries, disability, long-term chronic pain and sensory disturbance. Victims may experience visceral symptoms including cardiovascular and respiratory difficulties. Survivors may experience fear, shock, anxiety, anger and grief for the loss of others and emotional difficulties in recollection of event.
*Example, 2011, Federal World Trade Centre Health Program (WTCHP) established. 75,000 registered members, 87% worked on rescue, recovery and clean up during/after 9/11 attack. The rest are NY residents or workers. Total of 1,140 registered members have died since program was created. WTCHP certified 37,000 people are suffering from serious respiratory or digestive illnesses, cancer or combination. Most of those registered are from NYC and 82% male.
*Shows as a result of 9/11, those survived and those at scene had their health severely affected and consequently cut lives short. Also affects families.
*Therefore, impact on victims’ physical health.

Question 3

Psychological Health Consequences

Answer 3

*Survivors of terrorist attacks experience variety of physical and psychological difficulties. Most common symptoms are insomnia, memory lapses, agoraphobia, apathy and depression which are all symptoms of PTSD. Condition that develops in response to witnessing a threatening or harmful event that elicits fear, helplessness or horror. Long term effects of PTSD can have negative impacts on daily routine of victims and their relationships. Can become withdrawn if left unnoticed and untreated.
*Example, after 9/11 Marcy Borders (survivor) battled alcoholism, drug addiction and depression. Her two children taken into care. Her family argued this was direct impact of trauma she experienced.
*Demonstrates significant impact terrorism can have.
*Therefore significant and detrimental impact psychologically.

Question 4

Economic Consequences

Answer 4

*Victims of attacks may need to take time off work due to physical/psychological injuries or may have lost their jobs due to decrease in tourism in the area as a result of terrorist activities. Income is directly affected.
*Example, Tunisia, 26th June 2015, 38 people killed when gunman opened fire on tourists staying in the resort of Port El Kantaoui. Visitor numbers fell 25% in 2015 and revenue from tourists dropped 35%. This led to business closures in Tunisia due to loss of income. Led to increased unemployment in the area and direct financial impact on those affected.
*Moreover, unemployment can cause income concerns and physiological issues such as stress/depression, change status and social impact.
*Shows significant financial impact terrorism has.
*Therefore, detrimental affect to those in the area and cause significant changes.

Question 5

Islamophobia

Answer 5

*Since 9/11 there has been increases in Western societies of Islamophobia. Dislike of or prejudice against Muslims because of their religion. Around 1/20 people in UK are Muslim and is second largest religion in UK. Islamophobists blame all Muslims for atrocities committed by an extreme few.
*Example, after Manchester bombing, huge increase in Islamophobic attacks in the city. Islamophobic attacks increased by 500% in the month after the attack compared to 37 the same period the previous year.
*Shows significant increase suggests correlation between Islamist attacks and Islamophobic attacks.
*Therefore, impact on Muslim people’s lives.