Criminology

This paper discusses how the intelligence agency of United States of America failed to prevent the failed bombing of Northwest Airlines Flight 253 that happened last December 25, 2009. It also include the reasons they were pointing out that made Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, allegedly suspect able to ride the plane despite his name included in the Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment. Opinions based on writers perception are also included.

Discussion
Terrorism nowadays is very rampant especially to those countries that are already developed. United States of America is one those countries that has been extensively attacked by terrorists. One of the principal terrorists known in every part of the world is Al-Qaeda. Al Qaeda, according to Council on Foreign Relations, is an international terrorist network which is considered as the top threat terrorist to the United States. This group was also held responsible in the September 11, 2001 bombing that cause the destruction of World Trade Center and The Pentagon. Years had passed but still terrorism hasnt been totally eliminated. One proof would be the futile bombing attacked on the Northwest Airlines Flight 253. In an article written in Washington Post, A Nigerian man who was identified as Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was assertedly tried to set off an explosive which favorably did not explode, instead, he received second degree burn in some parts of his body. This occurrence was considered to be as an intelligence failure. Based on an article, during the college days of the Abdulmutallab at University College London sometime in 2005 to 2007 where he was the leader of an Islamic Society. Due to his active participation in political discussions and communication to Islamic extremists he crossed on the security radar of the counter-intelligence group of United Kingdom which is also known as the MI-5 or the Military Intelligence, Section 5. Until then, he was not permitted to enter United Kingdom anymore moreover his name was placed on the Security Office watch list of United Kingdom. But this information was not disseminated on other countries neither in United State. Their reason was to avoid violating his privacy and human rights. After sometime, his father, a Nigerian banker, reported him to U.S Embassy in Nigeria because of his radicalization. Although he has been reported he was neither considered nor placed on any watch lists for U.S flight for there is no sufficient evidence or information for that depreciatory statement of Abdulmutallabs father. This proceeding becomes the start of the failed bombing in Northwest Airlines Flight 253.  After series of investigations it was found out that Abdulmutallabs name was added in the Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment, a database which was created after the September 11 bombing, contains records of suspected terrorists and other information involving it. Same reason as the U.S Embassy in Nigeria have spoken out, the name of Abdulmutallab was not given or forwarded to Federal Bureau of Investigation for further screening, therefore his name was not included to the airline watch list.

The information about the suspect was not clearly gathered during the times when he was starting to participate in Islamic groups that are responsible for the extensive terrorism. This cause the different intelligence agency probably establishes the cause of negligence. Lack of information almost cause them severe damage and lives of innocent people. Theyve been pointing this out that is why they did not include Abdulmutallabs name on the airlines watch list that will prohibit him in causing such bombing attack. Moreover, agencies communication has been meager in terms of disseminating the information about the possible threat they may encounter. Communication has been proven to be an effective tool in winning battles. Terrorism is one of those struggles that needed it in order to prevent or somehow lessen these violent acts. In addition, to cease this kind of rebellious act in the future, an individual who has been suspected a member of a provocative group must be included to the watch list of every intelligence group across the world regardless of how sufficient the information that has been gathered. Follow-up investigations must be conducted of each agency after including the names on their list to prove its innocence.