Criticisms of U.S. counter-terrorism policies are certainly not new. Especially since the start of the "War on Terrorism," analysts have exposed ways in which the efforts of U.S. agencies were ineffectual, racist, and threatening to fundamental civil liberties. This article extends these critiques of the FBI and the broader practices of U.S. counter-terrorism. First, the article points out that the reaches of these agencies has expanded to include targeting virtually any groups with strong dissenting voices such as the Occupy movement. Second, the tactics used to foil supposed terrorist plots reek of entrapment. The end result is counter-terrorism missions that not only chill free expression but that also spur on the terrorist acts that are supposedly being prevented. These policies may create positive headlines for law enforcement, but an informed analysis reveals they are probably doing nothing to make us safer.
"The Plot Against Occupy" by Sabrina Rubin Erdely
Published in Rolling Stone, September 17, 2012
http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/the-plot-against-occupy-20120926?print=true&src=longreads
Eric
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