Survey the current literature and media reporting to develop an assessment of the current status of terrorism or extremism as it relates to the United States and the governments interests. Focus on international religious extremism / terrorism (specifically in the Middle East), Your work should assess the current and future status of religious terrorism / extremism, and trends that are indicative of where the threat is going or how it is transforming, and an assessment of our level of preparedness (or lack thereof) in being able to identify, disrupt, and/or respond to a terrorist attack. ***What are some of the techniques used by the religious terrorist/extremist organization to increase recognition, support, and power? And conversely, what external forces were effective in degrading the strength and influence of the organization if any? ***(Terrorism and violence based on religious belief is markedly different than other forms of terrorism because of the interjection of a religious component. This religious element is often translated into the belief that fighting against an opponent is obligatory and mandated by a deity. Because many believe that fighting against an opponent is mandated by his or her God, discussions of defeat are nonexistent and discussions of death are highlighted by a belief that death for the cause (martyrdom) is the greatest honor one can receive). ***Question: If religious extremists are not fearful of death, what tools do the targets of their attacks have that can diminish the attractiveness of a religious extremist ideology and thereby degrade the support that such ideology entertains? Can the United States and the West engage the radical Islam movement while avoiding being viewed as targeting the Muslim population as a whole? If your answer is yes, then how? If your answer is no, then why not? Can religious terrorism be defeated? Why or why not? Your work should conclude with a reference-supported assessment of where the threat of religious terrorism / extremism is currently and where it will be in the next 10 to 20 years.