Introduction
We are all familiar with terrorism and its effects on our normal life activities. Indeed, it is one of the greatest threat to human existence, and that's why nations and international associations are putting a collective effort to come up with effective measures to curb the threat. When fighting against terrorism, no loophole should be left. Thus, any terrorism suspect should be put into question, and if found necessary, guilty actions should be taken on him/her accordingly. Leaders globally are not an exception to the above action due to the following reasons;
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To be accountable for any terrorism scandal threats or attacks
National leaders need to come out and clarify themselves on any ongoing threats or attacks to enable the relevant authorities to determine the measures to be taken. Leaders if found involved in supporting terrorism or failing to implement the policies that were put to curb terrorism such as misappropriation of funds set aside for handling terrorism issues, then necessary actions should be taken against them such as arrests and detentions while being interrogated by the relevant authorities involved in implementing and enforcement of the laws. For instance, the United States 9/11 bombing led to the national leaders in charge of external and internal affairs, and the suspected terrorism-involved countries’ leaders questioned over the incidence. Also, this is necessary for the gaining of trust from the public and therefore building their confidence in the counter-terrorism measures.
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It is a requirement under the international law on terrorism
The International criminal court got established to persecute and arrest national and international leaders who are found guilty of serious crimes such as terrorism involvements. The international acts and regulations on terrorism got enacted to facilitate arresting of national and international leaders suspected to be involved in terrorism since their nations may not have the capacity to try or arrest them due to extreme corruption cases, fear of the leaders being shielded by their die-hard citizen supporters or poor or inadequate court systems which are easily manipulated or undermined by those in power. The international criminal court of law does much of the implementation of the acts and regulations set up against terrorism compared to other courts.
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To Obtain Crucial Information Pointing Out to Terrorism or Which May Lead to the Groups and Individuals involved
National leaders ought to be interrogated by the relevant national and international authorities and made to give related clues of a terrorism suspect individuals or activities, especially if found guilty on terrorism involvement. This can be very beneficial in the fight against terrorism by disrupting terrorism activities or arresting and eliminating the suspected or involved individuals and groups. This is because most of the terrorist groups have connections with some of the national leaders who might be revealing government secrets to them thus making it easier for their operations.
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To Threaten and Demoralize Terrorists’ Groups and Individuals
If for instance, a terrorist group or individual was being sponsored or supported by national leader or leaders, their trial will scare the terrorist to some extent. In my view, it would be challenging for terrorist groups to continue with their normal operations, knowing that at any time they and their hiding places and activities may be revealed out (Cerna 75). Their supply chain from the leaders may be cut off during the leader’s trial since the leaders will be conscious on the authority’s eye.
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To Show that No One Is Above the Law When It Comes to Fighting Terrorism
Equality before the law is an essential factor when it comes to fighting terrorism. Putting the suspected leaders under trial will be a teaching to the others that no one is above the law and therefore if involved in suspected terrorist activities, will have to face the full arm of the law. This will serve as an example to the other leaders and may prompt those who are involved but were unnoticeable or those planning to be involved in relenting their plans and decisions.
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It is One of the Action Plans on the Fight Against Terrorism by International Laws
Putting into the trial and arresting of suspected leaders involved in terrorism globally is a strategy for dealing with terrorism. Leaders get questioned on involvement with terrorism activities, and if found, they are arrested or killed. This process is mainly conducted by the international criminal court aided by international law enforcers such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations department.
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To Disrupt Terrorist Activities
If the national leaders were financing or supporting terrorism activities in any means are arrested and tried and maybe sentenced by the courts. The terrorist groups or individuals will experience shortages such as finance or maybe scared seeing that their supporter or secret partner is arrested. This may force them to back off their plans or activities. Also, if the arrested are interrogated and in the process point out to the terrorism hiding groups and activities then their arrest, trials or run for safety will make it hard for their normal operations to continue.
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To Eliminate Lousy Vice in the Society or Nation
Corrupt, incompetent, disloyal and self-interested national leaders involved in terrorism activities should be arrested and put into trial and if found guilty sentenced accordingly (Boeke, and Jeanine 2016). Effective war on terrorism needs transparent, accountable, competent, loyal, selfless and hardworking leadership. Leadership plays a crucial role when it comes to fighting terrorism, and the right people are needed for its place. People emulate their leader’s strategies and behaviors and therefore if not suitable for the position and with evil plans such as mobilizing or engagement in terrorism. Most of his/her followers may follow suit. Weak leadership may also offer an opportunity for terrorism penetration in a country or state.
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To Gain Public Trust So as not to Damage Public Confidence in the Counter-Terrorism Measures
Citizens will be pleased to see that equality is applied to all when it comes to fighting terrorism. They will also feel more safe knowing that involved leaders can be arrested. The public will gain the courage of reporting suspected terrorist activities, and individuals, even their leaders are caught up in the mix. They will be highly motivated, knowing that their voices can be heard.
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To Boost International Relations
Countries will be annoyed to their opponents if they observe that suspected leaders in terrorism walk away scot-free. This will be creating tensions among nations with bitterness because terrorism does not just affect an individual nation but globally. Fighting corruption needs a collective effort. The international criminal court of law involvement to one's state affair of arresting suspected leaders involved in terrorism shows concern for the member countries; therefore, bonding ties with affected states and globally.
However, Arresting National Leaders May be Accompanied by the Following Demerits
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Rebellion from Certain Groups in the Enforcing of the Terrorism Control Measure
Perception of unfair detention or harassment of the people’s leaders could fuel bitterness and anger, which could make them stubborn and unwilling to join the collective effort of fighting terrorism. They may, in turn, support or join terrorism as a sign of their protest or dissatisfactions.
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Terrorist Involved Groups May Benefit from the Persecution of These Leaders
Persecuted leaders may gain insight into the security and intelligence service methods of the bodies persecuting them and therefore fuel and boost confidence among the terrorists in their plans and activities knowing all the escape and protective methods against the authorities involved in curbing terrorism and its groups.
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Protests from the Terrorist Groups Marked with Severe Effects
Terrorists may decide to fight back for their influential supports or financers who are sometimes national leaders. They might increase their terrorism activities such as mass killing and hijacking and holding of hostages through bombings or shootings, mass property distractions, etc.
As we have seen, arresting national leaders over terrorism will do a greater good when it comes to fighting the threat of terrorism since leaders are the most influential people in our societies and therefore determine how activities will be conducted and what the people will do or not do. Leadership plays a significant role when it comes to the fight against terrorism. Arresting leaders may be accompanied by complications which were mentioned earlier, but we can overweigh the demerits by working on them through support from us individuals and governing authorities.
