What Finally Becomes Of Our Fears - our response to terrorism

I too think that a wall won't do any good to make us safer, what is needed is more manpower and resources to do thorough background checks of those applying for visas, and the spouses as STDS mentioned. History has proven that physical barriers are always overcome in some way or another; to truly effectively combat terrorism requires knowledge. It's a disservice to those who are coming here who do not mean us harm to have to wait months on end for their paperwork to be processed, and following up on potential problem people should be done in a more timely fashion.

Rick, going back to your points, I wholeheartedly agree that leaders should stand up for what is right - look at the photo ops past presidents have done with despots and dictators, look at the regimes we've helped topple by providing weapons - it's more often than not come back to bite us in the ass.

I also recognize that the world is a lot more gray than that. I would much prefer that we make progress diplomatically than through violence. A photo op with a dictator today who will not be around forever, but allows us to strengthen ties with the people of a country previously considered an enemy counts as a small step forward in my book. I'd much prefer that than the mess that we've helped create in the Middle East the past 40 years alternately propping up the lesser bad guy with guns and ammo.

I haven't had time to make it through all 3 separate reports in-depth, but there's some good info here.
Scientific American: Special Report: The Psychology of Terrorism
Five experts share recent studies, classical research and professional experiences that shed light on defusing the threat of extremism
By THE EDITORS on March 25, 2016

Since September 11, terrorism has been an ever present threat gnawing at our collective peace of mind. In recent years those fears—particularly of domestic attacks by Islamic extremists—have spiked. They are up by 38 percentage points since 2011 in France, 21 points in the U.K. and 17 points in the U.S., according to a survey released by the Pew Research Center last summer. And that was before Paris, San Bernardino and Brussels.

But “fear itself,” as President Franklin D. Roosevelt so famously pointed out, is not very useful. To contend with a threat, it is better to understand the forces that shape it. That is where science enters in.

• What Research Says about Defeating Terrorism
Seven enlightening studies from social psychology hold vital lessons for policy makers—and the rest of us

• Fueling Terror: How Extremists Are Made
The psychology of group dynamics goes a long way toward explaining what drives ordinary people toward radicalism

• Rescue Mission: Freeing Young Recruits from the Grip of ISIS
Memories and emotions—not reason—hold the key to reclaiming young fanatics, according to an expert team in France