The American media tends to focus on domestic terrorism, but cases of widespread terrorism are relatively few in the United States. In contrast, in Somalia, terrorism is the norm, not the exception. In this article I will begin by talking about our definition of terror in the United States. Then, I will analyze the role of Al Shabaab in Somalia as a case study on the impacts of large-scale terrorism. Finally, I will talk about Western responsibility for Somalia's current problems and what tactics can be used to end Al Shabaab's harsh terror. Terrorism is an action taken by individuals or an organization that seeks to induce social and political changes and/or widespread changes in Fear. Typically, it is undertaken by groups who believe they have been unable to use conventional political or social means to achieve their ends. Furthermore, these groups may not have political power or public support. As a result, they may find that terrorism is one of the few strategies they find effective. The difficulty in defining terrorism is determining whether actions meet these criteria. Each individual has a different view of what is justified and what is simply terror for terror's sake. Al Shabaab represents a group that clearly meets the above-mentioned criteria. Al Shabaab has consistently used violence against innocents to further their goal of an Islamic state of Somalia. As an example of Al-Shabaab successfully using terror to achieve its goals we can look to the attacks on the Westgate Mall in Nairobi in late September 2013. According to The Guardian, in the attack on the Westgate Mall, “61 civilians died…and …six security officers” (Howden, 2013). During the attack, Al Shabaab took credit on Twitter and, in the words of the Associated Press, claimed “that the Somalis have... half the paper...-Shabab-video Retrieved from http:// www. foreignpolicy.com/articles/2009/10/28/terrorizing_aid_to_somalia?wp_login_redirect=0 Retrieved from http://www.odihpn.org/humanitarian-exchange-magazine/issue-40/international-policies-and-politics-in-the - humanitarian-crisis-in-somaliaRoss, W. (2013, October 04). In prison with al-Shabab: what drives Somali militants? Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24379013Walker, J. (2013, September 25). Siege of Westgate: Al-Shabab claims Kenyan forces used chemical weapons and buried 137 hostages (video/photo). Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/25/westgate-siege_n_3986907.htmlWatkins, T., Lister, T., Starr, B., Newton, P., McKenzie, D., & Labott, E. (2013, October 07). Al-Shabaab grew up in the context of Somalia's lawlessness. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/21/world/africa/somalia-al-shabaab-explainer/