US Republican candidates talk tough on terror, but lack concrete plans

American Shia Muslims march to the White House to protest against Islamic State, in Washington DC December 6, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Indeed, aside from what critics called Trump's side show, other candidates have only given vague outlines of what they might do to destroy the terror threat, rather than provide a concrete, step-by-step actionable strategy.

Meanwhile, GOP candidates continue to talk tough.

"Trump has been the toughest Republican on terrorism. He talks in very strong terms about standing up to (IS) and complaining that President Obama is weak," West said.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who earlier in the race was seen as a possible front-runner but now lags behind, nevertheless has seemed to gain some ground on his strong stance against terrorism and the fact that as a former attorney general he prosecuted terrorists after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on neighboring New York City.

"Terrorism is a good issue for him because it strengthens his case among conservatives, who are suspicious of him on social and economic issues," West said.

Going forward, Americans will want to see a solid plan from the candidates on how to take down terror networks after the worst terror attack on US soil in more than a decade, experts said.