What is terrorism? What does it aim to do?

Discuss.

Terrorism - the use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, especially for religious, political or ideological purposes.

Terrorists disrupt daily life of their victims. By exploiting fear and chaos, terrorists hope to create widespread panic which in turn influences government decision making, causes people to possibly lose confidence in their government and can lead to economic downturn or possibly revolution.

Islamic Fundamentalism Since the Iranian Revolution in 1979,

there has been much movement towards Islamic Fundamentalism throughout the Middle East.

This is a conservative reform movement aimed to revive traditional Muslim values and ensure governments follow strict Islamic law or the Sharia.

They staunchly oppose foreign influence, especially that of Western Culture such as Great Britain and the U.S.

Several fundamentalist groups emerged in Middle Eastern countries such as the Taliban in Afghanistan.

The Taliban

One of the best examples of Islamic fundamentalist is the Taliban, a group that came to power in Afghanistan in the 1990’s.

While in power, they enforced a strict version of the Sharia: No television, music or movies

No whistling or clapping

No dancing

No shorts

No photography

No smoking

Men must have a beard and wear a head covering

Women in Afghanistan under the Taliban No jobs, must stay at home

Must wear the burqa (Arabic covering) and be with a male relative outside the house

No schooling/education

No revealing ankles/ no white socks

No treatment by male doctors

No make-up or brightly colored clothes No associating with male shopkeepers No laughing loudly No high heels No driving No riding bicycles No washing clothes next to a river unless a male

relative is present Windows must be painted or covered

Another group operating out of Afghanistan and the Middle East is al-Qaeda.

Founded in 1989 by Osama bin Laden, al-Qaeda is an international terrorist group which is dedicated to opposing non-Islamic governments with force and violence.

It operates as a stateless army leading a radical, ultraconservative Muslim movement calling for a global jihad (holy war).

Many of their teachings state that Muslims should not only "always oppose “infidels” (non-believers) in every way", but "hate them for their religion … for Allah's sake“.

It also states that democracy “is responsible for all major wars started in the 20th century”.

Since its founding, al-Qaeda is responsible for numerous terrorist attacks across the world.

al-Qaeda

September 11th Attacks

The September 11 attacks were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks launched by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda upon the United States in New York City and the Washington, D.C. area on September 11, 2001.

The attacks killed over 3,000 people and injured more than 6,000.

September 11th AttacksFour passenger airliners were hijacked by 19 al-Qaeda

terrorists so they could be flown into buildings in suicide attacks.

Two of those were crashed into the World Trade Center complex in New York City. Within two hours, both towers collapsed.

A third plane was crashed into the Pentagon leading to a partial collapse in its western side.

The fourth plane was targeted at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., but crashed into a field in Pennsylvania, after its passengers tried to overcome the hijackers.

There were several motives for the attack including: Too much U.S. involvement in

Islamic countries U.S. support of Israel U.S. support of authoritarian

governments in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan

Humiliation of the Muslim world “falling behind” the West

Increased ideas of Western globalization that threaten traditional Muslim ways of life

Motives for Attack

War on Terror

In response to the attacks of 11 September, an international military campaign to eliminate al-Qaeda and other militant organizations.

Operation Enduring FreedomOperation Enduring Freedom sent U.S. military personnel to Afghanistan starting in October, 2001.

The operation has been successful by removing leaders of the Taliban and seriously crippling al -Qaeda, but the struggle continues on today.

Operation Iraqi FreedomAccused of supporting al-Qaeda, supporting terrorist organizations and harboring weapons of mass destruction, the United States invaded Iraq in 2003 to remove Saddam Hussein from power.

This military action was better known as Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Saddam HusseinThe Iraqi government and

military collapsed within three weeks of the beginning of the U.S.-led 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Saddam went into hiding in March of 2003 but was captured later that year in December.

Saddam was held for trial and found guilty of war crimes.

He was executed in 2006.

May 2nd, 2011Perhaps the greatest victory of the War on Terror came when the CIA located Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaeda and mastermind behind the September 11th attacks.

U.S. Navy SEALS forces were sent into his hideout, a battle ensued and bin Laden was killed.

How has September 11th Attacks and the War on Terror effected you?

Discuss.

New Security Measures

New security measures in place after September 11th

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is created.

Tighter security at airports and less freedom when travelling

Extra safety precautions at public places such as sports stadiums, public events

Other possible targets are protected: nuclear power plants, water supplies

Department of Homeland Security is created Patriot Act is enabled allowing government to

increase surveillance, search and arrest anyone suspected of terrorism.

Economic downturn due to government spending of billions of dollars on war and safety

Since that fateful day, our lives have changed-- some of those changes seemed to have been temporary and some changes, it appears, will be with us forever. We do not need to live our lives with fear or hatred, but we do need to remember that we are vulnerable and somehow we need to find the strength to carry on. Take time to stop and think about those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy. Take time to say thanks to those who are serving in the military, as firefighters, as police officers and rescue workers. Thank God for our blessings, our country and our freedom. Spend time with your family, friends and loved ones. And never forget 9/11.

Never Forget