Preview Main Idea / Reading Focus The Threat of Terrorism Map: World Terrorism Incidents

1. Preview Main Idea / Reading Focus The Threat of Terrorism Map: World Terrorism Incidents Other Threats to Security Threats to World Security

2. Threats to World Security Main Idea Terrorism, the potential use of weapons of mass destruction, and ethnic and religious tensions threaten security around the world. • Reading Focus • How does the threat of terrorism affect today’s world? • What other threats to world security exist today?

3. Terrorism throughout History Terrorist Attacks • Terrorism not modern phenomenon • Acts of terrorism far more common over last 200 years • Terrorism has been used to overthrow governments, fight for independence, or change society • Number of worldwide attacks has increased over past few decades • Violence of attacks also increased, with few regions of world spared • Latin America, illegal drug trade • England, Irish Republican Army • South Asia, Tamil Tigers The Threat of Terrorism A major threat to global security today is terrorism, the unlawful use or threat of violence to cause fear and to advance political, religious, or ideological goals. Terrorists often intentionally target unarmed and unsuspecting citizens during their attacks. The Middle East has become a focus of efforts against terrorist groups.

4. Islamist Tactics Support • 1980s, Hamas, Hezbollah, al Qaeda used terrorist tactics against Israel, Western nations • Hamas seeks to destroy Israel, create Palestinian state • Hezbollah supported by Iran, has primary goal of destruction of Israel • Iran’s support of Hezbollah—state-sponsored terrorism • Israel, United States, other nations consider Hezbollah terrorist organization • Other nations see it as legitimate resistance movement against Israel Terrorism in the Middle East • Part of focus because of ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict; has history of Western colonial domination leading to resentment of West among some Arabs • Region home to radical Muslim organizations claiming Islam justifies terrorist attacks against innocent civilians • In fact terrorist actions contrary to Islamic law, condemned by most Muslims

5. Fighting Terrorism • New Legislation • After al Qaeda attack September 11, 2001, U.S. government took many actions to prevent future terrorist attacks • Passed new legislation to strengthen international, domestic intelligence • Homeland Security • Established after 9–11; focused on security of nation’s borders, transportation networks • Sought to find, cut off funding sources for terrorist networks • Military Action • Used to pressure countries suspected of supporting terrorists • 2001, U.S.-led military campaign invaded Afghanistan, forced out Taliban government, which had supported, protected members of al Qaeda

6. Other Military Actions • 2003, another U.S.-led invasion targeted Iraq, dictator Saddam Hussein • Some officials claimed Saddam possessed dangerous biological, chemical weapons, supported anti-American terrorist groups; this later found to be untrue • Similar Security Issues • Other countries faced similar security issues • Bomb attacks on trains, buses in Madrid, London, Jerusalem spurred Spain, Great Britain, Israel to investigate ways to use technology to improve future security for transportation systems

8. Make Generalizations How are countries working to prevent terrorism? Answer(s): strengthened intelligence services, increased security, military actions

9. Dangerous Weapons Biological Weapons • Many countries possess weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), including • Biological weapons • Chemical weapons • Nuclear weapons • Can cause enormous amounts of destruction • Terrorist groups, governments seek to use for own purposes • Made with organisms, toxins found in nature; easy, inexpensive to develop • Diseases, poisons like anthrax, plague, smallpox • 1972, more than 70 nations signed treaty prohibiting production, possession • Officials worry about biological attacks by terrorist groups Other Threats to Security In addition to terrorist attacks, there are other threats to global security.

10. Other Weapons • Chemical Weapons • Mustard gas, nerve gas use chemical toxins to kill, injure • Used in both world wars; used in Iran-Iraq war against Iraqi Kurds, 1980s; nerve gas sarin in Tokyo subway system, 1995 • Nuclear Weapons • Biggest threat to world in twenty-first century • During Cold War, U.S., Soviet Union, 60 other nations signed Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, meant to stop spread of nuclear weapons • Today • Nearly every nation in world has agreed to this treaty • At least eight countries known to possess nuclear weapons • Others believed trying to develop them

11. Sanctions Legitimate Use • International Atomic Energy Agency monitors countries suspected of developing nuclear weapons • Countries have placed sanctions—economic penalties, on nations considered nuclear threats • Difficult to control nuclear weapons • Nuclear technology can be used for legitimate purposes • International concern over development of nuclear weapons • Many countries making efforts to ensure nuclear technology used safely Addressing Nuclear Issues

12. Ethnic and Religious Conflicts • Multiple Threats • High-tech weapons threat: have power to destroy, kill • Ethnic, religious conflicts threat: create willingness to destroy, kill • Tutsi, Hutu • 1994, tensions between Tutsi, Hutu ethnic groups led to massacres in Rwanda • 1 million people killed, another 2 million became refugees • French, UN Troops • Worked to maintain ceasefire in Rwanda until new government could establish order • 1998, some involved in the genocide convicted, executed • Darfur • Early 2000s, similar situation in Darfur: Arab militias attacked African villagers • By 2006, 400,000 killed, 2 million fled to refugee camps

13. Violence caused by ethnic, religious hatred significant threat to people around world Nations face Risk of terrorist attacks Use of weapons of mass destruction Ethnic, religious conflict People around world working hard to protect public safety Security Summary

14. Identify Problem and Solution How are countries and international groups dealing with threats to world security? Answer(s): peacekeeping missions, imposing sanctions