What is Terrorism?

1. What is Terrorism? Terrorism - The use or threatened use of violence for the purpose of creating fear in order to achieve a political, economic, religious, or ideological goal.

2. Terrorist Targets The targets of terrorist acts can be anyone, including civilians, government officials, military personnel, or people serving the interests of governments. Through intimidation or by creating fear, terrorism can be used as a form of blackmail to pressure governments for goals the terrorists could not achieve by other means.

3. Who might use Terrorism? • Acts of terrorism can be perpetrated by individuals, groups, or states, as an alternative to an open declaration of war. • They are often carried out by groups who otherwise feel powerless.

4. Who might use Terrorism? • States, Political or Religious Extremists, Groups that want independence • States have used terrorism to intimidate populations and weaken political opponents. • Guerrilla tactics are generally considered militarystrategy rather than terrorism.

5. Modern Terror • Israel, Kenya, and Algeria used terrorism against colonial powers for independence. • Munich Olympics 1972 – Palestinians take Israeli athletes hostage and demand release of political prisoners. 17 people end up dead. • Because of this, terrorism became more prominent to the rest of the world.

6. Terrorism Becomes More Deadly • Types of Terrorist activity may include: -Aircraft sabotage and hijacking -Attacks on diplomats -Taking Hostages -Strategic Bombings -Shootings -Chemical, nuclear, or biological attacks

7. Iran-Hostage Crisis • In 1979, 52 Americans were taken at the Embassy by Iranian students, until the U.S. negotiated a hostage release. • Governments around the world realized supporting terrorist groups was an effective way for weaker states to strike the powerful. • State-sponsored terrorism increased in the 1980’s.

8. State –sponsored Terrorism • States could provide advanced military training and pay terrorists well for their activities. • States might help terrorists plan attacks and provide safe haven. • States aided terrorists with better weapons, which meant more destruction. • Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria are on a U.S. list of states that sponsor terrorists.

9. How the U.S. Responds • Economic Embargoes • Sanctions • Military retaliation

10. Religiously Motivated Terrorism • By 2003, more than half of the international terrorist groups identified by the State Department had some religious affiliation/ideology. • Religious extremists are a cause for concern because some have tried to acquire nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.

11. Terrorist Motivations • The world has “gone wrong” -Belief that there are social, political, cultural or spiritual issues. -Fear of losing their value systems -Religion has helped people cope with change. • No other option -People feeling powerless may turn to violence

12. Terrorist Motivations • Struggle between “Good and Evil” -Powerlessness and religious interpretations prompt an “any means necessary attitude.” Example: Suicide Bombers • Symbolism -Target what they feel represent ideas they are fighting against. Example: World Trade Center – U.S. Power